Morning Tech Deals Highlights
• Point-and-shoot – Panasonic Lumix TZ5, with Leica lens and 10x optical zoom, for $280, shipped. [Dealhack]
• Monitor – Refurbished Acer 24-inch LCD monitor for $280, shipped. No warranty. [Dealnews] Update: Reed offers some personal, negative experience with Acer refurbs in the comments. Thanks, Reed!
• Cargo Jacket – Timberland 3-in-1 Cargo Utility jacket for $107, shipped. (About half-off. Lots of pockets.) [Dealnews]
• Sound Card – Today's Woot! is the Razer Barracuda AC-1 Sound Card for $55, shipped.
On a related note, am I the only one sort of in shock about Amazon being forced to collect New York sales tax? I buy a ton of stuff on Amazon — got a Prime account and everything — and now I'm starting to feel like I'm never going to buy from them again.
the latest
latest episodes
Joel - this is one of those rare times I have to recommend against a one of your "deals of the day".
As much as I'm a huge fan of Acer's laptops (particularly their widescreen units), I've had bad luck with their monitors lately.
Specifically, I had the 19" version of the Acer LCD that's listed here as a refurb from Dealnews, although I bought mine new. It lasted exactly one month more than the 1 year warranty and died.
Considering it was on my occasionally-used MediaCenter PC (I use a different machine for my work), and that I have everything set for strict power management (so the unit was actually in use/had power applied for maybe 1 hour a day, probably less), leaves me to say I really can't recommend their LCDs.
I'm not surprised they have refurbs available - if my experience was typical, you'd certainly have plenty of people like me shipping them back. Add the fact that they offer no warranty at all on the refurbs, and I'd definitely steer clear of this one.
-Reed
I've been paying sales tax to Amazon.ca for years so... anyway...
I picked up a Logitech Cordless Wave desktop keyboard and mouse from Staples (Canada) in-store yesterday for $39.99 (after rebates, $74.99 before). It's regularly something like $120, so I thought that was worth mentioning.
I'm surprised NY is one of the ONLY states forcing Amazon to collect sales tax. It's still required to pay state sales tax on internet purchases in any state I've heard of, but the stores only charge you during checkout if they have a location in the state being shipped to. And somehow, I doubt that the majority of people remember to claim their purchases and cough up the taxes at tax time. So it's a huge revenue loss for the states, and it's surprising it's taken this long for them to start demanding a fix.
ideally, they would find a way to collect the revenue elsewhere and start to phase out the sales tax. it is 8 3/8% in nyc.
i wouldn't mind if they got rid of all the sin taxes while they are at it....
Dang, I was doing really well with not buying anything unnecessary this month, until I saw that jacket. It will be *perfect* for concealed carry of my Nokia tablet and keyboard when I move to Alaska in a couple months. Now just have to get rid of a couple other jackets to make room. (I like outerwear)
Always a pleasure to throw-in with you guys, Joel.
When do I get my own byline, anyway? :)
#3 KattW:
Actually, it's my understanding that paying sales tax is the responsibility of the businesses (at least here in California,) but the law allows the merchants to add the tax amount to a customer's bill. Therefore, individuals aren't legally/morally/civically obligated to claim purchases. This is why it's an issue in the first place; buying from a merchant online is considered interstate commerce (unless, as you mentioned, they have an office in your state) which is a federal matter, out of the states' jurisdiction.
Of course, I could be wrong. Your other points stand.
Joel, I'd probably still use Amazon if/when they start collecting taxes in CA, as long as they still have free shipping. It's still worth it with gas/public transportation costs what they are.