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 1)
DfromSD said 5:41PM on 2-06-2008
I guess the record companies don't need to pay Fity Cent for his music anymore. He can just work for free, or go back to slinging rock.
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WG said 5:21PM on 2-06-2008
50 cent is a MORON
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WG said 5:22PM on 2-06-2008
50 cent is a Moron
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WG Allen said 5:24PM on 2-06-2008
50 cent is a moron? I am surprised at the responce this artist recieves, especially given the nature of this individual? Why America perpitrates rif raf as a major artist is beyond me?
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RG said 6:01PM on 2-06-2008
I would like to know if the industry, or anyone, has thought about the money customers pay each time the industry changes format? When albums were replaced by cassette tapes, I had to pay again for the music I paid for on albums; then came the cd's, again paying to hear what I already paid for. Now my cds won't play on music players, and I like my older music. What about our rights? Maybe we should sue the industry.
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stardust said 6:43PM on 2-06-2008
This is a surprise from a banger??? Just another piece of SH*T from the street.
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jq2u said 7:24PM on 2-06-2008
Yeah, sure stealing songs is okay and then they'll wonder where did I go wrong when they are stealing cars.
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HSDMagazine said 9:07PM on 2-06-2008
WOW! The man who made $450M in one day is a moron? He's right! Who cares. These artists can make a ton of money off of concerts, promotions, and sponsorships.
The biggest losers and morons are the ones who begrudge someone where they came from rather than focus on where they are and the influence they have. But maybe thats just me.
Regards
DJ Foothill - Publisher
HSDMagazine
http://www.myspace.com/highspeeddivasmagazine
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Mark Brawlic said 9:14PM on 2-06-2008
Fifty is a brilliant. He is spreading his music freely, to but a buzz in the streets and among rap listeners. I expected to see coments from haters, 50 dont care how he sells music he cares about the money, but now the man is worth an uncontrolable amount. so why should he care if kids steal music, half the kids is stealing his music to listen to him, and ever way you look at it its win win situation for him. most of his haters just mad cause he dissed lil wayne, nas and jadakiss. haters need to stop riding those n****s cocks.- REAL TALK!
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Angie said 1:07AM on 2-07-2008
I don't know anything about 50 Cent except for that hilarious phone prank which i used and my entire neighborhood thought for sure someone had stolen their identities. I also played the joke on a few cops i know. It was the funniest thing ever. I think Vitamin Water must have been sued over it because the link disappeared quickly. I need my own personal link, please!
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Mike says said 5:40AM on 2-07-2008
Man, This scam and several Others like it have been going on for so many years it's it's crazy.
The UPC readers at the counters didn't stop anything, they just made them change up a little.
This guy is no pro, he just has the balz to BS his way through these few little jobs. If i was going to catch him - the first thing i would do is : Do a search on eBay for the same thing he was takeing ( there is probably more items as well) but limit the search to south florida.
These items have serial numbers and lot numbers.
This Guys no brainiac. he will be caught.
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Michael Sussman said 7:26PM on 12-13-2007
The record companies just still don't understand that people aren't going to pay $15 for a disk they can buy for 25c and record themselves.
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navyguyc83 said 8:56PM on 12-13-2007
and this from a former drug dealer? what a surprise!
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kalteblaueaugen said 1:35AM on 12-14-2007
i think they can get over it while they lay in there huge house and cry on their satin sheets. what about going to concerts? what does that money go to? 50, 60 dollar tickets per person. boo hoo.
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monty said 9:14AM on 12-14-2007
The RIAA will nail your ass to the wall if they catch you. Fines of $750 a song for each song you have downloaded. You do the math. http://digitalmusic.weblogsinc.com/2006/08/07/the-riaa-vs-john-doe-a-laypersons-guide-to-filesharing-lawsui/
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rick said 9:12AM on 12-14-2007
wonder why he lost to outselling Kanye on the first week?
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Naomi said 4:24PM on 12-15-2007
I have much love and respect for 50Cent. I respect his opinion. He feels its harmless for him to share his music with children who enjoy his music but are not as fortunate as he. THANK YOU 50Cent!
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