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.
_thumbnail.jpg "Vintage Keyboards")
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 7)
captain america said 1:14AM on 2-14-2008
You have to feel sorry for someone who thinks that switching on electronic equipment amounts to accomplishing something. These people who are into this hobby are trying to fill a void inside them that will never be met with loud speakers.
Reply
M.S. Ferrara said 1:14AM on 2-14-2008
Freud said that humans have an aggression instinct and this unfortunate fad lends credence to that theory. People who install these types of sound systems do it to take over space and squeeze others into a small space. A good outcome of the oil era is that these individuals will no longer have an easy way to torture others.
Reply
Tim said 7:58PM on 3-23-2008
That's just stupid.
Reply
Linda said 10:43AM on 10-29-2007
What a waste. He must want people to question his common sense. Does he really think he's going to enjoy listening to whatever comes out of that?
Reply
daytonasun said 1:21PM on 10-29-2007
So why does my car rattle? What a big dummy. You have to have the stereo on at all times so the vehicle doesnt' rattle your ears off going down the road -- forget about "don't slam the door!" How to make you car sound like a box of rattling tin -- and prepare to pay for it as well! I Can't Hear You!!!
Reply
cshaunc said 1:28PM on 10-29-2007
WHAT A MORON!!! Waste of Money!!
Reply
highway80west said 1:27PM on 10-29-2007
Boy, does this clown care more about music than his driving?
Reply
Robb said 1:49PM on 10-29-2007
Say "bye, bye" to your hearing youngins! Probably does not matter as their kind does not listen to anyone anyway!
Reply
URDADY said 2:09PM on 10-29-2007
Sounds to me like you chups are jeoluos of this guy,you obviously you dont know nothing about sound systems and show cars,its all about SPL,sound competition,normaly vehicles with systems like this are show cars,get it SHOW CARS,If he had the money to do it,dont hate cuz you broke,don't envy its not good.MORONS go play with barbies and gi joes.
Reply
Jayme said 1:54PM on 10-29-2007
Apparently, no one who has this kind of sound system has any intelligence left in their tiny little heads. Not only are they harming their health and that of others, they're shaking their ride to pieces, literally! That kind of sonic onslaught not only loosens nuts, bolts and what-have-you, it's been shown to have an adverse effect on welds, as well. Is it really worth it, to be the noisiest thing on the street?
Reply
tnipnad said 1:52PM on 10-29-2007
Check back with this idiot in five years and see how deaf he is by then.
Reply
DANIEL said 1:53PM on 10-29-2007
I AGREE WITH YOU GUYS. WHAT A WASTE OF MONEY (JUST) TO SHAKE YOUR CAR. IF YOUR SPEND THAT KIND OF MONEY IT SHOULD SHAKE THE CAR NEXT TO YOU ALSO.
Reply
doc said 1:58PM on 10-29-2007
steve meade, your a dumbass, ok?
Reply
jbpnycvoa said 2:11PM on 10-29-2007
This is not the most extreme stereo out there. However take it with a grain of salt because most of this equipment had been supplied by various manufacturers. If you are into competition you reach a level where you become a billboard for car stereo makers. I have less than 800 total watts in an expedition, but be assured that that is total amplifier power. I would never attempt to force that system to that level; because the windows in the truck would shatter.
Reply
bucci611 said 2:12PM on 10-29-2007
really every one who is posting these comments are just proving how dense you are when it comes to pop culture. There is a new fad sweeping import car lovers and car show goer's in which there are bass competitions, the one who has the highest decible level and who gets the best reaction from the crowd wins, some prizes are well over 20 grand....so if he wins it doesnt seem like to much of a waste of money. Also people sayin that it will damage your health notice how he wasnt in the vehicle, some "professional sounds systems" have the same decible rating as standing next to a jet engine if your sitting in the car....
Reply
Bob said 2:17PM on 10-29-2007
Bank Clerk: "How are you doing today, sir?"
Dumbass 17KW Car Stereo Owner: "WHAT?"
Clerk: "I said, How are you doing?"
Dumbass: "WHAAAAT?"
Clerk: "I SAID, HOW ARE YOU DOING?"
Dumbass: "WHAAAAAT?"
Clerk: "I SAID... Oh, screw it. How may I help you today?"
Dumbass: "WHY, YES, I DO LOVE MY NEW CAR STEREO. THANKS FOR ASKING ABOUT IT."
Reply
URDADY said 2:39PM on 10-29-2007
Can you smell that, time for dyper change you bunch of jealous babies,if this guy is smart he displays this vehicle with ear protection,but of course we dont know that so quit wining about other people money,get a job,get a life just do something,LOSERS.
Reply
Bob said 2:17PM on 10-29-2007
Bucci said:
>really every one who is posting these comments are just proving how dense you are when it comes to pop culture.
No, it just goes to show how dense pop culture is.
Reply
Joe said 2:27PM on 10-29-2007
There only bass, no music. Thats not music just noise. He has no clue on creating a good sound system.
Reply
Bob said 2:54PM on 10-29-2007
Music has nothing to do with it, like said above SPL is what he competes in....COMPETES....its not like he blasts that thing day in and day out...and im assuming he does it for the money, some prizes are up to 100,000 dollars...
Reply