PCs: Best Black Friday Specials
The end of the year is the peak period for computer sales. Computer makers and dealers are jumpstarting this run by offering Black Friday and holiday discounts of hundreds of dollars each on select brand-name laptop and desktop PCs. In some cases, they're sweetening offers by throwing in a printer or digital camera.
- Most offers we found online and in flyers were accompanied by fine print stating that supplies were limited.
- Some listed the minimum number of discounted computers available in each local store. Don't expect to find those machines unless you're at the store when it opens.
- Not all offers were easily found at the company's site; some were promoted primarily through flyers.
Here are some outlets and select Black Friday specials:
eMachines desktop (Celeron 420), 1GB RAM, 160GB HD, 17-inch LCD, with a Canon all-in-one color printer, $199.97. Though we’ve never tested this particular model, its specs fit our criteria for a budget desktop, save for a relatively slow CPU.
Toshiba Satellite A135-S7403 15.4-inch laptop (Celeron M processor 530), 512MB RAM, 80GB HD, with Canon Pixma MP210 all-in-one photo printer, $229 We've recommended the A135 in the past, though Toshiba has since downgraded some of its specs. If you buy this version, we'd recommend upgrading its RAM.
Related information:
- Consumer Reports' Shopping Blog
- Hot HDTV deals for the Holidays
- Best Holiday deals for consumer electronics
- ConsumerReports.org: How to buy a computer
- Latest Ratings of desktop PCs (available to ConsumerReports.org subscribers only)
- Latest Ratings of notebooks and laptops (available to ConsumerReports.org subscribers only)
Dell Vostro 15.4-inch laptop (1.7-GHZ Athlon Dual Core) 1GB RAM, 120GB HD, DVD burner, $399. Similar to the Inspirons we frequently recommend, this model has specs that typically match those of laptops that sell for $200 or $300 more. It has no frills, such as a webcam or a built-in microphone, however.
Dell Inspiron desktop (Athlon 64x2 5000+), 1GB RAM, 250GB HD, 24-inch LCD, $659 (you receive a $100 gift certificate). The Inspiron 531 has been a Consumer Reports Quick Pick (available to ConsumerReports.org subscribers only) in our recent tests. This model would typically go for $500 or so; add in the 24inch LCD and the gift certificate and it's a great deal.
HP Pavilion dv6629wm-b 15.4-inch laptop (AMD Turion 64x2 dual core), 1GB RAM, 160GB HD, HP Photosmart A526 printer, and HP Photosmart M447 5-megapixel camera, $798. Similar to the dv6500z, this is a fine, stylish laptop that we've seen for around $725 direct, without the extras.
This stocking-stuffer also at Wal-Mart: a 2GB Impact flash thumbdrive for $12.88.
Compaq Presario desktop (Celeron), 1GB RAM, 120GB HD, 17-inch LCD, $399.98 (with $190 mail-in rebate). Except for its relatively slow CPU, this model fits our criteria for a budget desktop. We typically see this desktop go for over $400 by itself; it’s a great deal with the extras. Tech support for Compaq desktops has been undistinguished, however.
HP Pavilion dv9407nr 17-inch laptop (AMD Athlon 64x2 dual core mobile TK-53), 2GB RAM, 120GB HD, $449.99 (only until noon on Friday, minimum 7 units per store). Similar to the dv9500z workhorse laptop, a model like this typically sells for about twice as much. Tech support for Compaq desktops has been disappointing, however.
Compaq Presario C712US 15.4-inch laptop (Pentium dual core T2310), 1GB RAM, 80GB HD, Vista Home Premium, $349.98. Similar to the C700, which we’re now testing. Most likely a good, no-frills budget laptop. Tech support for Compaq desktops has been disappointing, however.
Apple's online store promises a "special one-day-only holiday shopping event" for Nov. 23 involving iPods, iPhones, and Macs. No discounts are explicitly promised, although the store says that shipping will be free on that day.
—Jeff Fox
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