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)
VanGOghEar said 8:02PM on 1-02-2008
phhh..I misplace mine weeks at a time. Not a big deal. I email or message people online.
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fordsarebest said 8:22PM on 1-02-2008
Like many military wives my cell phone is my life line. I sleep with it, eat with it, even shower with it well within reach. Kudos to those of you who can do it, but with how little I get to hear from my husband as it is, being limited to less means of communication is impossible.
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tponischil said 11:12AM on 1-03-2008
I've been cell phone free for YEARS! I hate them, people give them to me and I just don't ever answer when it rings. I don't like being so accessible to everyone. One can not even make a case for emergencies, as everyone else has one to be used.
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Wolfster said 8:56PM on 1-02-2008
Fords, you've got a special case. Most people aren't in that situation. It amazes me that this woman is giving up her cell phone because she doesn't want to talk on it during dinner with another person (which is rude not only to your companion, but everyone in the place). Can't she find the "off" button?
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G J said 10:22PM on 1-02-2008
Has any one else seen the report about the phone companies discontinuing pay phones because so many people carry cell phones.
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Will Safer said 10:27PM on 1-02-2008
See the Switched story "AT&T to Phase Out Pay Phones By 2009" at http://www.switched.com/2007/12/04/atandt-to-phase-out-pay-phones-by-2009/
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G J said 9:16PM on 1-03-2008
I read the artical. No on is supose to use a land phone at work except to call supervision or the police. I work alone most of the night. After heart surgery they wanted me to bring a note from my Dr. every 3 months to carry a phone. Finally I said what are they going to do fire me for not dieing?
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Kathleen Stum said 12:17AM on 1-03-2008
I LIKED IT BETTER WHEN ONLY DOCTORS AND DRUG DEALERS HAD CELL PHONES. YOU COULD ALWAYS TELL WHICH WAS WHICH.
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Amy said 12:26AM on 1-03-2008
I've been without a cell for eight years. I realized that if I need to call, I ust my land line. I think my husband and I Are the only people on earth who don't need or own one. I don't call gobs of people....and bad news always finds you. I do have ON Star for any road emergencies
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Diva Tyler said 1:59AM on 1-03-2008
I really feel that you are onto something awesome
we live in such an addictive society, we seem to believe that each time a new technology is developed, because of the convenience it provides
we can no longer live without it, we become obsessed with something that at one time, we in fact,did live without; if cell phones were crack, we'd all be crackheads(just an analogy)yes they are a convenience, yes they do help to make us feel safer, but the level of noise pollution has skyrocketed beyond measure. people have become so discourteous in their use of the cell phone. I am so tired of standing in line while someone is laughing like a hyena and discussing the details of "whatever". people visit you to your home and sit at your home while talking to someone else, because it's their phone and they have a right to talk on it, well not in my home! stay in the car and finish your conversation, then ring my doorbell! again yes they are convenient, but with that comes a price, which may be more than any of us are willing to pay. Do your research, studies report,cell phones have radical side effects. I am absolutely proud to know that someone has the fortitude and wisdom to free herself from this matrix, even if it is only for 60 days. how many of you can say the same? So don't try "judging Amy" judge yourself, then see how you measure up. in other words "Don't hate her, imitate her! Kudos to you Amy!!!!!
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Donna said 12:36AM on 1-03-2008
I could give up my cell phone easily. I do carry it everywhere I go, but use it sparingly. It is mostly a security thing for me, in case of emergency - like car breaking down, etc. I'm not one of those people who like to gab constantly, so it is no big deal if I had to give it up. But if I did have to give it up, I would like pay phones to still be available (just in case of emergency). So I certainly don't like the idea of getting rid of pay phones.
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Lillian said 3:36AM on 1-03-2008
Except for emergencies wish they were never invented
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Jackie said 10:47AM on 1-03-2008
I think it is a great idea to give it up. I think when I have been with friends and fam, which some Irarely see /spend time with... and they have to tect/talk with people while I am there, makes me feel really like I am not important.
I think more people should find their off button, or if they expect an important call... or have to be available for kids etc... they ought to at least screen and not answer each call. I think it is really something that needs to be highlighted... I dont gab on mine all the time, who are all these people talking to all the time. It is hazardous on the road, and rude rude rude most of the time!
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Lisa said 11:04AM on 1-03-2008
Cell phones can be so distracting and just plain rude. I am not a big gabber on it. I find that people that spend that much time on it are hiding from themselves. Your mind isn't working if your lips are yacking. I don't use it while driving and would only answer one during a dinner with a friend if it was family. Unless it's an emergency I just say I'll call you back. I had dinner at a diner last week. The cook's cell phone went off constantly. I finally said I have to hear the damn things from other patrons but I don't have to listen to the cooks. I adore it when someone pipes up and tells someone in public to shut up that's on one. Most people on them have no manners so why should I care if they get insulted. Take that cell phone and shove it where the sun doesn't shine.
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Lisa said 11:10AM on 1-03-2008
Oh yeah and buy the way those of you that say using your cell phone while driving does not hurt your driving is full of crapola. You are the worst ones because you won't even admit it. Someone that admits that it's distracting to use one while driving is a better driver because they are not in denial and take more care. I've been in the car with several people that had no clue how close to accidents they were almost in because they were on the phone. If you asked them how they drove while on the phone they would say no problems. Cell phone addicts need a reality break!
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Lisa said 11:13AM on 1-03-2008
I had the $@#&ing things. Don't get me started you know how I get! If I pissed you off then you are the one I meant to!
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mysty said 11:53AM on 1-03-2008
AS A MOM OF 4 CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 10 I NEED MY CELL PHONE AS A LIFE LINE TO MY KIDS. THEY KNOW HOE TO REACH ME ONIT AND I NEED IT FOR THE SCHOOL TO BE ABLE TO CONTACT ME, DOCTORS, ETC. AND I HAVE DIRECT CONNECT TO MY HUSBAND AND OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS IN CASE OF EMERGENCY. BUT I DO TRY TO BE POLITE AND KEEP IT ON SILENT WHEN I AM OUT. BUT IS ALWAYS ON FOR MY KIDS.SO NO I COULD NOT GIVE UP MY CELL PHONE I WOULD BE AFRAID TO LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT.
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mysty said 12:09PM on 1-03-2008
I ALSO FEEL IT IS RUDE TO TALK TO OTHER PEOPLE, WHILE WITH FRIENDS,IN PUBLIC PLACES,I I NEED TO ANSWER THE CALL I SIMPLY EXCUSE MY SELF FOR A MOMENT, AND EXPLAIN TO MY FRIENDS WHY I HAD TO TAKE THE CALL. AND I DO NOT TALK AND DRIVE. IF I HAVE TO ANSWER, I PULL INTO NEAREST PARKING LOT.
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mysty said 12:54PM on 1-08-2008
I ALSO THINK IT IS A BAD IDEA TO GET RID OF PAY PHONES. NOT ALL KIDS HAVE CELL PHONES,INCLUDING MINE AND HOW ARE THEY SUPPOSED TO REACH SOMEONE IF THEY ARE IN TROUBLE?
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RING-A-LING said 7:58PM on 1-04-2008
I havent used my cell phone since Sptember07. The phone co. Tried to screw me and wanted me to commit to 2 more years. Why sould I have to sign my life away for a cell phone ffor 2 years, 1 yr is bad enough. SOOOOOO, I said take your phone and shove it. Guess what I havent missed it. I had to stop and use pay phone 1x to see what family wanted for take out. Ive saved aabout $200.00 already.I figured I lived almost 40 years without one I can do it again, and its a piece of cake.
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