This is a wise move by Canonical.  Giving their users a legal option for playing their media will encourage more software and companies to also invest in Ubuntu and all Linux media alike.  The announcement doesn’t quite make it clear, but it sounds like the Medibuntu repository will still be available with instructions for Ubuntu users to download similar codecs for free– illegally in many countries.  The adoption of the legal, non-free software will depend largely on how it is marketed inside Ubuntu.  That is, when you try to play an MP3 for the first time, will a dialog prompt you to purchase MP3 support, or offer an easier link to Medibuntu and the ubuntu-restricted-extras package?

One of the reasons that I moved to Ubuntu in the first place was so I could have software I wanted, free and legally.  It’s nice to finally have the option of legal media codecs as well.  What do you think of the announcement?  Will you pay the $40 for most non-free media codecs, or the additional $50 for DVD support?

• Karmic Koala – Ubuntu for the real world
• A New Year, A New OS

This seems like a really cool service to me.  I also appreciate that it ranks plans not only based on price, but the service coverage in your area.  We’ve posted ways to save money with online services before, but this is the best one I’ve seen for the cell phone service market.  I’m stuck in a 2-year contract now, but I’ll be sure to check this out next time I’m looking to change my cell plan.

[ via Techcrunch ]

• In Review: GrandCentral
• Shopping Online Frugally

• Google Products / Yahoo! Shopping: This is generally the starting point for all my shopping trips. Both of these sites index products at a vast array of vendors, so it’s easy to search and sort by lowest price. Amazon has a similar feature with it’s “Marketplace,” but I believe it’s a little more exclusive about which vendors it lists.
• Ebay / Craigslist: Of course, if you don’t mind a little dust, everything’s cheaper when you buy it used. Ebay has just about everything you could want being auctioned at very low prices. You can generally save even more with Craigslist, because it cuts out the middle-man, and personal listing are grouped by locality.
• Slickdeals: If you’re just browsing for deals, this is the place to go. Slickdeals is a community based on aggregating the best deals on the ‘net. Check back daily for limited-time offers, which often include products free-after-rebate.
• PriceAmbush: This is sort of the opposite idea; if you know what you’re looking for, but in no hurry to get it, enter the product here. This site scans online stores for the best prices, and emails you when your product falls below a certain target price you set. Pretty cool.
• RetailMeNot: And finally, this is often where I go right before checkout. RetailMeNot is another community-driven site, that compiles a list of coupon codes for all sorts of online retailers. Often you can get a quick 10% off or free shipping on a product you were already intending to make.

• In Review: GrandCentral
• Ditching Soda For Water