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 3)
King Funky said 2:38PM on 11-13-2008
FIRST! FIRST!
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Eddie said 2:54PM on 11-13-2008
When making "Friend Requests" do not over do it. Facebook systems will shut your Facebook account down if you make too many friend requests over a period of time. Also depends on how fast "Friend Requests" are made. Facebook will not disclose any quotas, or guideline, or recommendations, or specify the limits. They may send a vague warning that "...their systems have detected that you have made too many friend requests over a period, and they can not disclose any more specifics.
Another violation, they are likely to disable your Facebook account.
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yelohbird said 9:32PM on 11-17-2008
Those safeguards are put in place to guard against spammers who use automated systems to generate friend requests. It is highly unlikely that a normal person will be requesting friends fast enough that the system detects it as a potential spammer.
A Tight Scotswoman said 2:58PM on 11-13-2008
I HAVE NEVER BEEN ON FACEBOOK, NOR WILL I!
I HAVE NEVER BEEN ON YOUTUBE, NOR WILL I!
I WILL NEVER BE ON MATCH.COM!
I WILL NEVER BE ON eHARMONY.COM!
IF PEOPLE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH FRIENDS IN THEIR LIFE, ITS BECAUSE THEY HAVE PERSONAL PROBLEMS OR INADEQUATE SOCIAL SKILLS AND PEOPLE GET TURNED OFF BY THEM.
THINK ABOUT THAT WHEN YOU THINK YOU HAVE FOUND YOUR NEW BFF ONLINE OR YOUR SOUL-MATE!
I AM SO SICK AND TIRED OF OLD PEOPLE SAYING HOW THEY FOUND THEIR SOULMATE THE SECOND TIME AROUND!
AND OLD WOMEN CALLING THEIR OLD MEN STUDS!
BUT WORSE OF ALL IS THOSE OLD WOMEN USING THE WORD 'HUBBY' - GEESH, HOW HARD UP WERE THEY?
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YOVANNA said 4:36PM on 11-13-2008
Hey hold on there Miss tight Scotswoman,
I do agree with you regarding never having a My Space, FaceBook, etc., I also think these are just a waste of valuable time, unless you are P-Diddy that can afford to have a staff to keep him in touch with the "media mass" in order to give him some world-wide connections for "fame." Those people are the ones that "should" be utilizing every available resource available. It's smart business.
However, as for the way you demean OLD WOMEN, you need to STOP, simply because someday real soon....you will be in that "bracket" age wise. Age doesn't necessarily mean old, now.
Some 50 year olds.....are far better educated in life, Wiser, knowledgeable, confident, unselfish, content, and spiritually happy with their lives. These women, and I am one, are active and bring joy to the lives of those not so blessed.
If another person wants to call their spouse "Hubby" let them, it doesn't bother me. You sound like you have a lot of hang-ups, you aren't a very happy person, and you get off by critizing others.
Hey, if it isn't you......it shouldn't bother you. Chill....gf, learn to chill and don't sweat the small stuff. Make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate than yourself and find your true happiness.
A message from "An Old 55 year Scorpion Woman" who loves life and doesn't jump into another person's way of doing things. It's called respecting others, even when you don't agree with them.
Tight Scotswoman said 3:43PM on 11-13-2008
YOVANNA,
I AM ONE OF THOSE 'OLD' WOMEN!
I'LL BE 64 MY NEXT BIRTHDAY!!
SINCE I HAVE SAT IN ON THOSE OLD RETIREE'S CHAT ROOMS AND LISTENED TO THEM COMPLAIN I FEEL I HAVE FIRST HAND KNOWLEDGE OF WHAT I SPEAK OF!
YOU CAN SET YOUR CLOCK BY THEM! THEY ARE IN THEIR FOR 'COFFEE' EARLY IN THE MORNING!
AGAIN MID MORNING FOR A 'COFFEE' BREAK!
THEN SHORTLY AFTER LUNCH!
AND DON'T FORGET AFTERNOON BREAK!
THEY HAVE TO SAY 'BBL TIME FOR DINNER' AND AN HOUR LATER THEY ARE BACK!
THEN THERE IS A SHORT BREAK TO LOAD THE DISHWASHER AND BY 6:30 THEY ARE BACK FOR ANOTHER GO ROUND!
BETWEEN 8 AND MIDNIGHT THEY SIT IN THOSE CHAT ROOMS FOR AS LONG AS 2 HOURS OR MORE!
I KNOW FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WHEN EITHER BEING THERE OR CHECKING TO SEE WHO IS IN THE ROOM!
THEY TALK ABOUT THE SAME, OLD, MUNDANE ROUTINE THEY HAVE EVERY DAY!
THEY CAN'T CARRY ON A DISCUSSION ABOUT ANYTHING OF IMPORTANCE UNLESS IT IS RELIGION OR POLITICS AND THEN THEY ARE ALWAYS 'RIGHT' IN HOW THEY BELIEVE OR VOTE!
THEY HAVE NO IDEA THE HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY OR AN UNDERSTANDING OF HOW OUR GOVERNMENT WORKS!
THEY DON'T LIKE ANYONE WHO TALKS ABOUT THEIR OWN FAMILY HISTORY OR ACCOMPLISHMENTS BUT ARE THE FIRST TO 'BRAG' AND CARRY ON ABOUT THEIR OWN GRANDCHILDREN.
OR THEY WANT TO PRY INTO YOUR LIFE AND KNOW ALL THERE IS TO KNOW! ONLY BECAUSE TO TWIST IT AROUND LATER AND TELL LIES ABOUT A PERSON.
AFTER A WHILE, IT GETS OLD, REAL OLD!
IF I WERE A BETTING WOMAN, AND I'M NOT, I'D BET IF THEY ACTUALLY READ MORE THAN ONE BOOK A YEAR IT WOULD SHOCK ME.
THEY NEVER MENTION THAT THEY READ SOMETHING NEW IN THE NEWSPAPER SO I WONDER WHEN IT WAS THE LAST TIME THEY PICKED UP THE NEWSPAPER AND READ IT?
OF COURSE, ONE IN EVERY CROWD WILL SAY THAT THE MEDIA IS BIASED SO WHY BOTHER?
NOW DO YOU UNDERSTAND WHY I DON'T GO INTO OLD PEOPLE'S CHAT ROOMS? I DON'T WANT TO BECOME A BORING OLD FOOL LIKE THEM. I'D RATHER STICK MY NOSE IN A BOOK THAN INTO SOMEONE'S PERSONAL LIFE.
kickin' butt and takin' names said 5:37PM on 11-13-2008
For an "OLD WOMAN" you really have some growing up to do. If a person if responsible enough then I don't see why they can't use one of these sites, especially if they have good decision making skills. I think you probably post comments like these all the time on many different sites just to stir up people's anger and gain attention. Honestly if you dislike it so much why are you here? Now seriously, grow up. =D Thank you for your time.
osteen said 3:45PM on 11-17-2008
WOW, relax. Just a heads up: not everyone out there is like you and that's ok. Many of us have friends in the 'real world' that we enjoy sending stuff to and communicating with via Myspace and Facebook. Maybe there are others who lack 'real world' social skills and have found friendship online. What difference does it make? No one is forcing you to maintain any kind of online presence.
James said 6:59PM on 11-13-2008
It's not about making friends, outside of real life, it's about Social-Networking. You have grouped social networking, retarded home made videos, and 2 tramp-surfing (match making) sites together, like they are leprosy. Is your caps lock key busted off or something... when you type is makes a screaming sound.
Carol Paris said 8:38PM on 11-13-2008
I'm sorry you feel so down on old people, just remember some day it will happen to you to.
I think people who are confined to home should get online and meet people to talk to and share similar likes.
I don't know how old is old to you but to me its anyone collecting social security and unable to find work and is stuck at home.
Kbubles said 11:17AM on 11-14-2008
Man u sure hv ur nickers in a twist. Lighten up. Don't mock lonely people. U hv no idea what they have gone through in life. Get a life!!
It does not matter how many friends u hv, it's the QUALITY of friends u hng out with. Get some alternative energy.
Kbubles ; D oooooooooo
snckr, snckr, snckr
Muffinman said 6:17PM on 1-14-2009
Tight Scotswoman LAY OFF THE CAPS LOCK. gee
Brenda said 7:30PM on 1-22-2009
Hope you find love, joy, acceptance and peace for starters in your life, your words appear to suggest you are very sad, bitter, or angry, I pray your heart heals soon! God Bless!
Valerie said 11:21AM on 2-05-2009
Most everyone has addressed this comment very well in my opinion. I just want to add my own two cents so to speak. The internet itself has been such a blessing in the lives of so many people that I personally know. As a home health care aide I see many many disabled as well as the elderly that have had so much joy brought into their lives by being able to interact socially with others. All too often it isn't a matter of the lack of social skills that draw folks to places like Facebook and MySpace as well as others, it is a physical disability. As a matter of fact, I know three people in particular who have enjoyed a far richer life than once thought possible through these applications, they are all three mutes. Through the internet they have been able to "speak" to others and share their lives with others. For me personally I will be 50 years old this August, but if I'm older than you then it only means I was here first. I will continue to socialize on both Facebook and MySpace for as long as they are here to do so and I will advocate them to others (like those mentioned above) so that they too may enjoy to riches and the rewards of other human contact by whatever means it can be brought to them. A Tight Scotswoman = An Uninformed Scotswoman, but that's just my personal opinion. We should not be so close minded about things that either do not apply to us or that we simply do not understand.
Tight Scotswoman said 6:32PM on 2-05-2009
Valerie,
It is obvious you did NOT read the entire first comment or subsequent comments.
There are 'some' people who are not disabled, and have NO health problems, are NOT confined to home, yet they are sitting in chat rooms night after night.
Whatever did they do BEFORE the Internet and computers?
Computers and the Internet are great 'tools' but they should not replace a normal social life and contact with real live persons.
In fact, most comments didn't even get the picture!
dewey said 3:12PM on 11-13-2008
hey Tight Scotswoman ... you wrote:: GEESH, HOW HARD UP WERE THEY?.... well,, you must be pretty hard up.. you're reading stories and commenting about facebook that you've "NEVER BEEN ON" but sure know alot about..Maybe that's why you label your self as "tight"... no BF's??
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wendy said 3:47PM on 11-13-2008
hahahaha!
and AMEN to Yovanna!!
conk said 3:28PM on 11-13-2008
ectoh dear i got the wrong room. lets start again
dear aunt sally.
know one understands me, plus to them, i am a figure of ridicule my friends shun me, my wife divorced me, m bank manager is the only one to write to me on a regular basis, abiet not all in an all together friendly tone and i have just been downsized at work, adding to this my spell checker does not work, on well back to the safe options of my face... my space..... ect ect ect et al
yours a hot hunk
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quin said 3:40PM on 11-13-2008
My G'ma used to call her husband 'Hubby"
I thought it endearing. "Old women calling their men studs better than calling them duds.".LOL... Just think some day you might be an older person, perspective may change, and I was wondering how you know what all those mentioned sites were like if you never looked at them.
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A TIGHT SCOTSWOMAN said 3:52PM on 11-13-2008
I'M A BIT OLD FASHION AND PREFER TO REFER TO MY HUSBAND AS 'MY HUSBAND' AS I FEEL HUBBY IS BEING TOO LAZY TO USE THE WORD HUSBAND.
JUST A COMMENT MADE ON AN OBSERVATION!
THE PEOPLE OF THIS COUNTRY USE TOO MUCH SLANG AND NOT PROPER WORDS .
IT MAKES SOME PEOPLE SOUND LIKE THEY ARE STUPID OR UNEDUCATED AND THEY ARE THE ONES WHO GET UPSET AT BEING STEREO-TYPED!
AND WONDER WHY?