RossMAN

easytim, what city are you in?

In this price range your choices are pretty limited. Hauppauge WinTV-GO TV Tuner for $19.99 with free shipping. Remember to check their retailer ratings before purchasing from them. This is an excellent TV Tuner (hardware encoding) but almost double the price http://forums.gottadeal.com/showthread.php?t=5717

Budget for the laptop? I've never heard of that problem with a USB flash drive having problems.

What was the final straw that made you decide on the NEC 3520?

Great find this is what I would buy. It also comes with TV-Out and DVI (for a flat panel LCD display).

I would try BiddingForTravel.com

I can see how someone might think it's airline related :) Welcome to the forums.

What are the benefits of the newer models (other than color display)?

I agree, it's selling for around $218 shipped http://www.gottadeal.com/deals-category-mp3players.html

No FM tuner?

Yep it's only a matter of time and can you get pre-approval from the wife for a future purchase?

You mean *cough* archive *cough* right?

Brad is right that all 3 choices are excellent and you can't really go wrong. I recently purchased a Dell UltraSharp 2005FPW widescreen LCD and it is simply stunning.

Are there any easy free DVD ripping/copying/encoding software applications available?

Good question. The CitiBank Dividend Platinum Select offers two main features: 1) 1% rebate saving another $5.612) FREE 1 year extended warranty after manufacturer's warranty has expired.

For only $13 more I'd definitely buy brand new and remember to use a good credit card like CitiBank VISA or MasterCard.

So now is the time to buy because waiting 8 months until Black Friday probably isn't going to save you any money.

Wow and you got it for $309 including taxes and shipping? Dayum even if you built a system from NewEgg.com you could not beat $309 considering the legal Windows XP Home license and support.

mrn8, That is a great deal, which Dimension model is that?

Agreed great job!

Any reviews of this yet?

How does AE's clothing compare to Old Navy?

I've seen some AE coupon codes floating around, 20% off IIRC. Next time I run across a coupon code I'll let you know.

What were the specs and price? The good ones go fast!

I wish it were $25 with free shipping but I'm a cheap ass :)