Get a 2nd

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. And find more great buys on the CNET Deals page.



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Moto 360 review: A worthy successor to last year’s model,…

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Ready for a wrist upgrade?

That’s what happens when you trade your regular wristwatch (or regular wrist) for a smartwatch: You get sexy watchfaces, invaluable notifications, voice-activated Google searches, heart-rate and fitness monitors and more.

But most models are pretty ugly, am I right? (I’m looking at you, Apple Watch and most Pebbles.) The one exception: Motorola’s round, sexy Moto 360 series. That $350 price tag, though…

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Gorgeous.


Motorola

For a limited time, and while supplies last, Daily Steals has the refurbished 2nd-gen Moto 360 smartwatch (black with leather band) for $144.99 shipped when you apply coupon code ChpsktJuly at checkout. That’s for the 42mm variety; if you want the larger, 46mm, version (which also upgrades you to a metal band), it’ll run you $159.99 post-coupon.

Take note that these refurbs may have “slight scratches that are only visible upon close inspection.” But Daily Steals also says that they’ve been “professionally refurbished” and should arrive in “excellent” condition. There’s a 30-day return policy should you find the condition to be otherwise, and a 60-day exchange option in case something goes awry. (You can also spring for a one-year replacement plan for $21.99 if you prefer the comfort of a full warranty.)

I’ve always loved the design of the Moto 360 — it looks like a real watch, not some geeky toy — and the 2nd-gen model mostly improves on the original. It still has that “flat tire” black bar at the bottom (home to an ambient light sensor, a valuable feature), but I never thought that was a big deal. Some users don’t care for it.

I’ll turn you over to CNET’s review for more insight, adding only that as much as I like the looks of the Moto 360, I’ve never cared for the Android Wear OS. I also think it’s a poor match for iPhones (as some features are hobbled), though a good friend of mine recently ditched his Apple Watch for a Moto 360 and says he likes the latter considerably more.

One other thing to consider: I’ve seen the original Moto 360 selling for as low as $79.99, so if you’re really looking to go cheap, sit tight for the next time that model rolls around. But if you prefer the latest and greatest, this is definitely the best deal to date on the 2nd-gen 360.

Your thoughts?

cambond-stylus-in-stand-mode.jpgcambond-stylus-in-stand-mode.jpgEnlarge Image

Can your pen do this?


Cambond

Bonus deal: Regular readers know of my fondness for pens that double as smartphone/tablet styluses and triple as smartphone/tablet stands. My favorite remains the 3-in-1 Ace Teah variety, but here’s a new, slightly different option worth considering: the Cambond 3-in-1 stylus pen 7-pack for $6.99 when you apply coupon code K58GJ62V at checkout. (Shipping is free for Prime subscribers.) Trust me, once you start using these to prop up your screen for hands-free reading/viewing, you’ll never want to carry a different pen.

Bonus deal No. 2: Good marketing requires great visual media: logos, icons, ads, background graphics and so on. Stencil is a browser-based graphic-design tool built with simplicity in mind and stocked with a huge library of photos, icons, graphics, etc. Normally a Stencil Unlimited subscription would run you $216 for one year, but ending very soon, AppSumo is offering a Stencil Unlimited lifetime subscription for $49. Really, really wish I’d had this when I was developing marketing media for my small biz.

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Get a 2nd


CNET

Buying an unlocked smartphone often feels like a Catch-22: You’re not tied to any one carrier (nor a two-year contract), but because the phone itself is unsubsidized, it can cost anywhere from $300 to $700 — maybe even more.

Today only, however, and while supplies last, Amazon has the 2nd-generation Motorola Moto G (8GB) for $149.99, shipped. Regular price: $179.99. (Spoiler: The G was already a killer deal. Now it’s just killer-er.)

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Amazon

To clarify a bit, this is actually Motorola’s third model to bear the G moniker, but technically it’s the second version of the phone. It debuted just three months ago, and I was immediately impressed by it. It’s inexpensive but doesn’t feel cheap. It’s a bit lightweight in a couple areas, but otherwise has all the right junk in all the right places.

In short, it’s a fantastic choice for anyone getting their first smartphone; parents seeking an inexpensive option for their kids; or anyone who simply can’t afford pricier models, yet still wants a robust handset.

I’ll refer you to CNET’s Moto G review for far more insight, but let me address a few of the main quibbles. First, the Moto G is a 3G phone; it doesn’t support 4G LTE technology. This probably reads as “instant deal-breaker” for some, but it all depends on how you use your phone.

For example, my house is without power at this very moment. I’m online via an old Sprint 3G hotspot (showing just three bars, incidentally). And you know what? Web pages load just fine, if a hair slower than usual. E-mail: fine. I even tried streaming from Spotify: worked fine.

Bottom line: Most of us are spoiled by 4G, but we can get along just fine on 3G. Especially on a phone.

Meanwhile, the G has “only” a 720p display, but it’s a super-roomy 5-incher, which to my eyes looks great. And although 8GB of storage isn’t much, there’s a microSD slot for adding up to 32GB more (at a price of around $15 to $20).

At $150 out the door, this phone is a steal. (You don’t have to take my word; check the downright gushing user reviews.) And I didn’t even talk about the swappable color backplates.

Bonus deal: If you’re serious about cord-cutting, you have to at least consider the combination of PlayOn and PlayLater. And I’ve never, ever seen it cheaper: lifetime PlayOn and PlayLater licenses for $19.99 (total, not apiece). But you’ll almost certainly want the HD versions, which brings your total to just $24.99. Neither product is perfect, but I do know PlayOn is the only way I’m able to stream episodes of “Shark Tank” to my Roku. And I’m seriously addicted.

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