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 4)
CraziestGadgets.com said 11:51AM on 6-24-2008
Did he ask them "who are you working for?"
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Nadia said 2:16PM on 6-24-2008
I knew that the nefarious Steve Jobs was behind this! Getting patriots addicted to his shiny toys and then denying them the sustenance which they so desperately seek!
Questions:
1. Which Apple Store are they referring to? THere are two in Manhattan (if thats what they mean when they say "New York City". One is on Prince and Mercer and one is on 59th Street - that's the super duper nice one. From the looks of it, this appears to be the Prince St. location, but can we get a clarification on that location... Jack?
2. Are we all less safe now that Jack Bauer was denied access to
the all-powerful and ultra necessary 3G?
By the way, is it me, or does Keifer's girlfriend look strikingly similar to Sarah Silverman (which I would continue to think the woman was if the caption didn't declare otherwise.)
DS said 4:17PM on 6-25-2008
There's actually three Apple Stores in Manhattan, there's a new one on 14th street and 9th Avenue.
Vegetagrl said 3:42PM on 6-24-2008
Ok, my husband works for a cell phone service, and I know for a fact that when they are coming out with a new phone they are not allowed to sell it before its debu date. If the manager said they didn't have the phone in stock yet, then he most likely didn't, and if he said, no way, good for him. Its good to know that not everyone loses their common sense when they see a celeb. Also, I think its pretty pathetic that Keifer threw a fit because he couldn't get what he wanted when he wanted it. I mean really, just because he's "famous" doesn't mean rules, laws and policies don't apply to him. Talk about a spoiled brat. Where was his mom during that temper tantrum. These are the people we're supposed to have as rolemodels, no wonder kids are turning into bigger and bigger brats! Sheesh!
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Val said 5:28PM on 6-24-2008
Well, I've personally met Kiefer at the small (very small) town that I live near (he was there roping w/some buddies) and I have to say I was VERY impressed with Kiefer's demeanor. He was NOT A SNOB AT ALL. In fact, he was very polite and we even spoke for a few minutes about roping, weather, traveling, etc. I'm not sure who's the source for this article but I don't believe the "tantrum" or rude behavior.
Fed Up said 3:58PM on 6-24-2008
Just because you are an actor, doesn't mean you can get it any earlier than the rest of the public. Hey, why not call the iphone company and get a celebrity endorsement for a free one.
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Khris said 2:39PM on 6-25-2008
*cough*John Mayer*cough*
john doe said 4:03PM on 6-24-2008
who the hell do these dirtbags think they are? wait in line like everyone else.
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Jim said 4:37PM on 6-24-2008
Sometimes the 15 minutes of fame lasts a whole 24 hours.
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Khris said 2:41PM on 6-25-2008
BOOOOOOOOOOOURNS!!!!!
mary said 4:59PM on 6-24-2008
that is so lame- feel sorry for kiefer for being so stupid and thinking hes that special--it almost as lame as the pic w/ him totally wasted and his boxer w/ pants around his ankles...
if your all that why not contact corp. headquarters or steve jobs....not a local store! get a clue! mr secret agent!
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Jayel said 4:18PM on 6-24-2008
George Washington fought the revolution to rid this country of dominance by royalty. King George III has been replaced by celebrities and politicians. The only similarity is that they're all nuts.
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tootsie said 4:19PM on 6-24-2008
Honestly, had I have the clerk would not have known who the devil he was as (gasp, shock gasp) I don't watch the program, never did and more then likely never will..
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Jay said 4:33PM on 6-24-2008
speaking of Keifer - when the heck is 24 coming back on?
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Jenifer said 5:32PM on 6-24-2008
Re: 24 is due to return in January of 2009. Well that is what is listed on the website for that show. www.fox.com
Diane said 4:42PM on 6-24-2008
Boo Hoo. These 'actors', i.e., 'posers', make we want to hurl. I am surprised his head didn't explode. I had some respect for him for doing his time and acting humble.....guess he was doing just that: acting.
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Philip said 4:46PM on 6-24-2008
My guess is someone from Apple has already contacted them and sent the phone. Rules are only for us common folk.
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Heidi said 4:46PM on 6-24-2008
Well, they want to be treated like everyone else and when it happens, they don't like it. Why should he get one ahead of everyone else? He's an actor for crying out loud! He fills a position for a job to perform. If he didn't fit the criteria for that job, someone else would have gotten it. He's not so special. Just because he's on camera means nothing. Acting is a job same as every other job. Kiefer has to have a resume just like everyone else and if he is not suitable for the position, then someone else would be.
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Debbie said 4:47PM on 6-24-2008
Leave Kiefer alone!!!! Afterall, how many times has he saved the world??? AND he works really hard in a 24 hour period (when does he find time to use the potty???) The man deserves some respect so give him his friggin iphone!!!
JAY!!! There's supposed to be a made for TV movie in November and the regular season will start in January 2009.
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clangs30 said 5:00PM on 6-24-2008
Im struggling just to make ends meet, and these asses are complaining about buying a friggin iphone, jesus.
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