iPod Dock w/ AV cable and Remote Control $14.98

I recently received a request to find a nice stereo system that has the option of hooking up your iPod to play music.  I will post a 'nice system' later, but I wanted to mention this option.  This dock is actually an upgrade from what I use at home.  I bought an RCA to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter.  In other words: the red and white audio connectors go into one side of the adapter, and on the other side is a headphone jack that you can plug into your iPod or other mp3 playler.  You then plug the other end of the red and white cable into your audio system and play your music on your iPod.  (See photo below)

The dock allows you to rest your iPod in the dock and sit down and change the music with the remote.  This bundle doesn't come with it, but you could plug your standard Apple iPod cable in the back of the dock and use the Apple USB to plug adapter to charge your iPod.  So, when you do that, you can play music and charge your iPod/iPhone at the same time.  Just make sure your stereo has audio inputs and not just outputs.  You can get the above item at Buy.com for $14.98 - which is $7.99 for the dock and $6.99 for shipping.  Please let me know if you have any questions!

Product Request: Razor E100 Electric Scooter

Here is another Product Request example. My daughter wants an electric scooter for Christmas. Normal retail price is $112, some stores have them as cheap as $97 on sale.

I want to share the deal I found. Currently, Toys r us has the Razor E100 Electric Scooter - Daisy
on sale for $89 - which is a great price. However, if you recieved a Toys r us ad from Sunday's paper (11/21), there is a coupon for a $10 gift card when you spend $75.

This makes the final price $79! That's a great savings.

Let me know if you see any other great deals or have feedback on this item. Also, let me know if I can find a deal for you.

Product Request: Elliptical

I had a recent Product Request for an Elliptical. I did some research on ellipticals and according to Consumer Report, any elliptical under $2,000 is not worth purchasing. However, that is a bit steep for a first time buyer and I assume for the individual making this request. I found that if it is your first time purchasing an elliptical you will probably want to start with a more basic model.

I am going to start by giving you a few things you will want to consider when purchasing an elliptical:
1. What is your budget? There is a huge price range from $150 to $5,000+.  Only spend what you can afford.
2. Where will you be using it?  If you have a tiny space to place the elliptical trainer in, you won’t be able to buy a large commercial unit, even if you can afford it.
3. How will you be using it? Normal use would be considered using it up to 30 minutes per day for 2 people, every day of the week. Past this, you should step up 1 level in quality for every 30 minutes per day extra that it will be used.
4. What is your Weight? The weight of the users makes a difference in how the elliptical trainer will operate. Many ellipticals will start to have vibration problems, increased noise, and balance issues when user weight goes much over 200 lbs.

These are just a few things to keep in mind when purchasing an elliptical. I found a great buyer resource at the treadmill doctor.

Based on reviews and cost for the requester, I would recommend: Golds Gym Crosstrainer 480 or the Golds Gym Sapcesaver

Both models are a solid buy for a beginner and they are available through Walmart which makes them economical. However, the lesser Gold Gym models do not score so well on quality so I wouldn't choose a lesser model. Also, a standard elliptical trainer warranty is lifetime on the frame, 3 years on parts, and 1 year on labor. This means that most people won’t need an extended warranty.

This is not an item that has very many discounts available. Walmart probably has the best retail price.

The Crosstrainer 480 retails at Walmart for $397


For an even better deal I would recommend checking the classifieds where you could find these models for about half the price or an even better model for a similar price.

For example there is a good quality NordicTrack on KSL for $175. But, you do need to be extra careful when buying used to inspect and try out the equipment. There are no guarantees. You may be able to find an item that has been barely used at a great value.

I would recommend looking at KSL ads and then cross referencing the make and model at the Treadmill doctor to check the ratings and retail price of the elliptical.

If anyone has any further information to add on ellipticals, please add your comments. Let me know if you know of a great deal.

Product Request (Example): Fur Real GoGo My Walkin' Pup

Just as an example, my daughter really wants this Fur Real dog for Christmas. I was able to score a sweet deal by combining coupons at Target.

 Hasbro has released a few coupons here:

*Save $5/1 Hasbro Remote Control Iron Man
*Save $3/1 Hasbro on Monopoly U-BUILD Game
*Save $3/1 Transformers Combiners toy
*Save $5/1 FurReal Friends GoGo My Walking Pup
*Save $5/1 Nerf Stampede ECS
*Save $5/1 Baby Alive Simple Care For Me Doll

You can use the $5/1 FurReal coupon plus stack a $10/1 Target coupon here (click on the “Sporting Goods & Toy” category).

Buy 1 FurReal GoGo My Walkin’ Pup on a price-cut for $49

Use the $10/1 Target store coupon
Plus, stack with the $5/1
Final cost $34!

This is a great deal - The same toy is listed at Amazon for $46.87 FurReal GoGo My Walkin' Pup.

Want to find a great deal on a specific item for yourself or as a Holiday gift? Shoot me an e-mail with the subject line Product Request. I will do a similar search for you and show you how to score a great deal. 

Please leave a comment if you have any further product information regarding this product: FurReal Go Go Pup.