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)
jonathanwoodscb@aol.com said 2:07AM on 3-15-2008
I'd still f k him, he hot!!!!
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Willow said 8:06AM on 9-02-2007
I'm sorry, I don't know who Andy Roddick is, but I can tell you, compared to his normal size, the airbrushed photo makes him look deformed! LOL So not good and way fake!
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Runner1021 said 8:25AM on 9-02-2007
It's downright dishonest to show airbrushed "big arms" on a cover that advertises "how to build big arms". I guess the way to build big arms is to send your picture to an airbrusher. I'm a subscriber to this magazine and I won't be renewing it. What else is fake? And the magazine spokesman sounds like a moron.
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jmw said 8:42AM on 9-02-2007
"I don't see what the big issue is here." Maybe the spokesman is as dillusional as the photo. That' the world he lives in---totally fake. How phonytastic!
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Terry Matlen said 9:37AM on 9-02-2007
Well, at least he admitted to it.
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Robby D said 10:13AM on 9-02-2007
Don't know who Andy Roddick is? Are you kidding me? He's only USA's #1 tennis player and the current World #4. I believe if Andy had known what they were going to do, he would have never agreed to it. It's not his style.
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Jack said 10:20AM on 9-02-2007
Your lead in story mentioned jen, but when I read the story no picture. This happens all the time. We should exspect this although it is very disappointing.
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Terry said 11:24AM on 9-02-2007
Did anyone notice that they forgot to do the other arm. Just check out the difference in the forearm. Why do stars and athletes approve of these photos? Are they embarrassed to show their true self?
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bigamej3 said 12:50PM on 9-02-2007
looks like hes doing that thing guys do where they fold their arms and focus on pushing their biceps out with their fists. id like to see a really jacked guy play pro tennis. it would be hilarious
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Aaron said 1:14PM on 9-02-2007
It looks like they only photo shopped his right arm, his left arm is a lot smaller. That's funny.
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robert said 2:00PM on 9-02-2007
To the comment from the idiot at the Mens Fitness Magazine asking " I dont see what hte big deal is"
The big deal is that you are flat out lying to your readers on how big Andy Roddicks arms really are. SInce your magazine is primarily made up of air-brushed lies, your editorial stafff and publisher probably see's no conflict.
Bottom line, your publication decieves would-be readers -- your customers!
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AJ said 8:43PM on 9-02-2007
He just has his arms folded. That always makes your arms look bigger. That's why Simon Cowell always stands that way.
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Chad said 10:55PM on 9-02-2007
It's "Jibe," not "Jive."
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Christine said 8:50AM on 9-04-2007
It's AMAZING at how many men commented on this photo of a man's biceps. On the previous pages with women, the comments from the men were "I WANT to see women this way. Give me my fantasy." How stereotypical from men. Well, sorry boys, equal opportunity says I get my fantasy too.
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Mickie said 9:59AM on 9-04-2007
You can tell that his arms aren't in size with the rest of his body. And who would want to change Andy Roddick? He's georgous as he is!
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katierave said 11:35AM on 9-04-2007
This reminds me of Queen Latifa's (as well as countless others, not picking on her) mascara ad for some volumizing mascara, where it's totally obvious they're wearing false eyelashes! If the product were so great, why the falsies?? Typical advertising.
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lovechickens said 9:50PM on 9-04-2007
Is it just me...or does it look like he's got breast implants??? lovely...
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sandy welch said 10:06PM on 9-04-2007
Its time to throw those airbrushes away folks. I don't know about you, but I do not want my children or grandchildren to feel like they have to abuse their bodies to look like a star. Advertizements make for delusions of what we are suppose to look like and if we all looked the same it would be pretty sad, not to mention cunfusing! LOL Also think of all the money we couild save not being sucked in to buy all the products they advertized to make us look like a star.
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krae said 8:39AM on 9-05-2007
He's looks better in the original photo.
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maureenwheat said 5:58AM on 9-05-2007
Are we really this stepford-ized; PROGRAMMED FOR EXCLUSIVITY IN BEAUTY ASSESSMENT? PATHETIC...
IF YOU BUY INTO THIS BS, THEN WATCH YOUR BACK. The people whom you want to attract will (metaphorically) cut and use you for chumming BIGGER FISH. Lord,please SAY IT AINT SO. love, maureen
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