Fresh on the heels of introducing its Games Downloads store, Amazon has created a Video Games Trade-In Store. This move will likely take a bite out of Gamestop’s lucrative trade-in business. In my tests, trade-in values seem to be somewhat on the low side but I suppose you can expect to sacrifice some trade-in value for ease of exchange. So while you can almost certainly get more money for your used games via Ebay or Craigslist this method is almost certainly more convenient. Does anyone know how these values compare to what Gamestop offers in their stores? If so, leave me a comment below.
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Today Amazon introduced its new venture into digital downloads for games. So far the new Game Download store contains 600 ‘casual games’ that can be played without the need for physical media (remember optical media is dying). Titles range in price from $6.99 to $9.99, with older games costing less. Additionally, games can be demoed for 30 minutes before the need to purchase. This move places Amazon in competition with Yahoo Games and Valve’s Steam service. Unfortunately, Amazon’s service is currently limited to PCs. Mac users out there can try out the Mac Games Arcade.

Also, for a limited time you can get three titles for free!

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Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year. Lots of food, the start of the college football bowl games and no work for at least two days. It’s also because I give the best gifts. I get to give all the cool, noisy toys to my niece and nephews because those toys aren’t coming home with me, they’re going to their house! There are also some other traditions besides ol’ Uncle Billy giving the best gifts. For instance, playing “who gets the swirly?” For those of you that don’t know, a swirly is when you get turned upside down over the toilet and get your head flushed. It’s great fun for all the family. Works great for younger cousins, nieces, nephews and even sometimes (like this year perhaps) older sisters….. And probably my favorite Christmas tradition is the Family Movie! We all pile in one car (how, I’m not sure) and drive the 45 minutes to the only theater in town and enjoy some popcorn and two hours of relative quiet. Of course, this was a lot easier when movie tickets were $2 a piece and the popcorn was just about free. Now with the price of gas up, movie tickets out of control and popcorn prices soaring due to biofuels, who can afford to go to the movies? Well, not to worry. The jolly ol’ staff here at Zaphu has you covered! Here are our top 10 Christmas movies (that you can rent or buy for cheaper than a movie ticket) to get you through. Who knows, you might even start a new tradition. read more » »

There are only 17 shopping days left until Christmas and if you’re looking for an online bargain you may want to check out ShoppingNotes. This site offers services similar to Savvy Circle, but ShoppingNotes is more versatile. In fact, ShoppingNotes will keep track of any product available online and notify you of prices changes. Searching for sales couldn’t be easier; there is nothing to install and the service is completely free. Happy shopping!
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I know this is not a typical technology post, but I wanted to say Happy Birthday to all the other Devil Dogs out there! On April 19, 1775, British troops fire on Minutemen on Lexington (Mass.) Common and the American Revolution begins. Then, on 10 November, 1775, the Continental Congress authorizes two battalions of American Marines to be raised. Sam Nicholas set up shop at Tun Tavern to recruit and the finest fighting force the world has ever seen was born. In 1921, Commandant General John A. Lejeune issued Marine Corps order 47, series 1921, summarizing the history, mission and tradition of the Corps. The order also directed that it be read to all Marines on November 10th to celebrate the founding of the Marine Corps. Since that time, Marines have come to celebrate the birthday in a number of ways. Yes, including that age old tradition of fine beer! So, in honor of the birthday of our beloved Corps, open a frosty cold one and check out the links below for some history and fun facts about the Corps! Semper Fi! read more » »