If you have any of the major computer chains in your area, they're always offering CD burners and hard disks with ridiculously low prices "after rebate." The downside, of course is that you have to have the cash or credit to pay the full price up front and wait 8 weeks for the rebate check. But looking in the ads our paper had last Sunday, I see a CD burner for $19 after rebate (Norcent brand, which I don't recognize, 52x24x52, $69.99 up front cost). As for Hard drives, there's a 40gB Maxtor for $89.99 up front with a $40 rebate, a 120 gB Maxtor for $159.99 with $50 in rebates on up to a 250 gB Western Digital for $329.99 and a $100 rebate. These prices came from Best Buy and Comp USA circulars. Even if you're in the boonies, all the major chains have internet sales sites, and bestbuy.com is even offering free shipping right now (I don't remember exactly what's eligible).

Now, if you could find a knowledeable clerk in any of these places, THAT would be priceless! But if you know what you're doing, just about everything you need will be on sale at some point.