Checking Our List #35: MoBeam Numi Key {Review & Giveaway - 2 winners!}

{This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations, Anna and Julie!}

I love saving money just as much as the next person, but two things that I don't love? Either digging through my massive pile of rewards cards in an attempt to find the one for that particular store or, probably even more annoying, finding the card, handing it over and watching as the cashier can't get it to scan. Swipe after swipe, while the line of people behind me grows and all I want to do is save 7¢ on my box of crackers...

There's got to be an easier way.

Well, there is. The next generation of carrying around a stack of loyalty and membership cards is now here, thanks to the MoBeam numi key.

With more and more retailers' loyalty card programs based on signing up for (and carrying around) their card, the average consumer is carrying around 14 of them in their wallet or on their keychain. As apparently I'm not the only one who doesn't seem to have the right one when I need it (or I do, but it's hidden away in one of my wallet's pockets), MoBeam's numi key is the way to have them digitally ready at your fingertips.

Containing a patented LED system inside the 2" x 1.5" x 0.5" keychain, it simply holds the information from up to 50 of your membership, club and loyalty cards and, when at the store, transmits it directly to the checkout scanner on a beam of red light.

Sounds pretty easy, doesn't it? Well, it is. After connecting the numi key to your PC via the included USB cord, it immediately turns on and is ready to go (and also begins to charge its battery).

After registering (which only involves putting in your name, email address and zipcode), the next step is to enter in your cards. As the numi key offers a list of over 90 retailers, including everything from grocery, hardware, apparel, footwear, crafts, wholesale, pets, office supply stores and more, it is easy to choose yours right from their drop-down list. Then enter in your barcode, wait a few seconds while the information is updated and then it's done.

Or, if your retailer happens to not be listed, you can just manually type it in as well. You even have the option of choosing the image that will come up when you select that card in the store.

When you've entered as many cards in as you would like, it's time to head to the store! Using the numi key's simple navigation buttons, when it is time to check out all that is necessary is to scroll through to the correct one, point it at the barcode scanner and press the red button. The device is compatible with flatbed scanners (the kind in the supermarket) as well as handheld scanners that project a sharp red line.

The results? Along with multiple comments and surprised looks, you end up receiving your deals and discounts without having had to dig through your wallet for the right card. I found that the numi key also comes in handy at my local library, where the self check-out stand uses a handheld scanner. Instead of fumbling around trying to get the card out quickly (in hopes that we'll make it out before my kids get too loud), I just pull my keys out and have my numi key ready.

The only issue I have encountered using this handy device is that the power switch (located on the side) has been bumped once or twice while in my pocket or purse, causing the numi key to be left on while I shop. So when I get ready to pay and pull it out? No battery. Hopefully in future designs, MoBeam will come up with a way to make accidentally turning the numi key on more difficult so that this is less likely.

Or maybe this isn't that common of an occurrence and I just have other items in my purse that are talented enough in working power switches!

A simple, easy-to-use keychain innovation, the MoBeam numi key allows individuals to carry, manage and access all of their retail store loyalty cards in one compact location. Anytime you want to update or change any of the numbers, simply plug the numi key into your computer and you can add or delete in a manner of minutes.

Instead of carrying around a pile of plastic cards that get warped and worn or having a keychain cluttered with tags, this is an easy solution. Even better, MoBeam will enable the numi key to store coupons and gift card data in the future as well, depending on when retailers are willing to accept them. No more getting to the store and realizing that you have a gift card sitting at home, it will be right there ready to use!

A great gift idea for any shoppers on your list, the numi key would make a perfect stocking stuffer that will last the whole year through. Available on Amazon for $19.95, this is a great way to bring convenience to family and friends in your life this holiday season. And, thanks to the generosity of MoBeam, two people will be able to shop quickly, easily and card-free, because...

Two lucky people will win a numi key from MoBeam!

To enter to win: Visit numi key and tell me something that you learned or found interesting there.

Extra Entries (available after the mandatory entry above is completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry in order for them to be counted).

1 Extra Entry if you head over to A Mom's Balancing Act and enter to win a MoBeam numi key over there as well!
1 Extra Entry if you tell me how many loyalty cards you currently carry in your wallet and on your keychain.
1 Extra Entry (per giveaway entered) - Enter any (or all) of the Holiday Gift Guide giveaways (Checking Our List giveaways ONLY) running on Thanks, Mail Carrier for the duration of this giveaway.
1 Extra Entry if you follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway by copying and pasting the tweet below and leaving me the link. Tweet daily for an extra entry every day!

Checking Our List 35: 2 winners! #WIN a MoBeam Numi Key & stop carrying loyalty card clutter! #thxmailcarrier http://bit.ly/hqZQLH #giveaway

2 Extra Entries (per follow method) if you follow me with Google Friend Connect, subscribe to my RSS feed, subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email or become a fan on Facebook.
3 Extra Entries if you put my cute button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.
3 Extra Entries if you have our Checking Our List {Holiday Gift Guide 2010} button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.
3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to Thanks, Mail Carrier and numi key. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on December 30th at 11:59pm CST. Do me the favor of leaving an email address or making absolutely sure it is visible in your profile, I have to have a way to contact the winners. The winners will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada only.

A big thank you to MoBeam for providing a numi key for me to review as well as two for two lucky giveaway winners. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.