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.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
epat said 2:40PM on 8-27-2007
Many years ago, we had the Automat restaurants in New York City which were waiterless.
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k said 3:21PM on 8-28-2007
Obviously the author of this story has never waited tables. It is a tough job, we earn every penny we make. I am a professional server who considers my job my profession! I take pride in my work. Perhaps the author of the story is not dining in the proper establishments.
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Ness said 5:57PM on 8-28-2007
Better yet, what waiters have the time and patience to deal with indecisive, impatient, flat out rude customers.
I can't wait to finish school and never have to serve another jerk again.
Comment here: http://vanessacaporale.blogspot.com
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esploriamo said 2:29PM on 8-31-2007
I have worked in restaurants for almost a decade now. I agree with K that too many people assume servers are stupid or lazy (there are a few bad apples, sure, but don't make a blanket statement): most work hard & many DO make it a profession. A good server provides a personal touch no computer can: recommending dishes & wines, creating a special touch, and sometimes a little entertainment through personality. Plus, think of lost jobs. How will they make their money now? Besides, computers break or have glitches so it's not exactly a flawless system. In a world where people are ever more distanced from the human experience, this is the last thing we need. How about a computer to solve world hunger? Oh, wait - no money to be made there. It's really kind of creepy.
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Heather said 2:30PM on 8-31-2007
Terrence O'Brien has apparently never had a job dealing directly with the general public. I have never been a waitress, but I have friends who have done it and I have worked in retail. It sucks. People, such as Terrence, treat you like you are their personal slave and talk down to you simply because waitressing and retail is typically done by students. Maybe your waiter/waitress wouldn't be so rude to you, Terrence, if you didn't walk in the restaurant with the awful attitude that you have displayed in this story. I would definitely spit in your food.
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LeeAnn said 4:41PM on 8-31-2007
I grew up in New York City, and as a child we had Automats for food that were owned by the Horn and Hardett (sic?) company. Back then I remember a casserole dish of piping hot Macaroni and Cheese was like fifteen cents, and hot coffee, tea or hot chocolate was a nickel. Most items required nickels and dimes and a cashier station was in the center of the large dining area. There was also an area like a cafeteria style set-up where you could purchase a full plate meal rather than a la carte.
I realize prices have gone up, but the food they served was excellent. I only wish the company were still in business.
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Eeyoreasil said 3:00PM on 8-31-2007
I actually think this would be a fun and novel experience to eat there. I hardly think it's going to be the end of waitstaff. I bet it would be a lot of fun to go with a group of friends and just enjoy the sheer fun of doing something different.
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pasquale said 3:15PM on 8-31-2007
IMPEACH CHENEY FIRST
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pasquale said 3:28PM on 9-04-2007
IMPEACH CHENEY FIRST
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pasquale said 3:28PM on 9-04-2007
IMPEACH CHENEY FIRST
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Margaret said 3:15PM on 8-31-2007
Sounds like the set of "The Jetsons'.
Don't think I will dine in this fashion.
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Jeff said 3:29PM on 8-31-2007
Bet this reporter is a Tip Stiffer.. that means a person who does not leave a tip..
My better half has worked as a waitress for 10+ yrs.. put 2 of her 4 kids to college and has a 401k.. She also holds a Masters in Industral health and hygeine...
She has chosen not to work in her feild because she loves what she dose.. and yes thier is a big difference in the mothly check..
but in the same note.. she was sick and was off work for a week and a half.. I still haven't finshed opening all the mail ( get well cards )I was totaly blown down. I knew I had something good.. but all these people reminded me I had something GREAT!!!
Thanks, but no thanks.. I'll have a real live person get my food.
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J.T. said 7:01PM on 8-31-2007
I've had my fair share of rude wait staff who treat me like I'm annoying them by asking them to do their job. I flagged down the manager and complained about them.
I've also had some wait staff who were so good to me and so personable that I flagged down the manager and made a point of complimenting my wait person to their boss.
That being said, this places looks like its cool and has found its "hook" to attract patrons. I doubt this will be the wave of the future though. Sure it might catch on in fast food places but not in other resturants.
If every resturant serves food the robotic way, where will be the sense of style and atmosphere that really good resturants pride themselves on?
Don't worry wait staffers, you're safe.
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Phoenix said 3:41PM on 8-31-2007
Years ago, in the 1960s I believe, there was a restaurant in St. Louis where your menu was delivered, your order was taken, and your food was delivered all by an electric train that ran around the counter. So much for the German's "new idea".
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Satanlka said 5:16PM on 8-31-2007
Blah Blah Blah, Whine Whine Whine.. if you don't like the way your treated at work quit and then you won't like the way you are treated when you're standing next to the freeway begging for money either. Why should I be forced to pay MORE for something I'm already paying for just because the person is doing their job? If you do a great job, I'll reward you, but a tip should not be EXPECTED!
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matchboxchic88 said 4:13PM on 8-31-2007
Just to echo the other sentiments posted; as a waitress myself (working up and through med school) I find it sad that so many people assume waitstaff is stupid, rude, and impatient. I love my job waiting tables, because it's fun and to some limited extent, rather challenging. I do my best to accomodate anything my customers might ask for, and at least twice a night have people comment on my excellent service. Remember your waiters and waitresses are probably going to treat you well whether or not you're a hideous customer - we're so used to it. Try being novel, for a change, and give your waiter a smile and a thank you (and at least 17%)
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Jon said 4:21PM on 8-31-2007
To me, 3 things make up a good meal: good food, nice atmosphere, and a good waiter. If you have a problem with your order, is the robot going to fix it for you? Is the robot going to entertain your special requests? I can maybe see this kind of system going in at McDonalds, but not in a "real" restaurant. Yes, there are bad waiters just like there are bad cops and bad teachers. But there are many more good waiters who are working hard to make a living, and to make your dining experience a little more enjoyable.
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annie ridgeway said 4:25PM on 8-31-2007
i have been a server for 20+ years and supported my 12 year old son on my for for most of his life.we do just that, provide a service, usually with a smile no matter how rude and demanding our diners may be. replacing your server with a robot, whats next, your auto mechanic or better yet, your childs pediatrician. hopefully i dont see this any time soon
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bohemian said 4:36PM on 8-31-2007
I agree with all of you ... yes, he's probably a bad restaurant patron and a tip stiffer to boot. To imply that all servers are merely on their way to something better infuriates me. Some of us truly LOVE what we do, and the rest of us stop doing it because of attitudes like his.
http://ontheside.blogstream.com
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hlynghtfrgddss said 4:42PM on 8-31-2007
I've been a server for almost ten years now, and I've never been considered rude, lazy, or stupid. Living in a smaller town, most of my customers are regulars that I know almost as well as my own family. Your waitstaff is what personalizes a dining experience and when you cut them out, it's not as much fun. You might as well hit the drive through at McDonalds.
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