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)
rjkaczmarek said 9:49AM on 1-02-2009
I live in NJ which has this law and yet have seen anyone pulled over for it because they have to be doing something else (speeding, making an illegal turn, etc.) in order to being stopped. They can't just be stopped for texting. It's a law with no teeth in it. Until statistics are kept on how many accidents are caused by people texting or using their cell phones while driving little will be done to stop its use. Get the insurance companies involved and you'll see the pressure to stop using cell phones while driving rise.
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maty said 9:50AM on 1-02-2009
In the UK its a £60 ($87) for using a phone and 3 points (same as a speeding ticket, 12 points for a 3 year ban), if reaching court, up to £2,500 fine. And its not just phone, anything in your hand or anything distracting you. A woman got fined for just eating an apple.
Mind you, I totally agree with the law.
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Tasia659 said 1:59AM on 1-15-2009
Yes ,I totally agree with this Law. It needs to be enforced all over the country. I have had so many close calls with people on there cell phone while driving. I cant even recall all the times someone has almost ramed me while talking on the cell phone..I don't like close calls at all. I take on a GREAT RESPONSIBILITY when I drive. It is important to be a safe driver but also ensure the lives and loved ones of others that are also on the road.
I manage to survive the day without talking on my cell phone while operating a 2000lb vehicle on the road at high speeds or in rush hour traffic. Everyone else can to.
God bless the U.S :)
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