Is there such a thing as “free lunch?”
September 6th, 2007, 2:43 pm by robbyn brooksI dunno about lunch. But there’s some other free stuff that’s making me a happy camper these days.
Looking for a free (and legal) way to find your favorite tunes and listen to them online?
Gotcha c
overed. Visit http://www.finetune.com and create your own profile and playlists. The service was created and is maintained by the survivors of Napster, Gigabeat and Listen.com. It’s perfect for listening to tunes at the office or at home. No, it isn’t a program to download the tracks to your mp3 player, although there is an option to purchase the tracks for use on iTunes. It’s specifically for listening enjoyment through the site. I haven’t found a song that isn’t on finetune.com yet. From Frank Sinatra to Gym Class Heroes, with even a little Bananas in Pajamas mixed in for the kiddies.
Tired of paying for 411 calls? Now you don’t have to.
Sure, it might take a little more effort or be a little less convenient. But hey…if it keeps the green in your wallet, isn’t it worth it?
Now there’s no more paying a buck 99 for 411 calls. There’s a free 411 service you can use.
Just dial 1-800-FREE-411 and be amazed.
Be warned, you will have to listen to a 20 or so second commercial. But then, there is your number. You can even have the number sent via text message to your phone if you don’t have a pen handy.
Standard text messaging fees apply. However, most people pay for their messaging service as part of a bundle plan. So, it’s really no big deal.
Even better than that program, in my opinion, is Goog-411, brought to you by Google labs.
There are no
ads to listen to AND this service connects you for free. The only downside is that it is completely automated. If the computer doesn’t understand what you are saying, there is no human backup that eventually comes on the line. 1-800-Goog-411 has been successful for me every time I’ve used it.
Another free way to get your number is to use Google sms. Yup. It’s on your phone, too.
All you need is text messaging capability on your cell phone.
Text the name of the business you are looking for along with the city and state to GOOGL (46645) and wait a few seconds for a reply. Google will text back about four choices in and around your location. It’s really simply and I’ve begun to use the service a few times a week.
Last on the free stuff alert list is http://www.freecycle.org.
Be sure to check that site out. You can sign up and see what other members in your area are looking to unload for
free. Sometimes it’s pets, sometimes furniture and appliances. Chances are, if you are looking for something, someone there has it.
You guys have any other suggestions for freebies? Let us know!

