The MAILMATE Junk Mail Shredder goes for $69.99 at STAPLES, but this Friday they had a one-day $20 rebate deal. I suspect that, with the whole Office tie-in, they're not done milking it, and imagine another savings opportunity would be offered soon.

They had a big storefront display and there were still many left towards the end of the day. Another reason I suspect they won't be charging $70 much longer.

I brought this baby home and was eager to crack it open and try its 'Ferocious Shredding Power'!

Unopened Junk Mail...

..CHECK!

CREDIT CARD.. CD..

..CHECK!

TIES?? ..NEGATIVE.

Watch a demo of the STAPLES MailMate Junk Mail Shredder

The shredding power is certainly unrelenting, and it certainly can do a thick unopened envelope.. But apprently they took the unopened mail thing to the extreme, because the slot is only about 6" wide.

To do anything 8-1/2" x 11", you need to fold it first. So that's my only complaint. But ultimately it's still faster than using my old shredder which would require doing each page separately.

It does cross-cut shredding, so even the most determined meth-addict won't be able to stay up all night taping your shreds back together.

The removable catch bin is neat and convenient. I won't miss the messes made from having to prop my old one over a garbage pail. The unit has a good footprint for sticking in a corner or on a countertop. Overall, I think the $50 was worth it because the added convenience and speed will mean less procrastination of my shredding chores..

And hey.. it is Dunder-Mifflin approved!

- FONG