Cheap alternatives for expensive accessories?

[jasondv]

I'm doing an article for budget conscious people, and the main focus is cheaper alternatives for expensive accessories. Since Mac users are more apt to accessorize their machines and Mac accessories tend to be more expensive than PC counterparts, I thought this forum would be a good place to ask my question.

Scanning through other threads, here are some sample ideas:

• 3M Bump-Ons instead of Speedballs
• 3M high performance cleaning cloth instead of the RadTech ScreenSaverz
• Twist ties instead of the Smart Wrap

Any ideas you guys can add?

[Edited on 10-12-2004 by jasondv]

[Arel]

Instead of the Screensaverz, I use the "lining" that came w/ the 'Book's original packaging.

[daxdagr8t]

use a sock as an ipod case.

make an ipod sleeve out of laminating paper.

[bagwis]

Pranella would be an ok alternative for Screen Saverz too.

[weremermaid]

Crochet or knit your own iPod case. Then add the beads, seed pearls, buttons for added pizzaz.

Glue swarovski crystals to your iPod for that home-made bling-bling look. Deja vu!

[Edited on 10-12-2004 by weremermaid]

[Adel]

In a pinch, when you just can't find the real kind of PRAM battery for your big desktop Macs and need to get it up and running, you can use a regular CR2 camera battery in its place.

The CR2 is easily available at any photo store. The real PRAMS can be had at computer stores and in Radio Shack, but you can save P100-P150 with CR2s.

A couple of caveats though:

1. Make sure the battery is the right kind for your Mac; some desktops have different requirements, but the garden variety G3 and G4 desktops can use the CR2.

2. The CR2 is just slightly bigger than the regular PRAM. Be careful when you slot it in lest you break the arms of the plastic battery cradle. (Di ba, penmanila?)

[penmanila]

that's right, adel . just think of it as a kind of permanent retrofitting for the cheaper PRAM battery

Originally posted by Adel


2. The CR2 is just slightly bigger than the regular PRAM. Be careful when you slot it in lest you break the arms of the plastic battery cradle. (Di ba, penmanila?)

[maryannemoll]

hi. what's a twist tie and what's a smart wrap? wala ako nun ah.

[Adel]

Originally posted by maryannemoll
hi. what's a twist tie and what's a smart wrap? wala ako nun ah.

A twist tie is that little flat plastic-wrapped wire people use to twist around rolls of wire and electrical cords or tie closed the plastic bag of a loaf of bread and things like that. I'm sure you have some around the house, and throw them out with the packaging of your new stuff. I obsessively keep them around, because you can always use them again.

A smart wrap looks like this:



It's the green thing.

Philmuggers use them for their iPod earphone cords mostly. I have a translucent one. They are available at a discount at Mugger Charlie Paw's stores in Virra Mall, and have been mentioned many times in many threads in this forum.

[rbpops]

by the way, a little OT, where is Charlie's store exactly. tried to look for it numerous times. i have seen @games. but not charlie's. anyone with specific directions?