With September almost over, it’s time to turn our eyes to the next major event in the tech world. No, I’m not talking about the iPhone 5 release date, but a date that has almost the same level of buzz — Black Friday.
Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving, when retailers slash prices on items in order to create a buying frenzy and shoppers wait in lines that span around malls for cheap laptops, tablets and HDTVs.
Dealnews.com monitors Black Friday pricing trends, and has just released their Black Friday 2011 predictions. These deals represent the lowest prices Dealnews expects to see this year. Their record is pretty good, which is why I’m sharing these Black Friday Predictions with you.
Black Friday Apple Deals
Sellers like Best Buy will offer Macbook Air deals on Black Friday.
Sadly Apple doesn’t get into the Black Friday festivities like many other retailers. This doesn’t mean you won’t find any Apple deals, you just won’t find them at Apple.com.
Dealnews expects 5-10% off iPods and Apple computers including the MacBooks, but no discounts on the iPhone 5. Refurbished iPhone 4 models will likely see discounts on AT&T and Verizon.
For the biggest discounts, look to third party Mac sellers like Amazon, BestBuy, MacMall and others. Notebooks.com expects that these retailers will offer up front discounts of $100 to $200 on new MacBook Pro and MacBook Air notebooks as well as gift card bonuses.
As far as the iPad goes, we don’t expect Apple to slash prices too much, but be on the lookout for good deals on the original iPad and for bundles which include cases and Apple App Store credit.
Android Tablet Black Friday Deals
Expect Motorola Xoom deals on Black Friday.
If you’ve been waiting for Black Friday to pick up an Android tablet, there’s nothing to be excited about in these predictions.
Dealnews expects discounts on older Android tablets like the Xoom and the Galaxy Tab 7″, both of which lack the looks and performance of top notch devices like the newer Galaxy Tab 10.1″ tablet.
If you want to throw away money, Dealnews expects that you’ll be able to purchase an Android tablet for $75. These Android tablets typically retail for $99, and have lackluster performance and specs — even for the average user.
During my hands on time with a similar priced Android tablet, I was continually frustrated by buggy wi-fi, slow performance and the need to use a stylus, as the screen couldn’t respond to finger touch. Expect to see everyone from CVS to Sears offering cheap Android tablets this year. For most users, this purchase will be a disappointment, and an eReader like the Nook Color would be a better buy.
eReader Black Friday Deals
The Nook Color is expected to be hot on Black Friday.
Dealnews admits that eReader Black Friday Deals are tough to predict, but they hope that we will see a Kindle 3 WiFi model for $99 and a Nook Color for $179 this year.
The Nook Color runs on Android and offers apps and a web browser, which makes it a good option for tablet shoppers that want an affordable tablet.
I think that Amazon will make the Kindle with Special offers the center of their Black Friday promotions, and also expect to see the Nook Color on sale in limited quantities at many brick and mortar retailers.
Stay tuned for more Black Friday deals, news and tips as we get closer to November 25th, 2011.
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