We Are Now a Three Computer Family

Three people, three computers. OK, it's not as bad as it sounds, even though our daughter is just about to turn three. We didn't get struck by lifestyle inflation or an urge to justify getting a top of the line laptop.

Here's the story...

Since the 2006 holiday season, I have been considering buying a laptop computer. At the time, I noticed there were several good sales at Best Buy and Circuit City for $400 laptops, prior to Windows Vista. While interested, buying a laptop wasn't urgent at the time. Recently, as our daughter has become older, it has been difficult for my spouse to work for long periods in the den, which has the desktop computer. Since we already have a wireless modem, we decided a laptop would be good for use at home.

Last week, Hustler $$$ Blog shared a great deal at Best Buy for a Compaq laptop (with 1GB RAM, 15.4" wide screen, Intel Dual Core processor, DVD-RW, high speed USB, built-in wireless and Vista Home Premium) for $449.99. My tech savvy colleagues at worked rated it an excellent buy. I returned mid-week and bought the final computer in stock. In addition, we paid the $150 Geek Squad fee for set up, backup disk creation (3-5 hour job), and Norton Internet Security software. I was also able to use a $25 Best Buy gift card which I had received for doing a test drive.

Now back to having three computers...

As I said it is not as bad as it sounds. We are really a two computer family. We currently have a desktop (purchased in 2003), a new laptop, and a Windows 98 desktop purchased in 1999 before going to Japan. Since switching from dial-up to DSL, we have not been using the 1999 desktop computer much any more. It still has a few document files we want to keep, but haven't transferred. In addition, my father-in-law has a program that needs a computer that can still use DOS, which is Windows 98. We are holding it for him as a backup, in case his current Windows computer crashes.

Interestingly, the new laptop cost less than our desktop purchased in 2003 and has 3 times the RAM, upgraded operating system, and faster processor. Also, I have been exclusively using the laptop for work on My Wealth Builder. for If prices keep coming down, we may purchase another laptop for my wife, which was the original intent :-)

For more on New Beginnings, check back every Sunday for the next segment.

Photo Credit: Best Buy

This is not financial advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2007 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Great Discounts On Amazon.com

I recently found out that one can search Amazon.com categories by the percentage of desired discount for the items. With Valentine's Day almost upon us, I decided to try searching the Jewelry & Watches, Camera & Photos and Musical Instruments categories for gift ideas. The results are shown in the table below.

	Discount Percentage
Category	10-30%	30-70%	70-90%
Jewelry & Watches	Save on a some jewelry and a large selection of watches.	Save More on jewelry and watches.	Bigger Savings on a wide variety of earrings, bracelets, necklaces and watches.
Camera & Photo	Save on a wide variety of cameras and accessories.	Save More on cameras and accessories	Bigger Savings on primarily accessories and a few cameras
Musical Instruments	Save on a variety head phones , some turntables and a few keyboards	Save More on head phones and accessories such as blank DVDs	Bigger Savings on accessories such blank DVDs and wire connections

Overall, the discount pages offered quick access to deals in Amazon.com categories. The Jewelry & Watches category offered a great variety and selection in the 70-90% discount range. I thought the Camera and Musical categories had a better selection at the 10-30% discount range.

Disclosure: As an Amazon.com affiliate, My Wealth Builder will receive a referral fee for purchases of items via the above discount links.

For more Ideas You Can Use, check back on Tuesdays for latest segment.

This is not financial advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2007 Achievement Catalyst, LLC