Computers/Hardware Deals, Sales, and News

Humanware has released version 1.1 of the software to run the Victor Reader Stream. It's a free update and available from their website. Among the changes are support for Audible.com audio formats and many new and improved navigation commands. For example, a go to percent option will let you jump to a particular portion of a file, by percentage. A complete What's New file is linked to this post.

An EBay seller has listed a VersaPoint Duo interpoint braille embosser with a starting bid of $9.99. Add about $45 for shipping. The unit has been tested but does not power on, according to the description. So it may be a good unit to buy for parts, though it could just be a bad circuit breaker. Auction ends November 14.

An EBay seller has listed a Pac Mate 20-cell braille display with a starting bid of $400. With about $20 for shipping, that's nearly $1,000 less than purchasing it new. This display includes many navigational buttons and operates via USB. Auction ends November 8.

I'm not sure what it is about these classic embossers, but they usually make it to our most popular deals list. So again, an EBay seller has listed a TeleSensory VersaPoint embosser with a starting bid of $49.95 plus about $25 for shipping. The printer is being sold as is, but the seller says the unit powers on and the feeds work.
Auction ends October 31. Spooky.

An EBay seller has listed a TeleSensory VersaPoint embosser with a starting bid of $24.99 plus about $35 for shipping. The printer is being sold as is, but the seller says the unit powers on and the feeds work.
Auction ends October 28.

An Ebay seller has listed an Optacon reading aid, model R1B, with a starting bid of $299.95. Or, BuyItNow for $499.95. Add about $25 for shipping. Three carrying cases, power supply, and a manual are also included. The seller believes this item is in working condition, and it does hold a charge. Auction ends October 21, if not sold sooner.

Geeks.com has the refurbished Creative Zen Micro 5GB MP3 player for $49.50. With about $8 for shipping, it's the cheapest 5GB MP3 player we've ever seen. It includes an FM radio, voice recorder, 8 equalizer presets and USB 2.0 connectivity. Of note, this unit does not have dedicated volume controls and touch-screen navigation, so we may have jumped the gun on this one.

CircuitCity.com has the HP Pavilion A6040N Desktop PC for $429.99. Add it to your cart to see this price. Plus, shipping is free, making it one of the better recent desktop bargains we've seen. It includes an Intel Core 2 Duo E6320 processor, 320GB hard drive, 2GB of memory, DVD burner with LightScribe, and Windows Vista Home Premium. Deal ends October 20.

NewEgg.com has 1GB of Crucial PC2-5300 DDR2 DIMM desktop memory for $12.99 after a $15 mail-in rebate.
With about $5 for shipping, it's the lowest price we've ever seen for 1GB of this type of memory. Of course, you'll need to check to see if it's compatible with your system. Rebate ends October 25.

Buy.com offers the Cavalry 1TB USB 2.0 External Hard Drive for $199.95 after a $20 mail-in rebate. With free shipping, that's $30 off our last mention and the cheapest price we have ever seen for a 1-terrabyte drive. This unit has two 500GB drives which can act as separate hard drives, or as one large drive. New Google Checkout users can get $10 off. Rebate ends October 17.

So you need to print one address label, but all you have is a full sheet of labels. After printing that one label, how do you figure out which label to peel off? It may be much easier to get a label printer. Once again, Buy.com has the Brother HL-500 label printer for $34.99, shipped free. That's $5 off our last mention and the lowest price we could find for such a device. It prints address, CD, and other labels up to 2.4 inches wide. You buy the labels in rolls from any office supply store and print them one at a time. The printer connects via your USB port and is supported by just about any label-making program or Microsoft Word. So print, tear, and use. Deal ends October 14. Update: This item has sold out.

An Ebay seller has listed an Optacon reading aid with a starting bid of $49.99. Two carrying cases and a manual are also included. Since this set does not come with a power supply, the seller is unable to test the item. Like many blindness items on Ebay the model is sold as is. Auction ends October 11.

OnSale.com has the Sony Vaio VGN-UX280P Micro PC for $949.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate. Plus, shipping is free after another mail-in rebate. That's $100 under our earlier mention and the lowest price we could find for this machine. This ultraportable computer is similar in size to the OQO and is more powerful, with an Intel Core Solo 1.2GHZ processor, 40GB hard drive, 1GB memory, built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, USB 2.0, speaker, and support for Cingular's broadband network. Use a docking cable to plug in other devices. The $50 rebate ends October 15.

Dell Small Business has the Dell Vostro 200 Slim Desktop PC for $449. It includes an Intel Dual Core 1.6GHz processor, 1GB memory, 80GB hard drive, 48X CD burner, 19-inch flat panel monitor, and Windows XP Home. Some relatively cheap upgrades are also available, including faster processors, a 160GB drive for $50, and a 16X DVD burner for $30. Windows Vista Business and Ultimate are also available instead of XP Home.

Currently listed on Ebay is a TeleSensory VersaPoint embosser with a starting bid of $99.99 plus $38 for shipping. Or, BuyItNow for $159.99. The printer powers up, but is being sold as is because the seller has no paper to test the unit. Read the description, and bid for yourself if you think it may be worthwhile. Auction ends October 8, if not bought sooner.

An Ebay seller has listed a like new BRAILLEX 2D Screen Braille Display with a starting bid of $1,500. This model is tested and working and is compatible with Jaws for Windows and Window-Eyes. With about $45 for shipping, it's several thousand dollars less than new 80-cell braille displays. In addition to the 80 cells of braille, it features another set of vertical cells that can give screen and cursor information. The item also comes with a serial cable and power cord. Auction ends October 8.

Buy.com offers the Cavalry 1TB USB 2.0 External Hard Drive for $229.95. With free shipping, this is the cheapest we have seen this particular drive, as well as one of the least expensive 1-terrabyte drives available. This drive has two 500GB drives which can act as separate hard drives, or as one large drive. New Google Checkout users can get $10 off.

Buy.com dropped its price on the D-Link 802.11N wireless network kit which includes a router and laptop PCMCIA card to $54.99 after a $20 mail-in rebate. Plus, shipping is free. 802.11N is backwards compatible with older wireless networks and offers faster speeds and greater distance. Rebate ends November 30.

Musicians Exchange, an Ebay store, has the Yamaha Motif XS6 61-key professional workstation for $1,999.00. With about $45 for shipping, that's over $750 off retail and the lowest price we could find for this item. This is the latest in Yamaha's Motif line of keyboards and is regarded as reasonably accessible due to its many dedicated and predictable buttons.

TigerDirect.com has the Ultra X Connect V Series 400 Watt Power Supply for free after a $40 mail-in rebate. With about $8 for shipping, it's one of the best deals we've seen for a computer power supply. This supply also contains a 120mm fan for cooling. Rebate ends September 30.