Computers/Hardware Deals, Sales, and News

Oqo has released details of its forthcoming model 02, the replacement to the highly-successful Oqo 01+ ultraportable computer. The 01+ was used for GW Micro's SmallTalk Ultra. Depending on the configuration ordered, The new model features a 1.2 to 1.5GHZ CPU, up to a 60GB hard drive, and 1GB of memory. Prices start at $1,499, which undercuts Sony's ultraportable PC offering. As we find deals for this new computer, we'll post them here.

Currently on Ebay, a seller has listed an APH tabletop 4-track cassette player/recorder with a current bid of $20.00. The battery has been removed, but the seller says that the item appears to work properly. Read the item description carefully before bidding. Auction ends January 8.

Currently on Ebay, a seller has listed a Thiel Braille Embosser, the Beta X3, with a starting bid of $10. The catch? The item is available for pick-up only from the New York School for the Blind. Still, if you can arrange transportation to New York, even a flight, it may be worth doing as this embosser prints at 150 characters per second and was top-of-the-line for its time. That's assuming it works, of course. Auction ends January 12.

Buy.com has the Acer Aspire AS3050-1594 Notebook, which includes a 1.8GHz Sempron processor, 512MB DDR2 memory, 40GB hard drive, DVD/CDRW drive,
Windows XP Media Center edition, and 14.1" display for $499.99. With free shipping, that's a $59 drop from our mention earlier this week and one of the best budget laptop deals we've seen recently..
Add a two year warranty for $110. Update: This item is no longer available.

Buy.com has the Acer Aspire AS3050-1594 Notebook, which includes a 1.8GHz Sempron processor, 512MB DDR2 memory, 40GB hard drive, DVD/CDRW drive,
Windows XP Media Center edition, and 14.1" display for $558.75. With free shipping, we couldn't find this particular laptop for less elsewhere. Add a two year warranty for $110.

A seller has listed a Romeo RB40 braille embosser on Ebay for a starting bid of $299.99 plus $65 for shipping. This is one of the better deals we've seen for an embosser on Ebay that is advertised as working. This model is from the early 90s and prints single-sided braille at up to 40 characters per second. And for the history buffs, they're including a copy of Duxbury on 5 and a quarter inch floppies. Auction ends January 3.

We've expanded our search for CCTV's on Ebay at the Auction Gateway. Currently, there's 9 of them listed including a newer Sense View and several Telesensory models. Use the link on this post to view them.

A seller has listed a used Optacon on Ebay with a current bid of $36. The item is advertised as having a battery that won't hold a charge, but this unit may be repairable. Read the auction closely before making a decision. Auction ends the morning of December 29.

Amazon.com has the Sony Vaio VGN-UX280P Micro PC for $1,699.99. Now, take an additional $100 off for a price of $1,599.99. With free shipping, it's the lowest price we could find for this ultraportable computer. This computer is similar in size to the OQO and is more powerful, with an Intel Core Solo 1.2GHZ processor, 40GB hard drive, 1GB memory, built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, USB 2.0, speaker, and support for Cingular's broadband network. Use a docking cable to plug in other devices. Rebate ends January 16.

Amazon.com has the Sony Vaio VGN-UX280P Micro PC for $1,699.99. With free shipping, it's the lowest price we could find for this ultraportable computer. This computer is similar in size to the OQO and is more powerful, with an Intel Core Solo 1.2GHZ processor, 40GB hard drive, 1GB memory, built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, USB 2.0, speaker, and support for Cingular's broadband network. Use a docking cable to plug in other devices. Of note, a mail-in rebate cuts an additional $100 off the price, though you must order by December 19 to get it.

If you're looking for a new braille writer, there are quite a few currently listed on Ebay. Most have current bids of $100 to $200, which is several hundred dollars less than a new unit. Use the link on this post to see the current list.

The Oqo 01+ Ultra Personal Computer with 1ghz processor, 512MB RAM, 30GB hard drive, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Windows XP Home fell to $1,199 at oqo.com. This is the same hardware as the Small-Talk Ultra from GW Micro, though some acccessories like the external burner and keyboard are not included when buying from Oqo direct. Add $49 for shipping. Of note, switch to Windows XP Pro for an additional $100. This is a good bet for people who already have a screen reader but still want the portability of the Oqo.

A seller has posted a Power Braille 65 on Ebay with a starting bid of 99 cents. The unit is sold as is, but the seller says it does power on and shows braille. Power adapter is not included, but is available. A 30-day return policy is listed on the auction page. As with all Ebay listings, buyers should research thoroughly before committing to bid. Auction ends on December 11. Update: There is a reserve price on the auction, meaning that if it sells below a certain amount, the seller is not obligated to go forward with the transaction.

Freedom Scientific continues to offer factory reconditioned hardware notetakers and embossers. Items generally include a one-year warranty. For example, Pac Mate BNS and TNS units cost $995, Braille Lite 18 units are $895, and Braille Blazer embossers are $995. This is 30-70% off regular retail, though some of these items are no longer being produced. These prices do not include shipping.