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CNET’s Cheapskate scours the Web for great deals on PCs, phones, gadgets and much more. Questions about the Cheapskate blog? Find the answers on our FAQ page.
I suspect at this point most Cheapskate readers own more streaming media boxes/sticks than they do actual televisions. But just in case…
Today only, and while supplies last, Efurb has the refurbished current-generation (2015) Roku 3 with voice search for $79.99, shipped. That’s $20 off the list price — and, wait, it gets better.
Roku
Efurb being Efurb, the Roku 3 is covered by a one-year warranty. Big deal, you say? Actually, it is a big deal, because Roku offers only a 90-day warranty, even on new streamers. So for less than the price of a new Roku 3, you actually get one with four times the coverage.
What’s more, if you haven’t already signed up for an Efurb account, you can do so here and get $10 in free starter money. (Full disclosure: That also puts $10 in my Efurb account. But it’s the only way I can figure to get you your credit.) That would bring your out-the-door price down to $69.99.
So, why buy a Roku 3 (even at that price) when you can get Chromecasts, Fire Sticks and whatnot for even less? Fair question. I’ll turn you over to CNET’s review for all the details, but the key advantages here are the built-in voice search, the still-unmatched headphone jack in the remote, and the fact that you actually get a remote — one with shortcut buttons for Amazon, Hulu and Netflix.
All that stuff may seem minor, but I can honestly say I love those features. Love is not a strong enough word; I lurve them.
To recap, then, it’s a current-gen Roku 3 with a better warranty than you get from Roku, all for $20-$30 less. Yes, please!
Bonus deal: Speaking of video, do you have video files you need to convert from one format to another? Today only, the newly redesigned (and much improved) Giveaway of the Day has Aiseesoft Video Converter Ultimate (Win) for free. Normally $45, this utility supports nearly every video type and can also enhance and upscale your vids. Note that you must download, install and activate the program today, otherwise you’ll be left with the trial version.
