It turns out that his hobby 9to5Mac.com blog was always his favorite and in 2011 he went full time adding his Fortune Google followers to 9to5Google.com and adding the style and commerce component gadgetnewsonline.com gear and deals site. In 2013, Weintraub bought one of the Tesla’s first Model S EVs off the assembly line and so began his love affair with the Electric Vehicle and green energy which in 2014 turned into electrek.co.
In 2018, DroneDJ was born to cover the burgeoning world of drones and UAV’s led by China’s DJI.
From 1997-2007, Weintraub was a Global IT director and Web Developer for a number of companies with stints at multimedia and branding agencies in Paris, Los Angeles, New York, Sydney, Hong Kong, Madrid and London before becoming a publisher/blogger.
Seth received a bachelors degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the University of Southern California with a minor in Multimedia and Creative Technology in 1997. In 2004, he received a Masters from NYU’s Tisch School of the Art’s ITP program.
Hobbies: Weintraub is a licensed single engine private pilot, certified open water scuba diver and spent over a year traveling to 60 cities in 23 countries. Whatever free time exists is now guaranteed to his lovely wife and two amazing sons.
Today’s Amazon Gold Box is a cornucopia of solid home good items at lowest all time prices. These are admittedly basic level items but all are 4-star plus rated and are great for starting out your home/kitchen sets, replacing aging items or starting new in a cottage/vacation house. Standouts:
You don’t often see non-horrible jeans for $16.90 shipped. But here before you are Levi’s Men’s 513 Slim-Straight Jean for under $17 shipped at Amazon. The only caveat is that many are backordered for a month+. Various sizes apply.
PayPal’s official eBay store offers $100 iTunes Gift Cards delivered via email for just $85 (15% off). You’ll need a valid PayPal account and codes are generally sent within a few minutes/hours of purchase (but could take up to 24 hours). PayPal’s eBay Store has a feedback rating of 99.4% from more than 316,227 respondents.
After redeeming the discounted credit, you can apply the full amount to game, app, and movie purchases as well as iTunes subscription payments for Netflix, HBO NOW, Hulu, Spotify, and more.
In fact, these 200mAh Dynex Batteries are nearing the price of premium non-rechargable batteries meaning that even if you just go one and done, you are still pretty much breaking even. I just bought 4 so you might want to hurry… Expand Expanding Close
Amazon offers Urbuds X1 Waterproof Wireless Bluetooth 4.1 Earbuds for $20.99. However, Code 844ISWXO at checkout brings the total all the way down to $8.82 Prime shipped. That might be the lowest price we’ve ever seen anywhere on wireless waterproof headphones. These are metal, stick together with magnets, get 3.8/5 star ratings have a mic and volume control, have a “lifetime warranty against sweat damage” and feature: Expand Expanding Close
Industry Standard, Foscam use H.264 video compression algorithm to satisfy the transmission of 720P HD video in narrow bandwidth network
Wider IR Range at Night,30 powerful IR-LEDs for IR range up to 66 feet, ensuring a clear view even in the dark and night vision range up to 20m
Totally Waterproof, IP66 weatherproof aluminum shell for protection against weather effects and there is no worry in rainy days
Motion Detection Alarm, Get notified when there’s motion detected either via e-mail or FTP, or directly to your Foscam APP,support Foscam Cloud Storage
Compatible with Windows PC and Apple Mac Web Browsers (IE, Firefox, and Safari) as well as iOS and Android mobile devices
This year, our favorite gadget pick was a no-brainer. The currently $39.99 Echo Dot took an already revolutionary Echo speaker, released in 2014 for $199 and made it so much better and accessible for everyone, in every room.
Knowing how much this changes people’s lives for $40 makes this the no-brainer Christmas technology item.
The original Echo was pretty cool but had its quirks. Alexa, the speech recognition behind it was still learning. The ecosystem was non-existent and frankly the speaker wasn’t – and still isn’t – fantastic, especially for its $199 price tag (currently $139 but ships after Christmas).
But Amazon kept plugging away at its Alexa speech recognition/responses and with its retail might and influence was able to sign up partners from all over the smart home ecosystem and internet services. Example of how hardcore they’ve been: Even Alphabet’s Nest works well with the Echo Speaker and my Google domains calendar works with Echo but not with Google’s own $129 challenger the Google Home(!!).
In, fact, Google’s Home attempt and its mediocre debut, still in its early stages, proved to me how well Amazon had done over the past 2 years with feedback and differentiation, while Apple and Google let the smart speaker business pass it by. Next year might be different with Google Home learning a lot more tricks and Apple releasing a ‘Siri Home’ type of product, but it is clear, 2016 is Amazon’s Echo Dot’s year.
Incidentally, I think Google and Apple thought that having a smartphone on you at all times would obviate the need for a smart speaker – and initially I thought this as well – and that’s why they are late to the game. But truly being hands free has changed my thinking entirely.
Let’s drill down the hardware and software and see why this is our best product for 2016:
That’s an all time low for this 4.5/5 star rated portable hard drive that connects and is powered via USB3. While most people will use this kind of thing for backups or sneaker-netting huge files around, there are some better uses for this type of device.
Throw all of your music on it and plug it into your car’s powered USB for listening to tons of music on the go
Plug it into your Router’s USB port and make it a NAS for storing/sharing movies and Time Machine backups
Pop it into your XBOX USB port for tons of cheap storage.
This is a deal that not only saves money when you purchase but also saves cash every hour that is being used. Amazon offers the Philips 459602 65 Watt Equivalent Dimmable Daylight BR30 LED Light Bulb, 4 Pack for $14.99 Prime shipped, an all time low. Daylight and Soft White are both available. By replacing your 65W bulbs with 9W LED replacements, you use almost 1/8th the energy. These pay for themselves after a year of heavy use and they are expected to last 10. Expand Expanding Close
One of the things that almost everyone needs nowadays is more outlets. Another thing that people need is fast USB charging in their outlets. And if we’re making up some magical device here that has everything we need, we might as well give it great surge protection and let’s, for giggles, make it cost only $9.88 Prime shipped.
I’ve only recently been introduced to Growlers, those 64-oz bottles that you can take your favorite yummy beer home in. But it turns out that you can also buy really well made, insulated versions of these bottles for the price of a night out drinking.
Update: We’re back baby with a new, improved Coupon code reflected below
I’m used to getting a bunch of dollar store garbage in my stocking (mostly coal tbh) and while it is fun to gaze at, I’d love to actually get something useful in there. Enter today’s AUKEY Daily Deal – Bluetooth Speaker for $13.85 Prime shipped after $4.14 Coupon Code: AUK3SKM7. While this certainly isn’t the best Bluetooth speaker out there, for $14 shipped, you can throw one of these in a stocking and give someone what they actually want. Or, buy 10 for everyone at the office.
Again, this isn’t one of those garbage $10 speakers that sounds worse than your phone’s speaker. This is easily a $40-type of product with 12 hour battery, mic for speakerphone calls and it comes with AUX cable, microUSB charging cable, carabiner and 2 year warranty
Target offers 10% off Prepaid cards from all of the major US carriers. These can either be used on your own account saving money on charges you are going to be hit with already or make great gifts. Delivered via email, these can be forwarded on electronically or printed and put in a card.
Amazon andWalmart both have the Samsung 128GB EVO Class 10 Micro SDXC Card w/Adapter for $24.88 shipped. That’s about $10 less than we typically see it and a low mark for speedy 48MB/s transfer speed Class 10 Micro SD Cards. This gets super high 4.4/5 ratings from thousands of reviewers and comes with a convenient Standard SD Adapter.
Perfect for Android Phones and Tablets, GoPros, Cameras, DJI/Drones, Macs and anything that does Micro or standard size SD. Expand Expanding Close
We’re not going to judge you on what herbs you grow in your inside garden but if you want to start harvesting for Christmas dinner, you need to jump on the Aerogarden bandwagon today. Good news, 2 different models are at the lowest prices ever. Our best bet for starters is the 3 pod kit in red, white or black for $44.95. This one takes only a few minutes to set up, runs on efficient LEDs and comes with everything you need to grow inside.
We’re Aeropress coffee drinkers at my house but when we have lots of people over we need to start pumping out coffee at a higher clip and that’s when you need to get a filter machine going. For that we’ve got a Mr. Coffee PoS from college but now that we’re real adults, this OXO On Barista Brain 9 Cup Coffee Maker is going to look a lot better in our kitchen. At $119.99 shipped at Amazon, it is $30 less than ever before and $80 off retail. This isn’t just looks; it gets 4.3/5 star reviews and has the following eatures:
Microprocessor-controlled brew cycle replicates the pour-over method to produce 2-9 cups of SCAA-certified perfect coffee
Water is heated and held at the perfect temperature for coffee (197.6-204.8 Degrees F)
Rainmaker shower head evenly disperses water over coffee grounds for uniform saturation and full flavor extraction
Intuitive LED interface features a backlit screen that displays the Coffee Maker status and freshness indicator
A single dial allows you to program the number of cups and the 24-hour start timer
If you are like me, you are looking for one of these huge 21:9 displays this holiday season and one of the best I’ve seen is the LG 34UM57 – 34″ UltraWide 21:9 IPS (2560×1080) LED Freesync Monitor for $249.99 shipped at BuyDig via eBay. That’s the lowest price we’ve seen on a 34″ 21:9 display and one of the best deals for Black Friday on any display. Features: Expand Expanding Close
Venting channels allow air to flow into the garbage can making liners up to 50% easier to lift out of the trash can
Integrated cinches allow bags to be attached to handles without knots for faster liner changes
Rounded top handles and contoured base handles make lifting and moving the receptacle easier
Heavy-duty, reinforced base holds up even when the garbage can is dragged over rough surfaces
Easy-to-clean, seamless construction is guaranteed to never fade, warp, crack, or crush and features a UV inhibitor for a long-life even in extreme environments
As part of its Black Friday Sale, Sur la Table offers the Electric Salt and Pepper Mill set for $19.97 Enter promo code SHIPFREE on orders over $59 for free shipping (otherwise $6.99). That’s 75% off list and the lowest price we’ve seen. Featuring an easy-on design and a sleek look that’s at home on both kitchen counters and tabletops, this stylish stainless steel electric mill set delivers freshly ground pepper or salt at the touch of a button. Adjustable mills are easy to operate with one hand and feature an LED light for visibility even in dim light. Adjustable from fine to coarse.
So Many more home good items
Head to the bottom of the page for Salt and Pepper stocking options.
If you are looking for an amazing GoPro Hero Session deal, Amazon’s got a great kit for just $179.99 shipped. It was $240 yesterday and retails for $249.99. You get a HERO Session Camera, the Handler (Floating Hand Grip), 16GB microSD Card w/ full size adapter, Standard Frame, Curved + Flat Adhesive Mounts, Mounting Buckle and Additional Mounting Hardware + Micro-USB Cable.
The GoPro Hero Session is designed to withstand extreme environments and conditions, hero session is waterproof to 33’ records stunning 1440p30, 1080p60 and 720p100 video and captures 8MP single photos, 10 fps burst photos and 0.5 to 60 second time-lapse photos.
We’re all doing the upgrades/virus removal during Thanksgiving but here’s a free piece of advice: Grab a cheap $29.99 APC UPS at your local Office Max/Depot (in store only). This keeps the computer/internet/router on during those common quick power outages and reduces phone calls to tech support (you).
This Certified Refurbished product has been tested and certified to work and look like new, with minimal to no signs of wear, by a specialized third-party seller approved by Amazon. The product is backed by a minimum 90-day warranty, and may arrive in a generic brown or white box. Accessories may be generic and not directly from the manufacturer.
12.9″ Retina Display, 2732 x 2048 Resolution
8 MP iSight Camera, Four-Speaker Audio
32GB Capacity, Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac) + Bluetooth 4.2
Apple iOS 9, Dual-Core A9X Chip with Quad-Core Graphics
We’re fully aware that most new flagship smartphones take shots almost as good as point and shoots (though nothing really replaces 8x glass). But that said, it is hard to pass up the chance to grab a highly rated Canon Point and shoot refurbbed by Canon for $49.99 shipped. Better yet it has a $50 bundle included which is a soft carrying case and 8GB SD Card. In total, that’s $100 off and the best price we’ve seen.
These are great for kids and parents, if you don’t want your photos to automatically be uploaded to Apple or Google (naughty!) or want a real 8x Glass Zoom with decent flash.
T-Mobile picked it as best for amazing Wifi Calls but it is great at nearly everything and hasn’t ever dipped anywhere close to under $100 (currently $147 at Amazon 4.2/5 star reviews). But the stars have aligned for a few short hours my friends and if you or a loved one needs a kick-ass router, now (like right now) is your time. Expand Expanding Close
If you were waiting for Black Friday to swoop in on a $1000 70″ Vizio TV with Google Cast support, I’ve got some great news for you. Best Buy has knocked it below the $1000 Black Friday price to just $929.99 shipped. That’s an all time low by over $100 and the lowest price we’ve seen on a 70″ 4K TV. For those unfamiliar, 70-inches is almost 6 feet tall so this screen is bigger corner to corner than most humans are tall.
Features include full 1080p resolutions at 75Hz and 178-degree viewing angles on the IPS display. HDMI and VGA inputs can be found on the back. It also has an “ultra-thin” design that’s perfect for multi-monitor setups. Rated 4.6/5 stars.
It just started snowing out my window north of New York City and I’m freaking out about getting ready for winter. Luckily, I just happened upon a big Amazon sale on my favorite winter boots and this one is no joke.
Here’s a no-brainer deal for Amazon Prime members who plan on buying stuff at Amazon for the holidays. Simply upload a photo to your Prime Photos account using this link. Then, come November the rewards start flowing.
Step 1: Upload a photo to Prime Photos. Sign in with your Amazon account and
save a photo to your free unlimited storage account from Amazon Prime
Step 2: Check your email. Look for discount codes in your inbox after November 3.
Step 3: Apply codes at checkout. Get discounts on thousands of items sold by Amazon in PC, Camera, and Software. Use codes before December 3.
After November 3rd, you’ll get a $20 Credit for Computers and Tablets, $30 for Camera Credit and $10 for Software. If you don’t have Prime, now might be a good time to start with a 30-day trial.
Amazon Prints offers50 4″x6″ Photo Prints Free when you: Click ‘get started’ and sign in. Select 4″x6″ prints. Upload your photos and add 50 to cart. At checkout, apply promo code OCT50PRINTS. 50 4″x6″ Photo Prints will be Free w/Free shipping.
One of my favorite gadgets ever is the Amazon Echo Dot (review) which started shipping to pre-orders last night. Better yet, you can get one almost free with the purchase of various bundles which Amazon is offering. My favorite is the best-in-class sounding Bose Soundlink Mini + Echo Dot for $214. That means your Dot effectively costs you $15. The Soundlink Mini makes a great accessory for amplifying the Dot’s speaker.
Oh and if you add 6 to your cart, Amazon will float you one for free with code DOT6PACK. Or add 12 and pay for just 10 with code DOT12PACK. Pretty good way to knock out Christmas shopping or the office holiday gifts. That’s 12 for $500 or less than $42/ea.
If you need backup power to your desktop or more importantly your Cable/DSL/Fiber Modem and Wifi router, the APC Battery Backup & Surge Protector (BE350G) – 350VA 6-outlet Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is $29.99 shipped. This is easily the lowest this gets with shipping and will keep your router and wireless network up during a power outage for over an hour (depending on power draw of your modem and router).
If you need to back up more devices and/or over a longer period of time, there is a 600VA version with 7 outlets and a USB charging port for $46.99, still a great deal. The big boy here is a 10-outlet 750VA is $60 shipped.
APC also offers a Dual USB power 5,000mAh pack for phones and tablets for $11.99 shipped. This is an average price for Cheap Chinese knockoffs but this has the APC name and warranty behind it
If you don’t already have your car, home or camping set outfitted for the inevitable power outage, today’s Eton Amazon Gold Box offers a great opportunity to get your affairs in order. All of these are lowest ever prices
American Red Cross Blackout Buddy lives in an outlet, keeping charged. When the power goes out, it lights up and functions as a flashlight. $14.99 for two ($7.50 ea) Prime Shipped. We have a bunch of these in the house and they make great emergancy flashlights.
The $180 Amazon Echo is a friggen game changer. Put it in your kitchen or living room and after about 5 minutes of setup you have an intelligent speaker that you can ask for news, sports, audio books, and of course music. You can also ask the Echo any question you can think of and more often than not (but less often than Google) it returns a good answer. The magic is in the always-on, far field speaker which happens to be able to understand language as good as any natural language processor out there – even from way across the room. You don’t need to have your phone on and nearby – you are hands free anywhere within earshot.
Amazon has added a ton of services that connect the Echo over the past year to just about anything in your home. Most smart thermostats, garage door openers, etc. etc now work with Alexa, Amazon’s assistant. Additionally, Amazon has worked with other partners to do things like order delivery pizza, get rides from Uber, and of course buy stuff from Amazon.
Today, Expansys offers the LG Chromebase for $194 shipped. That’s the lowest price we’ve seen on this 4/5 star model and close to the price of a similarly equipped Monitor without a PC built in. IT has 2GB of RAM, 16GB SSD 802.11 Wifi and much more.
These look to be final closeouts so if you want to jump on an Apple Watch with almost all of the capabilities of the new ones (which are more water resistant and have GPS as well as a faster processor), get in quick. Expand Expanding Close
T-Mobile picked it as best for amazing Wifi Calls but it is great at nearly everything and hasn’t ever dipped anywhere close to under $100 (currently $155 at Amazon 4.2/5 star reviews). But the stars have aligned for a few short hours my friends and if you or a loved one needs a kick ass router, now (like right now) is your time. Expand Expanding Close
Clarification: These are not Apple Certified Refurbished but certified grade A
Daily Steals offers a Refurbished 12.9-inch iPad Pro 32GB in all colors for $599.99. Coupon code TAKE20DS drops it to $579.99with free shipping. That’s $100 less that Apple charges for certified refurb (although this one comes with a Daily Steals 30-day warranty). It features a large 12.9-inch 2732 x 2048 Retina display, Smart Connector and Apple Pencil support.
The LG 34UM95 features an UltraWide format with a resolution of 3440×1440 that is capable of displaying two inputs at the same time and has built-in 7W speakers. Additionally, it has HDMI, two Thunderbolt 2 and two USB 3.0 inputs. Thunderbolt 2 features speeds that are significantly faster than the previous generation and can handle DisplayPort as well.
The 21:9 widescreen format is truly an experience all its own. It’s essentially like having two 20.5-inch, 5:4, 1720×1440 displays side by side in one 34-inch panel, and LG also has a Screen Split app that works well for easily docking windows side-by-side in various configurations to get the most out of the wide screen while multitasking. It’s great for pro apps that take full advantage of the wider format for timelines and other features, although it feels a bit vertically challenged in comparison to 4K monitors on the list if a horizontal workflow isn’t your thing.