Black friday buddies 2010 unite! BACK FROM THE TRENCHES POST YOUR WAR STORIES!

[kaytieeldr]

Robin - if that's the 50" Viera TC-P50U2, or the 42" model, Consumer Reports rates it a Best Buy.

81felgs, they don't mention an Insignia LCD, but that just means they didn't test any for this (December) issue.

4. Microwave - something cheap

Can you be more specific? Price range? Will you be in the Boston area any time soon?

 

[robinb]

Robin - if that's the 50" Viera TC-P50U2, or the 42" model, Consumer Reports rates it a Best Buy.

It's the TC-P42S2. The S2 is supposed to be better than the U2.

I'm just not sure if I want a plasma because of the energy consumption.

 

[Aliceacc]

Keep a check on Best Buy, I hear they are supposed to start selling the Kindle as well.

Thanks for the heads up!

I just got this from the BestBuy website:
Amazon Kindle — now at Best Buy stores
Pick up the Amazon Kindle at a Best Buy store near you. Although the Kindle is not available for purchase on BestBuy.com, you can shop for Kindle accessories.


So I'll be watching the Best Buy ads for the next 2 weeks or so.

 

[lisaross]

my son wants a flat screen for his bedroom...guess i'll keep an eye out for those - probably on the smaller side perhaps 19inc or next size up...anyone here any good deals?

 

[bicker]

For price, keep your eyes on Visio. For quality, keep your eye on Panasonic, Samsung and LG. Either way, keep your eyes on Amazon.com. It is unlikely that they'll be significantly undersold.

 

[Jennifer in MI]

Does anyone have any idea if the new iPod Touch will have any deals? I think the cheapest I've seen it has been $288 at Amazon. I want to get my shopping done NOW, but if this will be cheaper, I'll wait!!!

 

[kaytieeldr]

Consider a refurbished one directly from Apple, Jennifer.

 

[kaytieeldr]

It's the TC-P42S2. The S2 is supposed to be better than the U2.

I'm just not sure if I want a plasma because of the energy consumption.

Well, if it's any help, the three Panasonic LCDs they reviewed have annual energy consumptions of $37, $27, and $27 (the first two are 42", the other is 37"). They reviewed more Panasonic plasmas; energy costs for the three 54"-58" models average $45 per year; ditto for the three 50" models - but that U2 is $57 per year while the other two are $39 each; and the four 42"-46" models average $40 per year.

 

[elgerber]

For price, keep your eyes on Visio. For quality, keep your eye on Panasonic, Samsung and LG. Either way, keep your eyes on Amazon.com. It is unlikely that they'll be significantly undersold.

Agreed. 3 of or 4 flat screens have come from Amazon, free shipping and significantly cheaper than Best Buy. All 4 of ours are Samsungs too. We bought a Sony at Costco, and hated it. Took it back, and ordered a Samsung from Amazon.

 

[clanmcculloch]

I'm just not sure if I want a plasma because of the energy consumption.

I got a 60" last year and my electric bill didn't budge. I must be doing something right because my electric bill actually went down a bit last winter compared to previous years even though we had a cold winter. The numbers Katie listed for energy costs are pretty low.

My one suggestion though is to look at just how dark the room is. Every lamp, light and window will cause a lot of glare on a plasma. I know I saw that in reviews and comparisson articles when I was researching TVs, but I still underestimated just how much glare there is on Plasmas. I'm otherwise very happy with mine but I think I need to get heavier drapes because during the day we do get some glare.

 

[clanmcculloch]

My only major purchase this year will be a Wii. I'm really hoping the Mario bundle will go on sale. I'm watching for sales on remotes and nanchucks as well but the console is the biggest cost.

 

[robinb]

For price, keep your eyes on Visio. For quality, keep your eye on Panasonic, Samsung and LG. Either way, keep your eyes on Amazon.com. It is unlikely that they'll be significantly undersold.

What do you think about buying something like a TV from Amazon? I know I'll probably get the best price BUT I am hesitant to buy from them in case there is something wrong with the TV (or I just don't like it) and it needs to be returned or repaired. I'm thinking that any savings would be negated by return shipping v/s carrying it to the brick and mortar for return/replacement or repair.

 

[robinb]

Well, if it's any help, the three Panasonic LCDs they reviewed have annual energy consumptions of $37, $27, and $27 (the first two are 42", the other is 37"). They reviewed more Panasonic plasmas; energy costs for the three 54"-58" models average $45 per year; ditto for the three 50" models - but that U2 is $57 per year while the other two are $39 each; and the four 42"-46" models average $40 per year.

Thanks . What issue has the TV reviews?

 

[bicker]

Well, if it's any help, the three Panasonic LCDs they reviewed have annual energy consumptions of $37, $27, and $27 (the first two are 42", the other is 37"). They reviewed more Panasonic plasmas; energy costs for the three 54"-58" models average $45 per year; ditto for the three 50" models - but that U2 is $57 per year while the other two are $39 each; and the four 42"-46" models average $40 per year.

Great info. It is a difference, but truly around $10 more per year. There are some significant picture quality considerations for which plasma soundly beats LCD, and for many people it is worth $10 per year for that.

My one suggestion though is to look at just how dark the room is. Every lamp, light and window will cause a lot of glare on a plasma.

There is a difference, but just like with power consumption, the difference is a lot smaller than many people believe. I was very concerned about this when I purchased my plasma and it took a lot of assurance from other plasma owners to help me understand that glare is not that much of an issue. Yes, true: You do not want to have a bright window right behind you while watching a plasma. However, that window will also have some glare-impact on an LCD as well. Not as much, but some.

 

[bicker]

What do you think about buying something like a TV from Amazon? I know I'll probably get the best price BUT I am hesitant to buy from them in case there is something wrong with the TV (or I just don't like it) and it needs to be returned or repaired.

Amazon.com has a special service for televisions called enhanced delivery.

TVs 42 inches or larger also qualify for Enhanced Delivery. With Enhanced Delivery, a representative of the common carrier will bring your TV to any room suitable for testing, unpack it, and ensure that it is working properly to guarantee no damage occurred during transportation.

The carrier does not charge for Scheduled/Enhanced Delivery.

I'm thinking that any savings would be negated by return shipping v/s carrying it to the brick and mortar for return/replacement or repair.

Amazon.com knows what they're up against, and they've done a great job providing superior customer service in such situations, fwir. (Luckily, my plasma was perfectly fine when they set it up and I've had no problems with it either.)

And do keep in mind that many local retailers wash their hands of televisions they sell as soon as they walk out the door, telling you to contact the manufacturer if you have a problem.

This is really a dual-edge sword: The reality is that Amazon.com does do a better job overall selling you a television than your local store can. They can do this because they don't have much of the extra overhead costs that your local store does. They take a lot of that costs savings and turn it into better service (and pocket the rest, of course ). This means you have a great option open to you, buying a television from Amazon.com, but it also kills Main Street. It's why Main Street is already dead for (a bad place to buy) many products.

 

[lori123]

Any great deals on a wii???

 

[jennz]

Just wanted to mention that Target and Staples are also selling Kindles.

 

[PatriciaH]

We got our 42 inch Samsung LCD HDTV from Amazon. They brought it up the stairs and hooked it up for us. It was great. Now looking to get a 22 inch for our 2nd bedroom. Maybe with a DVD player built in. Will probably buy from Amazon as well.

Also looking for a Keurig and/or a Tassimo, a down comforter and pillows, a duvet, Bailey Button Uggs, tires for the winter, a Kindle and the cheapest iPad. Whoo hoo! I keep getting lots of coupons and deals in my e-mail. I had to make a folder to sort all of them! Keeping my eye on this thread!

 

[ImMarcik]

I keep looking for these too. This is my big gift this year year for my DD. They have the DSiXL on sale right now at Walmart with Mario Cart and its red but Im hoping to get the pink one.
Since the 3D one will be coming out after the new year Im hoping that they will have a great sale on the DSi's this year. Really really need one so keeping my fingers crossed this is gonna be a big BF deal.

I saw the Mario Cart one. I have 2 kids to get one for so I need to different colors, and I'm not sure if I should get the DSiXL or DSi? Thanks for your reponse.

 

[lucigo]

I saw the Mario Cart one. I have 2 kids to get one for so I need to different colors, and I'm not sure if I should get the DSiXL or DSi? Thanks for your reponse.

It really makes no different what color the DS is, its best to put a cover on it anyway. My son has a nerf cover and the DS looks brand new under it. The cover has saved it several times over.