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August 2003: Paul Smith - I, Blagmeister
They say there's no such thing as a free lunch. Well, as anyone who's ever faked a heart attack in Pizza Hut will tell you, they're wrong. I regard myself as something of an expert in the ancient art of the Blag. Be it a free Helicopter ride (June 03) or entrance to National Trust property (I went over the Ha-Ha in July) I like to think I can avoid having to reach into my pockets. Some people would call me tight. Many people have. I prefer to see myself as Alvin Hall's wet dream: someone who doesn't spend money on such unnecessary expenses as parking.
This month's dramatic story of a drive-by blagging attempt involves the good people of Belkin, whose product range I'm sure you're familiar with. From a humble keyboard adaptor or USB hub to wireless LAN access points and UPS gear, there's not much in the world of I.T. connectivity that they don't do. I had a problem that only they(ish) could help me with. I'll explain:
The other day I needed to use my laptop, in the middle of a wood, for four hours, without access to a generator. It's quicker and easier if I don't tell you why. The battery lasts about 90 minutes, and I can't afford two more, so it seemed I was up that creek we're all so familiar with. And I don't mean Jonathan. I poked about on the 'net for an answer and lo, I found what I was looking for on the site of a well-known retailer whose name is an anagram of WRC PLOD. They sell a product called AC Anywhere that plugs into a 12v cigar lighter (or an adaptor attached to a car battery in the middle of a wood) and gives you a standard 3-pin 240v output. You can draw 300 watts / 1.25 amps continuously, which is enough to run a telly, DVD player or just about anything which doesn't need to heat up to work.
What a handy bit of kit! Recharge your camcorder battery while driving or take a proper sized telly and your PlayStation2 camping. Ooh, hello stereotypical sailor. Speaking of seamen, these are also good for boats fitted with 12-volt circuits. Obviously you can buy 12v TVs etc. but why go to the expense of owning such infrequently used items when this single adaptor lets you use your existing 240v equipment in the same environment? Buying one wouldn't be being tight; it'd be an astute financial decision. Personally, after an exchange of e-mails with Belkin I managed to blag mine, but I still maintain that at a mere £40-60 no home should be without one. It's a gadget that should be on your shelves! Sell! Sell! Sell!
Finally, I've just learnt a way of making money from being such a tight-arse. I push coal up there and it comes out as diamonds.
Paul Smith is still 'resting'. Job offers to info@snapsandbytes.co.uk please.
483 scrimping, penny-pinching, frugal, thrifty words Dale. That'll be £30 please :-)