Ask HN: How to spend $90 on software

3 points by moubarak 12y ago ↗ HN

I have a VISA gift card containing $90 and i want to spend it buying software. i tried to use it with iTunes but that didn't work because it has no billing address.

i'm a software engineer and i work on image processing. What software do you guys recommend worth buying. It could be anything since i'm willing to give it a try if you guys think it's worth $90.

In other words, what software first comes to your mind if you had an extra $90?

10 comments

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adamtaa 12y ago ↗

One website immediately comes to mind. Jetbrains.com It depends on what you want but for $90 i have found much that is useful there.

moubarak 12y ago ↗

Their IDEs are awesome..unfortunately they're over $90. Thanks for the pointer though i'll add them to my wish list.

ronyeh 12y ago ↗

Some folks are fans of: http://www.sublimetext.com/

Or you can buy a few years of: https://lastpass.com/

moubarak 12y ago ↗

i see you are a mobile developer. i am a mobile developer too. i learned some vim back when i babbled in web development a bit, but i find it very difficult when it comes to camera apps on android/ios. Do you think i should try harder or are text editors like sublime are not made for that purpose..im curious. cheers!

P.S. LastPass looks great..ill probably go for it

ronyeh 12y ago ↗

When coding for iOS / Android, I'd just use the recommended IDEs – XCode / Android Studio.

moubarak 12y ago ↗

i personally use Eclipse and XCode too.. but JetBrains' AppCode looks really kewl. i know Android Studio is based off their IntelliJ so i'm really inclined to try AppCode.

zachlatta 12y ago ↗

I used to use LastPass, but moved over to https://www.dashlane.com/en/. Their plugin is much better integrated than LastPass's. The interface is also much nicer.

stonemetal 12y ago ↗

Usually those things have a website you can go to to register a billing address so you can use it on line. Try reading the packaging that came with the card if it isn't printed on the card itself.

moubarak 12y ago ↗

i was able to use the card with Amazon.com without registering a billing address. However Apple seems to not allow them on iTunes. i quit trying after reading on Apple Support that it's not possible and i should purchase an iTunes gift card instead.

i did go through the packaging/website etc. No registration required. Here's their website http://usa.visa.com/personal/cards/prepaid/gift_card_how.htm...

dangrossman 12y ago ↗

It's not required, that's just how you provide a billing address so that when sites do an address verification, it doesn't fail. The page you linked says exactly that. Sites aren't blocking you from using a gift card, they're blocking you from paying without address verification.

> To make an online or phone purchase, you will need to register your card. You can do this by either calling the issuing provider, or by visiting their website. This information should have been supplied to you when you received the card. It may also be printed on the back of the card. When you make an online or phone purchase, the name, address, and phone number you use will need to be exactly the same as the information you provided when registering your card.

http://usa.visa.com/personal/cards/prepaid/gift_card_how.htm...