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)
Karen Bennett said 6:18PM on 2-04-2008
I think the Wii is great for senior citizens as it keeps their bodies moving, their minds active and its fun. Hope my Wii is still working when I get to retirement, makes a refreshing change from Bingo!
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Mark Alvarez said 8:52PM on 8-26-2008
My dad's in his mid sixties and has been a gamer since Intellivision (well, actually, Pong), hardcore since NES. He always has a better system than I (it makes visiting the fam that much better!). The only problems are that he generally only plays WWII shooters, which don't come around too often, and that it's hard to convince him he really needs an HDTV for his 360.
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POPPOP said 11:20AM on 10-04-2007
On a recent visit,my 10 year old grandson introduced his grandmother and I to his game(which we gave him for his birthday). We are both over 60's and a little hesitant at first but we had a blast. Great exercise and great fun.
Kind of additive also
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Meme said 3:13PM on 11-15-2007
okay...these wii game things are helping seniors.. I'm wondering if anyone with a wii could tell me - is a wii something that would be beneficial for exercise for someone with a neuro-muscular disease who is trying to get less chair bound? I REALLY need something for exercise that would be a bit more to look forward to using for exercise than to just walk or something. Thanks for any help and happy holidays!
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Mitzi said 6:42PM on 11-15-2007
Wii is definitely FUN for all ages. We bought this for our daughter for her 10th birthday. We played the Wii Sports first. I work out regularly, but I was all sweaty after 10 minutes of Wii Tennis. All the other sports games are so much fun, too. And creating those Mii's (characters you can customize)... that's quite addictive also. If you're a senior or chair- bound and looking for a way to move your body a little, this is a great way to go.
It's really like their commercial. Wii brings people together for a great fun. Highly recommended.
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thecameronfam said 9:05PM on 11-18-2007
We got one for my in-laws(65 and 80) after they tried ours and thought it was fun. These are people who can't figure ANYTHING out, and they love it! My father-in-law plays everyday, and is becoming quite the golfer. My daughter is planning on playing Hannah Montana with them for Thanksgiving. Most importantly...it gets them moving a bit. Okay...my mother-in-law sometimes bowls sitting down, but it's a start.
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Sharon said 12:30AM on 11-19-2007
Hey Meme..
I am wheelchair bound and LOVE the Wii.. I'll sit on my bed and play
with my grand daughters. We have a blast and when it comes to bowling
I feel like I'm there at the bowling alley without the pitcher of
beer.. LOL.
All joking aside playing the Wii is a GREAT therepy for anyone who
has a disability. I have Post Polio Syndrome. So playing the wii
allows me to have the exercise I need and have lots of FUN at the same time. TRY it YOU'LL LOVE it and have a good laugh and a GREAT
time.
I would highly recommend this game to anyone both young and old , to
the disabled and non-disabled. HAVE some fun.. get a Wii!
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