Traditionalists might balk, but the holiday shopping season is already underway. Skeptical? Head to your local department store and you'll be inundated by Christmas trees and ornaments. Bargain hunters, though, know that the real deals are more than a month away.
Black Friday, traditionally, is when retailers truly slash prices. Early birds can save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars off of their holiday bills. Switched.com checked with a few elves, who gave a sneak peek at what you can expect deal-wise this year.
Blu-ray Players and Movies: Blu-ray is shaping up to be the biggest door buster of this year's Black Friday. de Grandpre expects at least one retailer will offer a Blu-ray player for just $49. Look for bargains on Blu-ray films as well, with last year's hit titles (such as "Iron Man") to fall as low as $5.
Laptops: With the proliferation of Netbooks this year, it's never been easier to find affordable portable computing, but Dan de Grandpre, CEO of DealNews.com says it will get even cheaper on Black Friday. Look for well-equipped Netbooks to sell for $199 – and basic 15" laptops to go for as little as $249.
HDTVs (Pretty big): The holidays are typically the best time to buy a new TV – and Black Friday is the time to do it. If you're looking for a normal sized set, you're in luck. Piper Jaffrey analyst Mitch Kaiser says he expects to see 32-inch LCD sets for as low as $299. GottaDeal.com is estimating 37-inch plasma and LCD sets will fall to $399 or less.
HDTVs (Really big): Need something bigger? How about a 46-47 inch LCD set for $599 – a 25 percent savings? Or a 52-inch LCD for $999? Dealnews says you can expect both. Plasma deals will be a little harder to come by, but a 50-inch set should run roughly $899.
HD Camcorders: You've wanted to shoot your child's school play in HD for a while, but haven't been able to spring for the pricey camcorder. This might be the year. Low-end, flash-based 720p models could drop as low as $60 (though you won't be able to zoom with those). Expect a high quality 1080p HD camcorder for $349.
GPS: While navigation systems have dramatically expanded their reach this year – even making it onto the iPhone – there's still a market for car-based systems. Dealnews predicts you'll be able to find a no-name entry-level system for $49, while a Garmin or Tom-Tom brand will be as low as $69.
Digital Picture Frames: Showcasing your digital pictures consistently gets cheaper. This year, skip the 7-inch screens and focus on the 8- or 9-inch ones, which should be available on Black Friday for as little as $30.
Monitors: Computer monitors might not be the sexiest of gifts, but they're usually welcomed with open arms – and they'll be cheap this year. Name brand 22-inch LCD models may go for as low as $99, while 24-inch models will drop below $150.
Memory: Don't know anyone who needs a monitor? External hard drives are always popular, since they're an easy way to back-up data. Dealnews expects a 1TB drive to fall as low as $49 this year. Gottadeal is looking for 8GB flash drives to hit $15.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Kat said 6:25PM on 3-03-2008
I get a chuckle when someone from a younger generation thinks us seniors do now know how to get it on or want it anymore. We are after all the ones from the 60's that rocked the world at places like Woodstock etc. I know at 58 I have not forgotten how to do it. My 10 years younger partner tells me I am darn good at it too!
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Jim said 9:57AM on 3-04-2008
ANY MATURE STABLE D/D FREE WOMEN ON THIS SITE?? GIVE ME A SHOUT:) I CAN'T BELIEVE 30% OF MATURE MEN AND WOMEN HAVE SOME FORM OF STD WOW UNBELIEVABLE HAVE A NICE DAY
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dontblink100 said 10:25PM on 3-03-2008
I AM BETTER WITH SEX IN MY SIXTIES THAN WHEN I WAS IN MY THIRTIES...DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THE KIDS BUSTING IN...I ALSO AT THIS TIME,NO LONGER HAVE A HUSBAND, AND PARTNERS ARE NOT ALWAYS AVAILABLE..BUT WHEN THERE IS ONE..I WILL SAY I MAKE HIM PROUD!
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Jim said 10:01AM on 3-04-2008
TO THAT NICE LADY (WIDOW) WHY NOT DROP ME A NOTE:)?? HAVE A NICE DAY WIM:)
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Watcher said 5:33AM on 3-30-2008
If I had only known in my thirties what I know now about giving good sex, in my sixties, I would have a string of hot chicks at my door!
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Ronnie Roberts said 3:32PM on 11-12-2007
I'm a senior who has had a romance on line...I even wrote a book about it, about to be published...:-)
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CHERI said 2:10AM on 11-13-2007
I'm a senior, presently engaged in an online romance, including cyber-sex. WONDERFUL!!!
And no STD's
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cruizer71 said 4:10PM on 11-18-2007
You'd be surprised about younger guys looking for older women online for sex and romance..I'm not talking about a few years difference but 10-15-20 years difference. Met one lady who was 14 years older and the best I have had in bed. Older women rock...
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marilynn said 5:04PM on 11-18-2007
I met my boyfriend who is 75, I am 72 online. We have been together for 3 years. He now lives with me and is so great and good to me. We plan to stay together until time ends.
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barabbas59 said 5:10PM on 11-18-2007
Sure wish I could find a Grandma that's OK with sex on the 1st date, hubba hubba!
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