Volume 14, No. 3, Summer 2006	Previous Issues Subscribe to AT Messenger Download PDF Viewer
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The AT Bargain Basement

Marvin Williams, AT Specialist Kent County ATRC

Hello again, my friends, and welcome to the summer edition of the AT Bargain Basement. I’m Marvin Williams and I will be your guide through the world of AT bargains. For those of you who are regulars to the Basement, welcome back! If you are new, I should explain our rules of engagement. First, I try to find all of the AT bargains I can for $100 or less. Second, I try to find bargains available in local stores; however, some of my bargains are available on the Internet as well. Third, if you send me your bargain ideas, I will present them for my readership to marvel over, and I will credit you appropriately. Finally, I hope we all have fun here and learn about some things we may not have known were out there. Now, with that little bit of business behind us, let’s get to the bargains!

My first bargain comes from Uniden. In a previous installment of the Basement, I discussed a cordless Uniden phone with big buttons and increased volume for the hearing impaired. Well, Uniden is back with a nice combo phone for just under $100. The Uniden 5.8 GHz Analog Desktop Handset Combo with Digital Answering System gives you the same large button cordless handset with amplification, along with a large button desktop/countertop unit. Like the cordless hand set, the “corded” desktop unit has large buttons and a red flasher to alert you when the phone rings. It is also hearing aid compatible and has a spot to plug in a handset or a T-coil neck loop. The answering machine is digital so you don’t have to worry about running out of answering machine tape. However, if you get enough messages, you can run out of recording time. Both phones have call waiting, caller ID, and call waiting ID so you always know who’s trying to reach you. Also, the base unit has caller ID announce, so it will say the number calling you before you pick up. The unit retails for $89.99 and is available at Target. Better rush in and get one before they’re all gone!

My next bargain is one of the nicest tub grips I’ve ever seen. The Home Care by Moen Dual Tub Grip is great in that it has two grab bars of two different heights. The locking mechanism fits within the body of the tub grip so it’s not a tripping hazard. The handles are also textured to make them easier to hold onto with wet hands. The only downside is the price of $79.99. However, that is still low given the features and look of the grip. The Tub Grip is available from Sears as well as a few other distributors.

My third bargain is a cool item that would make a great gift. The Sportline 353 Talking Pedometer is a nifty little gadget. The name tells you just what it is—a talking pedometer. It also has a radio so you can listen to your favorite radio station while you’re walking. The pedometer will tell you number of steps, distance walked, and estimated calories burned. There is even a volume control on the headset so you don’t have to mess with the unit itself to turn the volume up or down. You can find it at Wal-Mart for around $30.

My final bargain for you is the Honeywell Twin Window Fan with Remote Control. This is a great little bargain because it is a nice and affordable way to keep cool during the summer months, and with energy prices on the rise, every little bit helps. I know, you’re thinking, “A fan? He’s lost his mind!” However, let’s look at it. This fan has a remote control and a thermostat for temperature regulation. The remote control is fully functional so you can use it to turn the fan off or on, up or down, set the temperature on the thermostat, or set the fan’s direction. I know…still wondering what the big deal is? Well, the remote is an infrared remote control. If you use a communication device that has the ability to control the TV or the stereo, you can control this fan too! You would need to know how to do infrared remote training to use this function. If you have any questions about that, feel free to contact me or your local AT Specialist. If we can’t help you with your device, we can get you in touch with your local manufacturer’s representative for assistance.

That will do it for this installment of the AT Bargain Basement. Thank you for joining me. I hope to see you again next time, and remember, just because it’s a bargain, doesn’t mean it’s cheap.