Deals of the Week Thursday

Hi Guys!

Let’s have a nice little look-see at what kind of deals we dug up for you this week.

* This isn’t such a big tech deal, but Sam’s Club do sell tech, and it’s a good deal, so we thought we’d throw it in on top! Groupon is offering 1-Year Sam’s Club Plus Membership + $20 Sam’s Club Gift Card + $22.94 Fresh Food Value Coupon (New Customers Only) for only $45. Get on it!

*Get your mitts on some Sony Over-the-Ear Bluetooth and Noise Cancelling Headphones (Black or Blue; MDR-ZX770BN/B) for just $149.99 with free in-store pickup from Best Buy. 

* Grab a 13 inch MacBook Pro early 2015 model 128 GB for $1099.99 – down to $989 with the Best Buy Movers Coupon from Best Buy. 

* 70-80% Off Spigen Cases for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6+ at Amazon.  Search Spigen and then use Coupon Code SPSPIG70 or SPSPIG80 to bring the prices down to as low as $3.20!

*Get 50% off some Apple products in-store at Radioshack! See -Magic mouse 34.99, Apple wireless keyboard 34.99, Magic trackpad 34.99, Regular keyboard 29.99. Check here to see if your local Radioshack has these items still in stock.

*Look at this sweeet deal! Get $100 off any iPad Air 2 or iPad Mini 3 at Staples in-store with coupon code 68428. Expires April 25, 2015 ( Find coupon here down the bottom right of the page, and check out the other coupons there while you’re at it!)

*Through Amazon, trade in select PlayStation 3 and Xbox consoles and bundles to get: Up to $140 trade-in value for the Xbox 360 or PS3 consoles and bundles and up to $275 trade-in value for Xbox One consoles and bundles. Get an $80 bonus discount applicable towards the purchase of select PlayStation 4 bundles from Amazon. Combined with the trade-in value that is a total of $150-$350 toward a PlayStation 4.

*Get a super rad Hello Kitty Kids’ Snap n’ Share 2.1-Megapixel Digital Camera for just $9.97 from Walmart. Did we say super rad yet?

* Get 10% off site-wide at TechRabbit via coupon code “TRLAUNCH10”.

*Finally, get iColorama S – Photo Editor and Brush Painter for iOS for FREE from the App Store for a limited time.

1, 2, 3, Dealhunters…..GO!

Apple Watch shipments processing!

Apple Watch orders have begun appearing as ‘preparing for shipment’ and purchasers credit/debit cards are being processed as of yesterday mid-afternoon PST.

This is in preparation for the official launch date of the Apple Watch on April 24th. (Cue streamers.)

Those quick-handed enough to pre-order within the first hour have an official shipment date of anywhere between Friday April 24th through May 8th, however many who were quick-handed enough to order within the first 5-10 minutes should expect shipment on Friday.

Those who waited to pre-order should expect their magical package of Apple joy in the mail in the coming weeks, and if you pre-order today, your shipment time is looking to extend into June and further.

There have been suggestions that the shipping wait time will be shorter than people think, which would definitely be a come up! 

Apple Watch orders will ship out from central distribution centers via Fedex and UPS. And, just to put this out there – there have been reports of people getting notification from UPS that a package from Apple is on it’s way ALREADY HOLY MOLY.

Did you pre-order? Has your order changed to processing shipment yet?

Get more money for your iPhone!!

Did the Taxman take more money than you were expecting this April 15th? Got some bills to pay or clothes to buy or beers to drink?

WE CAN TOTALLY HELP YOU OUT!

Send us your old, broken, stinky, water damaged, used (or brand new- hey we like shiny things too!) iPhone and we’ll put money in your hot little hands in no time!

Here’s what you do:

Get a quote here. We will never change your quote based on condition!

Choose how you want to get your CASHMONEY (Check, Paypal or Bitcoin because we’re fancy like that)

Choose to either: receive a prepaid mailer box, slip your phone in and send it back to us, OR receive a prepaid label that you can stick on any ‘ol box and ship it off.

THEN YOU GET PAID! That’s the best part.

We pride ourselves on our safe, easy and super quick high payouts! We’d really like to make your day by recycling your stinky old iPhone for cash!

Our Apple Watch try-on experience!

The Apple Watch phenomenon has begun! We headed out this morning to capture some of the madness:

It wasn’t so much madness, actually. The retail store opened at 10:00AM this morning and we were one of about 40 people who entered the store- not all of whom were there to look at the Apple Watch… unless they were pretending and just sneaking looks. In fact, there seemed to be more employees than customers throughout the time we were there.

We had a try-on appointment, which was taken by a very nice, rather nervous Apple store employee who didn’t seem super trained on the functionality or pricing of the watch, which was unexpected, but alright, as he had a cheat sheet right there on an iPad next to the Apple Watch.

This particular store had the Apple Watch edition models in the glass display case, but none available to try on.

We tried on the Apple Watch Sport and the Stainless Steel Apple Watch with the Milanese loop band and the leather band.  The Apple store employee was only allowed to bring two watches out of his little drawer at the try-on table at a time.

Both watches we tried on were dead which wasn’t great, but we were able to play with the functionality on the Apple watch attached to the Try-on desk, and at another display section later on after the try-on appointment was over.

Our appointment lasted the full 15 minutes, and we were definitely not rushed, which was nice. The Apple Watch sport felt nice on the wrist, although we were particularly taken with the Milanese band. For those of you who may be confused -and we heard a few questions like this this morning – there is no difference in functionality between any of the watch models, instead the difference is in the metal that the watch face is made out of, and the ability to have different bands.

The larger 42mm was more pleasant to look at and use, although the 38mm size was fine, especially for a finer wrist.  The functionality of the Apple watch, limited as it was to being on a stand in the Apple Store and not connected to an iPhone, seemed pretty impressive. Very intuitive, the crown feature was great and easy to use, and we feel like it could become very much a part of your life once you started wearing it and using it everyday.

The watch has no internet browser, no keyboard function (to reply to messages and emails you can speak into the watch or choose a simple prepared answer such as ‘yes’ etc.) The watch does have Siri, you can look at your photos, scroll through emails and messages,log your exercise, check your calendar, and maps seems to work great.

The extra options in messages such as sending your friends a drawing, a tap or tap sequence or your heartbeat were all really pretty rad, but it remains to be seen how gimicky it might seem after a while, and how much it would be used.

Here are the Apple Watch Sport models in the display case –

And some of the stainless steel Apple Watches-

Amongst the customers in-store this morning, there definitely seemed to be the idea that the Apple Watch Stainless Steel models and the Apple Watch edition models were pretty overpriced, which we would agree with.

It is a pretty fun toy, and it will probably become super prevalent and successful, but getting in this early on the super expensive models (especially with the expensive bands, which will likely have cheaper copies made by other companies soon enough) might not be recommended.

It also relies very heavily on it’s link to the iPhone (although it does have limited use without it). One of iPhone Antidote’s friends really wants an Apple Watch, but she doesn’t carry a phone with her half the time. Conundrum. Who can say First world problem?

All that being said: the Stainless Steel 42mm with the Milanese band? Ummm… Our birthday is on July 1st. Just saying. Oh, and hot tip? Don’t lose your grip on the Apple Watch if and when you go to a try-on appointment. We did a pretty comical 30 second slow motion juggling act with the Stainless Steel model and the Apple guy was kinda losing his sh*t. Hilarious, but not recommended.

Have you checked out the Apple Watches today? Get a try-on appointment? Was it similar to ours? Did you drop it and run? Let us know!

Last minute things you need to know about the Apple Watch

With less than 6 hours to go until pre-orders for the Apple Watch begin, and shortly before you can try one on for yourself, here’s the last minute things you should know.

If you haven’t already, head on over to Apple’s website and check out both the available video guides and the detailed info on all models, bands and sizes to make sure you’re aware of what you’ll be dealing with whether you’re pre-ordering or planning to fight the crowds and try one on in-store.

Here’s the deal straight from the sauce on how you can experience the Apple Watch yourself before you buy:

“Customers interested in learning more about Apple Watch can visit their local Apple Store for a personalized session with a Specialist to try on, fit and size their band, and explore the amazing features of Apple Watch. Customers who want to try on an Apple Watch are encouraged to make an appointment by going to www.apple.com.”

So: encouraged. Which means you probably should if you don’t want to fight the crowds, but it doesn’t sound like it’s particularly necessary. If you’re Apple store is quiet on a certain day and a certain time, you should probably waltz on in and try one of those bad boys on!

If you’re interested in trying on an Apple Watch Edition, you’ll need to go to one of the select few stores that will carry the fancy pants watch. These are:

United States —

New York City: Fifth Avenue, SoHo, Upper West Side

Boston: Boylston Street

Chicago: North Michigan Avenue, Lincoln Park

Philadelphia: Walnut Street

Washington DC: Georgetown

Atlanta: Lenox Square

Miami: Lincoln Road

Virginia: Tyson’s Corner Center

Newark, Delaware: Christiana Mall

Bay Area: San Francisco, Stanford

Los Angeles: The Grove, Third St. (Santa Monica), South Coast (Costa Mesa)

Las Vegas: Fashion Show

Houston: Highland Village

Dallas: Northpark Center

Seattle: Bellevue Square

Canada —

Toronto: Eaton Centre

Montreal: Sainte-Catherine

More may appear over the course of the next few weeks, so keep an eye out. To check Apple Watch Edition availability in your local area, navigate to Apple’s Find Locations website, click on Sales, use your current GPS-based location or enter another one, select Watch Edition from the list of all products, and click on the Go button. A map will then display nearby Apple Store locations that will be carrying the Edition.

There is expected to be a rather large amount of interest in the Apple Watch (D’uh), creating a quite lopsided supply-demand scenario that although might make some unhappy short term, will serve Apple’s interests in the end. You want what Jim next door was somehow able to get – that kind of thing.

From Angela Ahrendts, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail and Online Stores:

“We are excited to welcome customers tomorrow and introduce them to Apple Watch, our most personal device yet. Based on the tremendous interest from people visiting our stores, as well as the number of customers who have gone to the Apple Online Store to mark their favorite Apple Watch ahead of availability, we expect that strong customer demand will exceed our supply at launch,”

Remember: the launch of pre-orders is at 12:01 AM Pacific Standard Time. In  less than 6 hours. You can try to use both the online Apple Store, and the Apple Store App to secure your pre-order. The Apple website will be going down at 9PM PST to prepare for the launch.

Retail stores are undergoing an overnight remodel to prepare for the Apple Watch phenomenon.

In Australia, Apple Stores have been open since 4PM PST (9AM local time) and people have been let into the stores to view the Apple Watch glass display units. Check it out on Instagram and the live streaming app Periscope. Australians get to have all the fun! Just because they’re in the future fancy pants Australians with their cool deadly animals and awesome accents…

We’ll let you know if and when there is any more news about the Apple Watch!

Applecare for Apple Watch?

Super thrilled about buying an Apple Watch? Not so thrilled about the likelihood of you breaking said Apple Watch? Then you might want to look at getting AppleCare+.

According to sauces who are in the know (probably),  Applecare+ for the Apple Watch will be different for each model. If these sources are correct,  you’ll be looking at the below pricing:

Apple Watch Sport – $59

Stainless Steel Apple Watch – $79

Apple Watch Edition – $999 (Watch out for that jump there, it’s quite a leap.)

Pricing for Applecare+ Apple Watch bands isn’t clear yet. If you decide against Applecare+, your precious Watch will still be covered by a limited one-year warranty for hardware repairs and 90 days of complimentary support. If you’re a fancy Apple Watch Edition owner, you’ll get a two-year warranty and complimentary support.

With the purchase of AppleCare+, the warranty for aluminum Apple Watch Sport and stainless steel Apple Watch models will be extended to two years from the date of purchase, plus accidental damage will be covered. Apple Watch Edition coverage will be extended to three years with AppleCare+.

If it is similar to how Applecare+ works for the iPhone, you’re still looking at paying a service fee for the repair of any accidental damage, and not all damage is covered. You’ll be able to buy Applecare+ online and in store, but make sure you know exactly what you’re getting before you purchase it. If it’s similar to the iPhone Applecare+, you’ll have 60 days after purchasing the Apple Watch to purchase Applecare+.

And if you do break your shiny Apple Watch, and you don’t have Applecare+, make sure to check back with us, as we’ll be beginning to purchase Apple Watches in the near future!
Apple Watch buyers will be able to purchase AppleCare+ as an add-on both online and in-store. With the iPhone, AppleCare+ can be purchased up to 60 days after an initial iPhone purchase, and it’s likely Apple will adopt a similar policy with the Apple Watch.

8 Hours until Pre-order starts!

Need some cash for that shiny Apple Watch? Read this!

Just look at those beauties. Shiny, functional, brand spanking new Apple Watches. Available for pre-order April 10th, with earliest delivery and purchase coming at you April 24th. SO SOON!

If you’re not looking at getting an extra large tax return this year, and you’ve decided that an Apple Watch is what you very very want yes please with a cherry on top, then you be might in need for some extra cashola to help you out with the minimum $349 clams you’re going to have to hand over.

Maybe you have a significant other who’s decided that that’s what they very very want. And if you really love them, then an Apple Watch they shall have!

Got an old, broken or water damaged iPhone lying around?  Get some cash for that stink-bomb!  We will give you up to $400 for that thing! (more for a new phone, d’uh)

It’s super simple. Go to www.iphoneantidote.com and enter in the details of your phone. You’ll receive a quote of the amount of cash we’ll pay you, then you can choose whether you want to be paid via check, Paypal or Bitcoin (because we’re fancy like that).

You can use any box you might have lying around and we’ll mail you a pre-paid postage label, or we’ll mail you a pre-paid mailer box and all you need to do is slip your old stinky phone in it and mail it away to us and wait for your cash!

BAM! Shiny Happy Apple Watch wearing person!

Deals Of The Week Thursday !

No funny business, let’s get straight into some DEALS!

* Get a Pebble smart watch for just $80 from Best Buy! Combine that with the movers coupon (from your local post office) for another 10% off. Helllla good deal. Free shipping!

*Get $175 Gamestop credit towards a New Playstation 4 when you trade in your PS3 120GB or Higher/ XBOX 360 250GB or Higher. If you have the Gamestop App you will also be able to get 1 Year Free of Playstation Plus when you buy a PS4. Valid until 04/05/15

* Get a Samsung – 78″ Class (78″ Diag.) LED Curved  2160p  Smart  3D  4K Ultra HD TV for just $5999.98, from Best Buy and save $3000!

*~HELLA GOOOD DEAL ALERT~

Starting March 22nd, T-Mobile will pay off devices from AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon! This includes accounts of up to $650 per line. They are also guaranteeing that as long as you sign up during the time a promo is offered, you will get to keep that promo. AND Unlimited data is guaranteed not to change price for the next 2 years. Well played, T-Mobile. Check it out here!

* Grab this 55″ LG 1080p Smart 3D Curved OLED HDTV for only $1999.99 WITH free shipping from eBay. Current price of this product from Amazon is $3000!

* Get a good deal on a 7-Day Programmable Thermostat with Backlit Display from HoneyWell. Only $20 with Free Shipping!

*Finally, get out there and goPro with this deal on the GoPro HD HERO4 Black Edition 4K Action Camcorder,  for only $399.99 with free shipping from Groupon. Deal ends March 24.

Yay Deals!

iPhone 6S rumors already?

Yup, now that we’re over the Spring forward special media event, we now have WWDC to look forward to, and with that comes the rumors as to what actually will be revealed or announced at the annual conference. Which means, generally, a SHINY NEW IPHONE!

Yay!

We’re expecting iPhone 6S and iPhone 6 plus…S? iPhone 6S Plus? Not sure how that whole naming thing will work with the Plus, but unless Apple are upping the Ante with their iPhone release schedule, we shouldn’t expect an iPhone 7 until 2016.

If we’re looking at a ‘s’ update then we’re probably looking at incremental spec updates rather than anything astonishing design or capability wise, especially in the same year as the Apple Watch is released.

We’re probably looking at two different sized new models, just like the iPhone 6  and the iPhone 6 Plus. The bigger screens have proven successful for Apple and they should definitely be happy to continue in that direction. Although we would be very surprised to see them move any larger than the current 5.5 inches of the iPhone 6 Plus. There have been rumors of a new third size, a 4-inch iPhone to be released alongside the larger phones, to please those who are still attached to the size of the 5S.

We’ll be expecting the new iPhones to have brand spanking new A9 processors from Samsung, which will apparently be 15% smaller, 20% more powerful and 35% more power than the current A8 chips. Camera improvements are also on the cards, possibly a two lens system that would provide the iPhone with the ability to take DSLR quality photos, although this rumor is highly debated, as it would require a rather large chassis design change.

More RAM could be a possibility, going up to 2Gb from the current 1GB in the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 plus. The Touch ID feature as well as Siri would be expected to have some improvements. There have been rumors that the new iPhone could come with the new force touch haptic feedback seen on the Apple Watch, however that is a rumor not many are clinging to.

Then there are the constant rumors that have a little less credibility – that the new iPhones will start at 32GB instead of the beginning-to-be-too-meagre 16GB, that the new iPhones will have wireless charging (we wish!) and that the new iPhones will come with a mini unicorn that will grant you 3 wishes.

That one has far less credibility. Just sayin’

The new iPhones are, of course, believed to be announced at the Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco June 8th – 12th this year, which, at time of writing is 90 days, 16 hours 51 minutes and 42 seconds away. 

Following Apple’s previous release schedule, we should be looking at a September release.  

Shot on iPhone 6

After being slammed by Samsung for how much better the camera on it’s new Samsung S6 is in comparison to any iPhone camera, Apple has launched a worldwide “Shot on iPhone 6” advertising campaign involving 77 photographers, 70 cities and 24 countries.

The campaign features photography in magazines, billboards, newspapers etc and will be seen in countries all over the world including right here in the U.S.A, the UK, Thailand, Malaysia, Tokyo and the U.A.E.

Check out the World Gallery here to see some of the Amazing photos taken on an iPhone 6, and take a second to learn some of the tips they share on making your iPhone photography the best it can be.

If you’re interested in the Samsung S6 camera capabilities, check them out here, and if you’re thinking about crossing over – see how much we’ll give you for your iPhone here!  New phone AND cash? Did someone say Christmas came early this year?