February, 2006

Since launching Bobby’s Best in December, I have received great feedback on the site as well as some good suggestions for improvements. Two weeks ago, I re-launched the site with an easier to use look and feel as well as new and reorganized categories. If you haven’t done so already, visit the new Bobby’s Best today.

This newsletter is designed to help you be a better consumer, I hope you enjoy it and as always, welcome any feedback.

Backing Up Your Data

A few years ago, losing your hard drive meant parting with some Word and Excel documents. That’s not the case today when you would likely be kicking yourself for losing important photos and your music collection. Don’t wait for something to go wrong before you develop a back-up system. Storage is getting cheaper and smaller by the day, making backing-up your data easier than ever.

Here are two good options for backing up your files:

Iomega External Hard Drive
External USB 2.0 Hardrive that has the capacity to back-up your entire computer...
Read Entire Review  |  Buy Now

Crucial Flash Drive
Mini “keychain” storage device that is perfect for moving files from computer to computer...
Read Entire Review  |  Buy Now

What’s Good

As part of my work for Judy’s Book, I have started taking frequent trips on Jet Blue to Seattle. Everyone has heard about the Direct TV, the all leather seats and the brand new planes, but what really stands out for me is how friendly everyone is from the pilots right down to the gate agents. I am learning that you can put up with a lot at the airport if you feel that people are acting in your best interest. Last week, my flight was running late and you could see everyone at the gate hustling to turn it around and get us out on time. It’s also not beyond the pilots to help clean the planes. Give Jet Blue a try, they are committed to low prices and better service in an industry that for the most part cares little about either. Also, don’t support a major carrier that temporarily lowers fares to match Jet Blue’s entry into a new market because you know that they will raise them at the first chance they get.

Speaking of Travel, check out Kayak.com, the latest edition to the new Travel Section. Kayak is a very cool travel search engine site which shows you best the possible prices based on your preferences from many different travel websites. As you change your variables on the left side of the page, the results automatically change on the right side without having to refresh. It’s cool stuff and extremely useful.

What's New

Free Directory Assistance
Annoyed at paying $1.50+ for directory assistance calls from your home and cell phone? Finally, there is a good alternative from a company called Free 411. Call (800) FREE-411 or (800) 373-3411 and get a free directory assistance call in exchange for listening to a ten second advertisement before you are given the number. Unless you make $90 an hour, it’s worth the wait. Remember to add the number to your cell phone as well and you will never pay for directory assistance again.

Win-Win-Win

If you have clothing or other small household items that you are looking to part with in the Greater Boston area, please contact the Big Brother Big Sister Foundation. They will come to your house to pick up your items (Win 1), your donation is tax deductible (Win 2) and the proceeds from your donation will help to support at risk children (Win 3).

Small Business Stuff

Getting your small or home based business off the ground is easier than ever.

Domain Names
Have a domain that you have been wanting to register, but held off because you think it's expensive or difficult? Visit discount domain provider Go Daddy.com and you can secure your domain for as little as $7.99 in about five minutes.

Search Engine Marketing
Great way to direct business to your website. With Yahoo Search Marketing, you select keywords that return your company’s information when entered into search engines. It’s easy to set-up a campaign in about 10 minutes. Try it out risk free with $25 in your account by using this coupon. You set the daily budget, so you have nothing to lose.

Electronic Fax Service
Efax is a great option for small businesses and entrepreneurs who don’t want to pay for a second phone line. Faxes are sent to a dedicated phone number and are forwarded to you as e-mail attachments which you can save to your computer or forward to others.

It's Easy to Support Bobby's Best
1. Forward this newsletter to a friend.
2. Purchase from the direct links on product review pages.
3. Purchase a product through our Expanded Affiliate Store