Penny College

Windows 8 just officially launched today but base on online reactions, the most anticipated thing regarding this launch isn’t even the software, it’s hardware – Surface. Microsoft’s home built tablet/computer. Unfortunately, Microsoft only sells the tablet online or in their own stores. So if you want to try Surface for yourself, you have to go to a Microsoft store, which are few and far in between.

To make this easier, Microsoft is creating pop-up stores across the country for this launch. In fact, they added one right in the heart of Time Square NY at:

1540 Broadway

New York, NY 10036

So go check it out if you want to play with the new Surface tablet.

Link: Microsoft Time Square

We usually carry shoulder bags for our commute day to day. However, recently, we notice that our shoulder’s were sore from the lap sided design. All the weights were distributed to one shoulder. While we like the size of small shoulder bags, we needed to go the backpack route for our backs. Backpacks are better for you posture and probably fits better.

Our main concerns were two fold. One, we needed a backpack that doesn’t make us look high schoolish. Two, we needed a backpack that wasn’t large and turn us into turtles or hedgehogs on the train. After an extensive search, we ended up with the Caselogic 14 inch laptop bag. Initially, we were hesitant because the bag looks large in the photos. However, we’re glad to say, the actual bag is smaller and slimmer than we imagined. It’s just the right size for a 13 inch laptop or ultrabook. There are sufficient pockets for everything we carry and still look stylish enough for a daily commute. If you’re looking for small backpack, this should definitely be on your list.

Case Logic DLBP-114 14-Inch PC and 13-Inch Macbook Laptop Backpack (Black)

Windows 8 will be released on Oct. 26, 2012 this year. Whether you like the tile interface or not, the operating system does represent a great leap forward in technology. Plus, the upgrade allows you to upgrade all the way from the XP era for the same low price. So if you have a old XP machine that’s still not on Windows 7, this may be a quick and cheap way to upgrade to the latest and greatest.

For a limited time, Microcenter is offering the Windows 8 upgrade disc for only $38.88. That’s over $30 off the retail price. The only catch is that you must pick up the disc in stores. So if you have a Microcenter near you, this may be a good reason to order online and then visit the store.

Link: Microcenter

Having friends and family overseas means we’re constantly on the lookout for new cheap ways to communicate with them. While Skype is a good free way to do video calling, it requires the other person to be in front of their computer or have smartphone with the Skype service turned on. Considering that data cost is still high in many countries, this isn’t a viable option except for occasional use. You can use Skype to call tradition phones but it would require Skype credit. While the rate is lower than you would pay for direct calling international numbers from your phone, the rate is still higher than competitor services such as Google Voice.

The other requirement is that we wanted a service that is simple to use even for our older relatives that do not have computers. After a extensive search, we ended up with Localphone.com. The service is really cheap, only about 1.2 cent to call Asia (Half the price of Skype). There are no connection fees or other hidden charges with the service and there is no expiration for credits. There are two killer features that we really like with the service.

• You can add credit using multiple methods such as Paypal or Credit Card in any amount, (Even low as $2) Skype and Google Voice require you to add credit at $10 increments at the minimal.
• You don’t need a computer or even smartphone to use the service, you can use any phone (Including landlines at your friend’s house) We’ll explain in more details below

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We recently finished a project for a client site that used WordPress. One of the demands was a working web calendar that can list events and allow people to register for the event right on the website. Being on the frugal side, we checked out plugins for WordPress that can handle this requirement. After much searching, we end up with the highly recommended Eventespresso software. The software has a free version but to use the calendar feature, you would at minimal need the personal license version for one site. The license cost $80 for the year which breaks down to be about $7 a month.

However, the simplicity and features more than make up for the price:

• Create limited admin accounts for others to create events without modifying your wordpress admin account
• HTML5 calendar that can be categorized and filter by color or event type
• Paypal integration for event payments

So if you’re in the market for event software and your site is running on WordPress, we highly recommend you check Eventespresso as well.

Link: Eventespresso

If you’re in the market for your own cable modem, which is a good idea if your cable company charges you for the modem rental, Target is offering the highly rated Motorola Surfboard

Extreme Cable Modem model 6121 for only $69.99. The lowest price we seen, this model usually goes for $90 or more.

This is Docsis 3 compatible so it’s good for speed of up to 300MBs. So it should last you awhile or until the mystic Google Fiber reach your neighborhood.

Specs from Amazon:

One talking point that is non-stop in this election is the need for small business growth. While we’re not political here, we’re always on the hunt for deals and tools that help small businesses. One of best tools we come across is Outright.com.

Outright.com is in a way, quicken for your business. It allows you to track finances (revenue, taxes, payment) and keep on top of important metrics such as profitability and loss. There is even a free version that should suffice for most small businesses. The pay version is only $10/month. If you ever bookkeeping tools for your side or small business, this is a tool to look into.

outright.com

Ever wish you can just bump a ride when you need to get somewhere? Most of the time, we’re limited by the people we know or trust for carpooling. However, now that the world is open through mobile and social networks, won’t it be great if we can just get a car ride from anyone?

Well, as they would say, there is an app for that, Side.cr allows anyone who installs its free app to bump a ride from any driver in its community. If you like it, you can donate to the driver and rate them on a star system similar to Ebay. The service is currently West Coast only but will be expanding in the coming month to other areas.

side.cr

We’re been recommending the prepaid wireless route for years now. Today NY Times published a great article on why the prepaid route is the way to go for most people. It can save them thousands over a two-year contract with the major mobile phone company.

However, due to both lack of marketing and high upfront cost for phones. Most people still go the contract route. Which is a shame. If more people moved to prepaid, the mobile companies would have greater incentive to improve their service since there is no contract lock in.

Via NY Times Bits