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)
Bob said 11:58AM on 2-11-2009
And I'm certain that all the cars electronics will work just perfectly after a 20,000-kilowatts per square meter blast.
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Pq said 9:46PM on 2-13-2009
Hm would that work with car jackers too?
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Mike said 10:35PM on 2-13-2009
That's funny!
Brian Monahan said 7:48AM on 2-16-2009
I am wondering why the car companys have NOT gone to the instant HOT WATER HEATERS like they have in homes now for the heater systems in cars. Instant Heat means NO WARM UP TIME/ GAS SAVINGS & NO EXTRA CO2 Not to mention that if it had a electric timer added it could warm your car up before you go out there with NO GAS USED and ALMOST NO ELECTRICITY from the battery. Just a small circulation motor and the little heater inline and WA LA!!!!!!!!!
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Mike said 10:29PM on 2-13-2009
That's funny!
Joe said 6:43PM on 6-24-2009
They have them, they are called block heaters, its an option you can get in colder regions.
John said 10:21PM on 2-13-2009
My Aunt lives in a 2nd floor apt in Rowayton Ct. The conditions there aren't quite as bad as the above picture, but they get their fare share of freezing temps, ice and snow. Especially this year. When ready to venture out, she has a device she points out her kitchen window and the car starts, remaining locked. She always remembers to leave the heat and defroster on. By the time she gets downstairs the car is clear and warm.
I wish I had that in Ft Lauderdale. Mid-summer you can't even touch the steering wheel.
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judy tooley said 10:42PM on 2-13-2009
I know of something else that would be a big help. For some
one to invent a solar battery for these laptop computers so
they won't get hot when you use them and when the power
goes out during the storm. The other battery is charged from
the solar battery so that you won't run out of juice in 30 minutes.
That would really be great! I sat in the dark every night for a
week after the last ice storm and ran out of candles and
the flashlight grew dim. I had to forget my computer because
the battery only lasted 30 minutes. Then nothing. They are
always trying to improve these cell phones and still there is
not one that can run on solar power when the lights are on
or when the sun is out and this little solar battery can charge
up the one usually charged up by an adapter. That would be
an improvement!
judy tooley
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ZAK said 12:03AM on 2-14-2009
I bought a little 900 watt gas generator about 5 years ago because every time a storm came along it knocked down trees which knocked down power lines. The power was off for hours or days, depending upon the severity of the damage. My little generator will run for 8 hours on one gallon of gas and it provides enough power to run my refrigerator, computer, TV and one lamp simultaneously. I simply plug in a 16 gauge outdoor-type extension cord to the generator (which is running outside on the porch), pass the cord through a window and plug a six-outlet power strip to it. Then I run indoor extension cords from equipment to the power strip. I have cords all over the place...but it works well. (You can re-charge laptops and cell phones by plugging them into the power strip also.) Just be sure to prevent exhaust gases from the generator from getting inside, do not exceed the power capacity of the generator and use the correct size (gauge) extension cords. When storms are coming; I go fill up my 5 gallon gas jug which is enough fuel to run non-stop for 2-1/2 days. It is inconvenient, but not nearly so much as being in the dark while the food in your 'fridge spoils and you have almost nothing to do.
Jim said 2:20AM on 2-14-2009
They make a crank up radio that will play and charge your cellat the same tme
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billn said 7:12AM on 2-14-2009
Great idea for an anti-theft device. 20,000kw should do it!
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Pa said 7:57AM on 2-14-2009
Park in the garage!!
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