Black Friday

Black Friday 2011 is almost here. The editors over at Retrevo have been analyzing the deals on electronics from HDTV sets to digital cameras and have turned up some real deals and some duds. There are some great deals like a Sharp 42-inch 1080p TV for $199 at Best Buy although we suspect supplies will be limited on killer deals like this one. On the other hand, there are some deals that don't look as sweet - like the $78 Magnavox Blu-ray player at Walmart - that has been offered in past Black Friday deals. Here are some picks and recommendations:

*Amazon hadn't announced their prices as this list was put together but we're sure Amazon will be offering some very compelling deals

HDTV Bargains Come in All Sizes

If you're looking for a small TV to put on the counter, bedside or next to Grandma's chair there are some under $100 small screen sets worth considering. There are plenty of larger screen deals to consider as well even some 3D sets.

Samsung 55-inch D6000 LCD TV for $1099 at Sears
This TV offers some attractive features for the price. You get 120Hz, LED backlight and connectivity all for $400 off the normal price.

Dynex 24-inch 1080p LCD TV, $79 at Best Buy
Dynex is Best Buy's house brand which we understand is made by a Thai electronics manufacturer named Orion. Even though you don't really need 1080p on a set this size, it might make DVDs and games look better and it's hard to turn down at $79. Read more

It's a common misperception…some consumers think that literally every item on their shopping list will be at its lowest price of the year in and around Black Friday.

This statement may be true for a variety of categories, but it's important to note that there are a handful of things you should not buy on Black Friday.

Here are the top 10 Things NOT to Buy on Black Friday, from the dealnews editors:

1. Toys: We've said it many times already, and we'll say it once more: Black Friday is not the best time to buy toys for the holidays. They'll likely still be discounted, and it may feel pretty good to get your shopping done early, but you won't love that sinking feeling you'll get when you see those toys listed on dealnews for less about two weeks before Christmas.

2. Top-Brand TVs: Black Friday is an excellent time to get a cheap TV, with numerous sizes prepped to hit their lowest price points we've ever seen, but don't expect the best deals to be flooded with brand-name sets. Those will come with a bit of patience.

3. 2012 Calendars: Wait until the end of January or early February to see the first significant discounts on 2012 calendars, and keep your appointments in your smartphone in the meantime. Wall calendars are mainly just eye candy for your cubicle anyway, right?Read more

'Tis the Season– Either time passes too quickly or the year is getting shorter. Seems like Black Friday, Cyber Monday 2010 were just here and BAM!!! they're back. True Halloween is barely passed but retailers have missed you crowding the malls, beating each other up for those marvelous Christmas gifts. This year, you're ready because all your mobile device batteries are fully charged and you know how to use these shopping tools.

It's hard to believe but the most dreaded period of the year is almost here…Black Friday, Cyber Monday.

If you thought last year was "interesting," this year is lining up to be a terror. Yes, folks have lost jobs…yes homes are underwater…yes things are tight.

Financial institution greed, political hypocrisy only makes the human spirit more resilient. Yes **** it you're still standing!

People are sick and tired of being sick and tired.

Manufacturers, online/storefront retailers are determined to move the needle even if global governments can't/won't! It used to be simple ... Retailers – management, employees – would have an uneasy Thanksgiving meal and rush to the store to get the merchandise ready for the mobs.

Women would hit the stores fighting over half a bra. Men would hit the stores to struggle under the weight of a new huge TV set. Manufacturers would be readying next year's plans, budgets, preparing for good/bad news on end-of-year sales.Read more

All week long, the Black Friday Deals Store will offer new doorbuster deals including a Nikon Coolpix for 50 percent off, up to 50 percent off select LeapFrog electronic toys and white gold princess cut diamond earrings for just $299.99

November 21, 2011-- Just days before Black Friday, Amazon.com, Inc. is adding even more great deals to its Black Friday Deals Store (www.amazon.com/blackfriday). The deals destination will continue to offer huge discounts on the season's most popular products with free shipping* on millions of eligible items every day now through Black Friday weekend.

"In addition to offering great deals on some of the season’s hottest products, we will be watching Black Friday advertisements online and offline to ensure we’re meeting or beating the best deals out there," said Sally Fouts, Amazon.com. "Shoppers who do decide to brave the crowds and the long lines in physical retail stores on Friday should use the Price Check by Amazon app in order to make sure they’re truly getting a good deal."Read more

What are bargain hunters going to be looking for this coming Black Friday and what's on everyone's holiday gift wish list? This latest Pulse Study from Retrevo asked consumers about what they want for the holidays and what they're going to be looking for in the bargain bins. For Black Friday bargain hunters only, tablets top the list followed by HDTV sets, laptops and smartphones.

Shoppers Are Hoping For Black Friday Tablet Deals
Would you get up at four o'clock in the morning to get a deal on a tablet or laptop computer? Apparently there are plenty of bargain hunters who plan on braving the elements this Black Friday to buy electronic things. Although we don't expect to see too many doorbuster deals on iPads or even other tablets, it's at the top of the bargain hunter's list this year.Read more