iPad 1 Now Starting at $399

Now here's an announcement for all you Macheads on a budget.

If you don't mind last year's model, the iPad v.1 starts at just $400. Sure there's no dual-core A5 processor or dual cameras, but if you don't mind making a few sacrifices, you can walk away with a brand spankin' new (no refurb) iPad on the cheap(ish).

Apple Store via Engadget

Microsoft Office 2011 - Cyber Monday Sale

Want to get rid of the abysmal piece of software known as Microsoft Office 2008? Amazon has Office 2011 on sale for $79.99. As 9to5 Mac points out, it's a full $10 less than it was on Black Friday.

So get clicking and pick the Office that works for you.

Office 2011 - Student Teacher Edition

Office 2011 - 3 License

Office 2011 - Business Edition

Amazon via 9to5 Mac

Deal of the Day: Starbucks Now Has Free WiFi

Pretty much a done deal; just head into your local Starbucks, turn on your wifi enabled device, agree to the terms of service, and there you go. Free wifi.

Straight from the horse's mouth:

Starbucks will turn on free Wi-Fi with one click on July 1 at U.S. and Canadian company-operated stores as a part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing the customer experience.

So head out fire up the MacBook(Pro) or the iPod Touch and enjoy free WiFi with your latte.

via Starbucks

Windows 7 Alert

Hey guys! Guess what? Not saying that Win7 is crap - it isn't- but what's the message behind selling 3 PCs for the price of ONE Macbook Pro?

Sure we can argue the merits of a low price during a recession but that doesn't seem to rain on Apple's parade that keeps reporting crazy quarterly numbers. The pricing strategy makes sense if this was a pricing war; Apple clearly does not engage in any pricing wars with their hardware instead they focus portraying their products as high-end/high-quality, crafted devices.

You're buying 3 friggin' HP PCs (a desktop, laptop, & netbook) from Best Buy; nothing in this sentence evokes 'high-end', 'high-quality', 'crafted' or even 'easy' as adjectives.

In the 90's I think this would've been the equivalent of drilling a 10-yard field goal - a no brainer as it were - but the landscape has changed. Windows is no longer a requirement to computing. Viable OS options have opened up the market and consumers' eyes. The new consumers have become more aware of the things their gadgets can do; as a result the need to accommodate their digi-lifestyle becomes not just a matter of in-store price but what you can offer for the next 2 years.

Folks, especially Mac users that must use Win OS at any given point, try out Win7. It's good for what it is. You won't switch but it isn't a dreadful experience. People on the fence go for the deal if you think it will save you money - just remember that you'll be at Best Buy fighting off the People of Walmart AND some asshole teenager that swears you need a $300 Monster ethernet cable for your wireless home network.

via FakeSteve.Net