Wal-Mart Saturday specials: Why wait for Black Friday?

If you just can't wait for the three-day Black Friday holiday shopping period to kick off, get over to Wal-Mart this Saturday for some special deals.

Among the noteworthy TV specials: a 46-inch Sanyo 1080p LCD HDTV for $798, which is several hundred dollars cheaper than most 1080p LCDs of this size we've seen. Sanyo models haven't been the best performers in our LCD TV Ratings (available to subscribers), but may be a decent choice for those on a budget.

Other Saturday-only deals include a 15.4-inch Compaq notebook computer (CQ50-139WM) for $298, a Sony PlayStation 3 (80GB) game system, along with a $100 gift card, for $399, a 2GB Sony Walkman MP3 player for $49, a Sony PSP portable game system, with a Ratchet and Clank game and $30 gift card, for $199, and a Samsung 7MP digital camera (S760) bundle, which includes a case, rechargeable battery and charger, for $89.

Wal-Mart.com is also running a number of online specials, including two TV deals: a 55-inch Olevia 1080p LCD TV for 1,398, and a 32-inch Magnavox 720p LCD TV with integrated DVD player for $598. Olevia TVs have done well in our Ratings and have typically delivered good value, although the company is now in bankruptcy protection. Magnavox sets have also generally delivered fine picture quality for the money in our Ratings.

Among the other online deals:

• a Nintendo DS Lite holiday bundle for $149
• a Flip Video Ultra digital camcorder bundle (with a tripod and USB extension cables) for $129
• and a Garmin nuvi 750 portable GPS unit for $270.

The in-store specials are available in limited, specified per-store quantities, and the online deals are available only for as long as supplies last.

Stay tuned for more electronics deals as we get closer to Black Friday.

—James K. Willcox

Comments

[Michelle Salinas]

It pays to buy direct. I found the PSP-2000 for the same price or less than any retailer with free shipping on the sonystyle.com website. You can also create your own bundle with a nice discount. They also have the PS3 and TV packages at the same level of savings.
If you are an easy spirit shoe lover, as I am, you can pick up some great deals on their website (easyspirit.com) with free shipping. Current deals (11/25/08) are 50% off boots sale and buy 1 pair get 20% off the second pair.
For those looking for estee lauder products (makeup, perfume, skin care) this season, you can save a lot and pick up some freebies for yourself by shopping direct (esteelauder.com). They are also offering free gift wrapping and free shipping.
These are only a few of the deals I found by buying direct so checking out the manufacturer websites before making your purchase is definately worth it.

[mike s]

Regarding the Sanyo 46 - maybe it's online only? The link in the CR post is walmart.com

[Brian C. Smith]

I recently read your blog on the sale of a Sanyo 46" flat screen lcd and went to my local Super Wal-mart and they did not know aything about the price of the T.V. you reported. Who's not telling the truth?

[Savannah1225]

I'v seen some 60' lcd tv's at sams,and other stores. I'd like some input.

Thanks Robert