So, the credit crunch isn’t going anywhere in a hurry. But while the economy goes to the wall, you can use your tech–based skills to save yourself a packet and look like the gadget don in front of your pals.These services will see you right and should give your bank balance some respite before this winter’s Christmas present destroying gas bill drops on the door mat.Skypewww.skype.comVoIP has never been more important than it is now. Skype remains the Daddy and all you need is an internet connection and the ability to type your name into the registration form. Don’t forget you can use it on your mobile too (as long you’re rocking Symbian S60). Either way, it’ll make big phone bills a thing of the past.3 Mobile Broadbandwww.3.co.ukProper broadband connections cost you cash you could be spending on Tesco Value loo roll and own brand ketchup. Mobile Broadband’s cheap and also means you can get online wherever you are. 3’s deals are great and start at just a tenner a month.O2 Simplicitywww.o2.co.ukSIM only deals are increasingly popular. You might not get the phone of your dreams, but that’s not the point. O2’s Simplicity (see what they did there) costs £20 a month and you get 600 minutes and unlimited texts every month. Plus you can jump ship whenever you want.BBC iPlayerwww.bbc.co.uk/iplayerThe iPlayer has been a revelation. And let’s face it, half the tat on TV isn’t worth watching (ITV, we’re looking at you). Download iPlayer shows for nothing and you won’t ever have to worry about the TV eating up valuable cash in leccy bills and licence fee. Plus you’ll actually do stuff rather than vegetate in front of the box.We7We7.comBuying music is a costly business. And short of thieving tunes, We7 is the best way to get tracks for nowt. You’ll have to put up with an ad at the start of every track, but that drops once you’ve played them a few times. You’ll stay on the right side of the record labels too. Because that’s important, obviously.Like these? Then check out our 5 gadgets to beat the credit crunch too!
Drunken Max September 12, 2008 08:09
Do you need a TV license for the iPlayer?
antonymcf September 12, 2008 20:51
no, 100% free :D
mike.bignell September 12, 2008 22:31
How about getting a 3 Skypephone S2? That then sorts out the Skype, the mobile and the mobile broadband as the S2 can act as a mobile broadband modem...all without breaking the bank!
jakestarnes September 13, 2008 17:46
Just so you all know, though the iPlayer is free, you still need to buy a tv license. The terms say "You need a TV Licence to use any television receiving equipment such as a TV set, digital box, DVD or video recorder, PC, laptop or mobile phone to watch or record television programmes as they're being shown on TV."
So not free at all!
schauhan50 September 15, 2008 12:18
I have checked this out and know for a fact no tv licence is required to use the iPlayer service as there is no live television. Only recorded television programs. It's just like letting a friend borrow a dvd of a recorded eastenders episode on. The iPlayer is great for students like myself to watch programs for free.
mike.bignell September 15, 2008 14:51
You don't need a TV licence for iPlayer. Not until they start live streaming on there. Here's the proof... http://iplayerhelp.external.bbc.co.uk/help/about_iplayer/tvlicence
schauhan50 September 15, 2008 19:35
excellent work mike