Reptile basics has them. They aren't a whole lot cheaper considering time and having to buy a powerstrip. If you can't afford the $80 for the t-stat then just buy the reptitemp one, go to lowes/home depot/walmart and buy a $10 light dimmer cord.
Plug the dimmer into the output of the tstat, set the tstat temp all the way up and slowly adjust the dimmer until the temps in the tank are around 95-98 degrees on the hot side. Wait 20-30min between adjustments. When you get a constant temp bring the tstat temp down to where you want it. If the tstat ever fails the light dimmer won't let the temps rise to a really harmful temp.
That aside, I would suggest a herpstat as well because of the ease of use and quality. I even have that on a light dimmer as well, anything can fail no matter how good it is.
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