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 1)
chris said 4:02PM on 10-16-2008
No way this saves you 10 to 20 percent. I am an electrician who's company also does energy management. Waste of money
Reply
Panta said 5:43PM on 10-16-2008
I disagree with Chris. When used correctly The Energy Detective (TED) does result in significant savings. A visit to the website, www.theenergydetective.com will help one understand this product and how it can save on electricity bills.
Has anyone else had personal experience with this product?
Robs said 6:41PM on 10-16-2008
I can vouch for the savings. I have had TED for almost a year now. My children and I cut our use by more than $40 per month on the average using TED. It is a great educational tool as well as an huge money saver. TED paid for itself in no time at all. It is NOT a waste of money, Chris. Robs and children.
Reply
lapsbo said 8:02PM on 10-16-2008
I have had this device for over a year it does work and when I sell my house the device will be coming with me. They were going to make these monitors mandatory in Great Britain because it works.
Reply
Cordova928 said 7:06PM on 10-16-2008
there are cheaper alternatives but this device is worth it in the long run.
Reply
Dennis said 2:17AM on 10-17-2008
An even less expensive way if you're on a really tight budget is to go out and read your meter on a daily basis. Then keep a chart on your daily usage. If you really want to isolate usage monitoring you can read the meter before you turn your A/C or Central Heating (or any heavy usage item, i.e. electric dryer etc.) on, then again when you turn it off, and adjust your usage accordingly. Yes, it is more work than a gadget that will do it for you, but it's less money going out, and more for other needed things.
Reply
jon said 2:31PM on 10-20-2008
I want a device that will cut the power when items are NOT in use. I know even when items are plugged in they are using current which goes against the bill(thanks edison)! I want something I can hook up possibly at the outlet so that it will register no usage until turned on. THAT will save me money thru the year
Reply
dan said 3:19AM on 11-07-2008
These is a item that will turn off stuff at the switch. Its called a strip or surge protector(many have it already on ent systems) just flip the switc when u are done watching and TV goes into OFF mode. Perhaps the law should read that appliances must turn off and be restarted manually (you know the little button on the set lol) and then the remote will work. there are reports that our appliance use more electricity OFF than when they are running. tonite count all the little LEDs glowing around your house.
d
Reply
Robert said 8:52PM on 10-21-2008
I've been using TED for a few months now and can honestly say it's helped me save a ton. Of course, it's all a matter of how much effort you put into conserving, but TED just makes it way easier since you can see the dollars and cents adding up right in front of you. Great tip.
Reply