Marcster

If you are handy with tools, workbenches are pretty straightforward. You can get your tabletop pre-cut at the lumber yard if to make it more manageable (especially if you don't have a table saw. I built my computer desk last Fall (not quite a workbench, but it's similar) -- it's on wheels 'cause wheels are cool! I have a different computer now so things look a little different: http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b399/Marcster2005/Remod/Desk/100_1426.jpg

My wife wanted to buy her goddaughters Uggs but decided against it since their feet are still growing. She ended up getting them some boots from Aéropostale. They look just like Uggs. They came in two colors and were tucked into a corner of the store... Worth a shot.

Lowe's has their own "in house" brand now, called Perfect Flame. We bought one last July, I'm happy with it... Ours was $200, I'm sure they have cheaper models though. http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b399/Marcster2005/Stuff/DSC00096.jpg Look for sales for Memorial Day and 4th of July!

Go through the link in the first post of this thread...

We get tires at Sam's Club. Best prices I've found and the warranty is nice.

And heat!!! It was crazy when I had two 19" LCDs going in my home office! http://s23.photobucket.com/albums/b399/Marcster2005/Smileypad/Weather/WE1Melting02HL2.gif

They just dropped the price of the 4GB to $16.49.

No.... just joking. http://s23.photobucket.com/albums/b399/Marcster2005/Smileypad/LOL/gigglegirl.gif

http://s23.photobucket.com/albums/b399/Marcster2005/Smileypad/Threads/fixed.gif

Thank your DH for his service. http://s23.photobucket.com/albums/b399/Marcster2005/Smileypad/Flags/usa2.gif I think a lot of the issues you are having with Skype have to do with the distance that the voice data has to travel... If you use Skype for a domestic call, do you have the same troubles?

Go for it...

http://s23.photobucket.com/albums/b399/Marcster2005/Smileypad/Doh!/doh2-vi.gif Thanks. Fixed.

http://www.tgifridays.com/images/half-off/halfoff.gif Print yours: http://www.tgifridays.com/08RPRP_lunch_home.htm

Can I suggest Skype as a replacement??? Occasionally calls get a little static or echo-y, but they never "drop". For casual conversation, Skype is tough to beat. Unlimited outgoing-only calling is about $3/month (USA & Canada). If you want a phone number (to allow incoming calls) and voicemail, it's essentially $5 more/month. You can buy a Skype-compatible phone that plugs into your router so you won't need to keep a computer on 24/7...

4GB is now $16.99, still with free shipping! And they've added the 8GB card offer too!

Don't worry, I have [youAF] on my list too!

You'll have to leave that computer on all the time to make and receive calls -- turn off the computer and inbound calls go to voicemail...

Bingo! Smallwood hit it right on the head! From the Magic Jack TOS (Terms of Service): http://www.magicjack.com/1/tos.asp The adware service is bad enough, but the tie-in to the required "service announcements" is the deal breaker -- imagine wanting to make a call and having to sit through a 30-second pre-recorded commercial before your outbound call starts dialing. That may sound far-fetched, but it is certainly within their TOS. Also, they don't say where these ads will display, they may be banner ads within the Magic Jack software, or they could be pop-ups that appear randomly while using your computer or surfing the 'net. Sometimes a deal is too good to be true. Compare what you have to give up to Skype's Skype-in service which is unlimited calls in and unlimited calls to US and Canada for $8.00/month, still much cheaper than Vonage but without the sneakiness of Magic Jack's adware service.

It's cheaper to buy a video card for a desktop elsewhere (Newegg.com, ClubIT.com, etc.), and they are very easy to install. For instance, Dell wants $150 for a 256MB 8600GT video card. Here is the same thing for $60 after a $30 MIR: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130085 (and EVGA makes a nice card). Just make sure to download the latest graphics drivers from the nVidia (or AMD, as appropriate) web site. The drivers on any included CD are always dated.

You can use your current monitor, add a monitor to your order, or buy a monitor separately... Oh, and folks, if you are getting the desktop, I strongly suggest either adding a video card to your order or adding one after you get the desktop. It would be a cryin' shame http://s23.photobucket.com/albums/b399/Marcster2005/Smileypad/Sad%20Upset/cry1.gif to saddle a great processor like the Quad-Core Q6600 to onboard Intel graphics. Talk about a bottleneck. http://s23.photobucket.com/albums/b399/Marcster2005/Smileypad/Alcohol/bot.gif

I have two B&D tape measures (non-auto), they're both fine. A good 25' tape measure costs about $10, so to have the auto feature and be able to extend it 7' in the air for vertical measurements are great perks.

http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImage/5d052ce9-0562-45e6-aaf8-636b1d3d7ef3_300.jpg The Black & Decker AutoTape is perfect for around the house use when you can't seem to find that extra hand. You can extend and retract with the push of a button for one handed operation and ease of use. You can use as a powered or manual tape measure for versatility and continuous use and has over a 7 Ft. stand-out that is perfect for vertical measurements. * Blade stands out over 7 feet * Over mold grips and belt clip for convenience * Use as powered or manual tape measure * Extend and retract with the push of a button * MFG Brand Name : Black & Decker * MFG Model # : ATM100 * MFG Part # : ATM100 $10.00 (normally $19.50), plus FREE shipping through 3/28. View a product demo and order here: http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?jspStoreDir=hdus&catalogId=10053&productId=100081220&navFlow=3&keyword=atm100+&langId=-1&searchRedirect=atm100&storeId=10051&endecaDataBean=com.homedepot.sa.el.wc.catalog.beans.EndecaDataBean%401ab5d6d2&ddkey=Search The tape measure's tape is 25 feet long -- it's listed under the specifications tab.

You could check for one on ebay within driving distance... I looked for one a while ago but it was too far of a drive to be worthwhile (are you lucky?) They're kind of heavy to ship... pickup is the best way. Check Craig's list too.

To my knowledge, no it is not available anywhere else. I have a friend that has the Navigon 5100. He really likes it, but says that the traffic feature is practically useless. He's driven to Philly and NYC using it and the Navigon has said indicated smooth sailing a few times during a few trips but he was left sitting in traffic jams.

http://s23.photobucket.com/albums/b399/Marcster2005/Smileypad/Banners/N1read.gif To some of our GDers – do not post replies on how to obtain a “free” copy of Microsoft Office by downloading it through an illegal file exchange. Illegal file exchanging is specifically why Microsoft is making this generous offer in the first place! Ask yourself these questions: Do you walk into store and stuff items in your pockets and walk out?Do you go to a fancy restaurant and skip out without paying?Do you fill your tank at the gas station and drive off?Do you take money out of the bartender's tip cup?Probably not, right? Well, why is it OK to steal software? http://s23.photobucket.com/albums/b399/Marcster2005/Smileypad/Jobs/cop.gif If the $59.95 fee is too much, then use OpenOffice from www.openoffice.org.