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.
For those of you who believe kids today lack any semblance of public decorum, we've got some recent statistics that just might back up your nostalgic grumblings. 
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Brian said 2:20PM on 5-11-2009
Yes. I do.
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MadMike said 2:31PM on 5-11-2009
I use the phone in the bathroom all the time. Sometimes it's the only way to get ANY privacy. I work for a Fire Dept, so the guys usually eavesdrop anyway just so they can dig up dirt to bust your chops with. Now, I don't talk when doing anything loud and I certainly say "hold on a sec" and throw the phone on mute when I need to flush. But otherwise, it's all fair game.
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Hope said 3:02PM on 5-11-2009
Americans think they are so important they have to use their stupid cell phones in the bathrooms. Then these same morons forget to wash their hands ands continue to spread germs.
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Laur0sie said 12:03PM on 5-12-2009
This doesn't necessarily mean they're using their cell phones while going to the bathroom, they're just IN the bathroom. I use my cell in the restroom when I need some privacy, or need to get away from noise, but I've never called anyone while sitting on the toilet. That's just disgusting, not to mention awkward for whoever is on the other end.
chayne59 said 4:57PM on 5-11-2009
Gee....I just HAD to know that vital piece of statistical information...how did I ever manage to live this long without knowing it!!! LOL
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sarah.kaulitz3 said 4:18PM on 6-18-2009
Haha...hawt.
My friend calls me when she is using the restroom, but only when she is home alone. She is freaked out when she is alone, so she needs someone to talk to. There is nothing wrong with it.
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