A complete guide to Black Friday deals, advice, and Ratings

We’ve been busy here getting ready for the holiday shopping season, which—despite its early start this year—traditionally starts on Black Friday. In addition to following deals and offering shopping tips here on the Electronics Blog, our reporters and testers have been updating the buying advice for a host of products at ConsumerReports.org. They’ve also been hard at work in our labs, as the flood of new product Ratings within the last week and a half can attest.

If you’re among the brave ones venturing out in search of deals this Black Friday weekend, we hope this buying guide will help prepare you. For buying tips and deals throughout this holiday season, be sure to check back with the Electronics Blog periodically. Check in also with Tightwad Tod, who is following deals for a number of products and offering useful shopping advice.

BLACK FRIDAY DEALS
Our reporters have combed through a number of Black Friday deal sites and retailer circulars. Below are the fruits of their labor. Many deals carry through the weekend. Even if they’re only valid on Black Friday itself, you might be surprised at what a little haggling can accomplish. And be careful of tempting bundled or package deals—sometimes they aren’t as great a value as they appear.

• LCD TV deals
• Plasma TV deals

Black Friday computer deals not so hot

Where are all the computer deals? We started flipping through the Black Friday sites and circulars in search of tempting laptops, desktops, and netbooks. The results? It’s a mixed bag.

You’ll have to work hard to find the best deals. Our favorite so far? The Sony VGN-NW235F/W that will be on sale Friday at Best Buy. Normally priced at $999, on Friday limited quantities will be available for $399. But you’ll need a ticket to be eligible to make this purchase.

Best Buy will also have a $197 HP laptop with a 15.6-inch display. It uses a Celeron processor, which is a lesser performer than the processors used in most laptops. If you're interested in this one, think of it as a netbook-like performer in a larger laptop package. Actually, at that price it’s a pretty good deal for the kids or the grandparents.

Here are Best Buy’s instructions for getting a ticket:

Each store will decide when to hand out tickets in the two hours before store opening. Stores base their decisions on multiple factors, including the length of the line, the weather, and store personnel levels. Tickets will be handed out until they are gone. Lines tend to form early, and Best Buy is unable to guarantee that all customers will receive a ticket.

My local Best Buy opens at 5 a.m. You do the math—don’t bother going to bed.

New Ratings of laptop, netbook, and desktop computers

The new iMac, now in our Ratings.

The holiday shopping season is about to hit hyperspeed, and as you’d expect, there’s news to report on computers of every stripe. Our new computer Ratings (available to subscribers) should help you sort things out, but before you start shopping, here are a few things you need to know.

First, our Ratings include a range of computers—laptops, netbooks, and desktops—most of which run Windows 7, the latest iteration of Microsoft’s operating system. Two days before Microsoft introduced Windows 7, Apple debuted several new Macs, including a big-screen 27-inch iMac.

Next, don’t expect a big performance boost from Windows 7. Compared to Vista computers, Windows 7 systems didn’t perform any better or worse. But the good news is, Windows 7 systems don’t necessarily cost more than Vista laptops or desktops.

Here’s a look at the news from each category.

Netbooks. We added eight new Windows 7 models to our netbook Ratings, including two with 11.6-inch screens. The others have 10.1-inch displays, and run Windows 7 Starter, a version of Windows 7 that doesn’t include the Aero 3D interface. We didn’t find any notable differences between Windows 7 Starter and XP netbooks, although the Windows 7 systems showed a slight performance hit but a slight gain in battery life. Our advice is to make your buying decision based not on the operating system, but on ergonomics, battery life, and price.

A look at Apple’s new MacBook and Mac mini

The new Macbook 13-inch laptop

Continuing my look at Apple’s newest computers, here’s my take on the new Macbook 13-inch and Mac mini.

MacBook 13-inch

Apple’s replacement for the 13” plastic-case MacBook keeps the price at an entry-level (for Apple) $1,000. They’ve given it the large glass-surface, multi-touch, gesture-enabled trackpad of its bigger siblings. They’ve also rounded the case’s edges, switched to an LED-backlit screen, and installed a non-user-replaceable, 10 percent higher-capacity battery with twice the claimed service life (1000 charges) and two hours longer claimed charge life (7 hours).

A couple things were dropped from the previous model: the external battery-charge indicator, the FireWire port, and the remote-control pickup. I guess Apple doesn’t consider this a media-centric laptop.

Under the hood, Apple has bumped up the processor from 2.13 GHz to a 2.26 GHz Core-2 Duo. The hard drive went up from 160 GB to 250 GB. The weight has gone down about 5 ounces to 4.7 lbs.

Some nice touches: The cover snaps closed magnetically, and has a thin, soft-plastic gasket around the edge that might help keep moisture from reaching the keyboard in transit. The seamless bottom panel is actually plastic-coated aluminum, which should help spread out the heat and reduce hot spots on your lap. The top surface of the wrist-rest area stayed cool in our tests.

All in all, this MacBook is a better value than the prior one: a little faster, a little lighter, a little longer running, and able to hold more stuff.

The new Mac mini

Mac mini

Apple’s latest entry in the compact desktop arena hasn’t changed on the outside, but has the expected configuration improvements inside. The Mac mini $600 model goes up from the previous 2 GHz to a 2.26 GHz Core-2 Duo processor, doubles the memory to 2 GB, and expands the hard drive from 120GB to 160GB. It keeps the FireWire 800 port, the generous 5 USB ports (though two are taken if you use a wired keyboard and mouse), and the mini-DVI port along with the adapter needed to connect a DVI display (you can buy a $19 adaptor for a VGA display.) Apple has added a mini-DisplayPort connector, now standard on Apple PCs, for Apple displays and the few non-Apple displays that can fit it.

For $200 more, the sibling model has a 10 percent faster processor (2.53 GHz), doubles the hard drive to 320GB, and doubles the memory to 4 GB.

The Mac mini remains an enigma, being shipped without a keyboard and mouse, presumably to keep the price low. If you add Apple’s wired ones, the price goes up $100, or you can go wireless for $40 more. You’ll also want speakers if you plan to play music, since the mini’s internal speaker is insipid.

In my next post, I’ll take a further look at the design and style of Apple’s new computers. —Dean Gallea

Sony Recall: Not Batteries This Time, But AC Adapters

Sony announced a recall of AC adapters for certain all-in-one VAIO desktops due to potential shock hazards. The adapter model number is VGP-AC19V17. It was sold after September 2007 with these systems: VGC-LT; VGC-JS240; VGC-JS250; VGC-JS270; and VGC-JS290.

The adapter was also sold with notebook docking stations after September 2005. The docking stations are model numbers VGP-PRBX1 and VGP-PRFE1.

The company is replacing the adapters with new ones. You’ll find more information on Sony’s Web site, where you can also confirm whether your specific adapter is affected. (Unplug it if it’s on the list.) You can also call 877-361-4481 for more information. —Donna Tapellini

PC Shopping? Beware False Bargains

Walk into just about any computer store or log onto most Web sites that sell computers, and you’re sure to find a good number of laptops and desktops at rock-bottom prices. But those deals may not be as good as they seem on the surface, our lab tests show.

Take a close look at these “bargains” before you buy, because some computer manufacturers are replacing dual-core processors with single-core Pentium and Celeron processors to reduce costs. Others are using less-powerful Atom processors in systems that otherwise look like full-blown laptops and desktops. The result, our tests show, is more sluggish performance when you try to surf media-rich Web sites, watch videos, or play 3D games.

The bottom line when shopping: If you’re looking for a primary PC for general-purpose computing, avoid computers with single-core processors, such as some Atoms and Celerons. Also make sure you get more than 1GB of memory. Of course, if all you need is a low-cost netbook for general Web surfing and e-mail, with perhaps some word processing thrown into the mix, then an Atom-based netbook with a gigabyte or two of memory and at least a 160GB hard drive should serve you well.

Take a look at our laptop and desktop Ratings (available to subscribers only) to see how Atom and other low-end processors affect systems like all-in-ones and other full-blown computers. —Donna Tapellini

From the Windows 7 launch: Touch technology is a prominent feature

VP Brad Brooks showcasing content running on 17 devices from one Windows 7 PC. (Click to enlarge.)

After starting the Windows 7 launch here in New York with a cutesy moment—Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer presenting Kylie, of Win7 TV-commercial fame, with a pink laptop—Ballmer and company moved right into a demonstration of the new OS’s top features. (See our related post: "Windows 7: To upgrade or not to upgrade")

Touch technology plays a big role in Windows 7, and is likely to result in a wide range of new products from manufacturers. For example, Microsoft this morning announced a new app from Amazon that will let you read your Kindle content on a Windows 7 computer. Thanks to touchscreen capabilities, you can scroll through e-books using multitouch finger gestures.

With Windows 7, Windows Media Center also gains touch-based features. Microsoft’s vice president of consumer marketing, Brad Brooks, demoed the results of a deal with CBS that will let you watch any show from the TV network on your PC. Scroll through and choose the shows using, you guessed it, your computer’s touchscreen.

In one of the launch’s “that‘s kinda cool” moments, Brooks fed music, photos, and video to 17 different pieces of equipment—several TVs, an Onkyo receiver, a digital picture frame, and an xBox 360-connected TV—all from one Windows 7 PC, all at the same time. (See image above.)

Keep an eye on our blog over the next days and weeks as we bring you news on product launches surrounding Windows 7. If you're interested in buying it, see how to buy it (legally) for under $120.
—Donna Tapellini

Apple updates iMac, MacBook, and mini: Coincidence or challenge?

Just about 48 hours before Microsoft is set to release Windows 7, its new operating system, Apple grabs the spotlight with the launch of new iMac desktops, new versions of the Mac mini, and an updated MacBook laptop.

The new iMacs start at $1,199 with a 3.06GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, but are also available with i5 or i7 processors. New display sizes are 21.5 inches and 27 inches. The base model also comes with 4GB of RAM and a 500GB hard drive.

The popular 13-inch MacBook now uses an LED-backlit display like that on the MacBook Pro, as well as a unibody design for lighter weight. It’s $999 with a 2.26GHz Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB of memory, and a 250GB hard drive.

The Mac mini has also been updated, with two models available. One includes a 2.26GHz Core 2 Duo processor,  2GB of memory, and a 160GB hard drive for $599. The higher-end version is $799 and has a 2.53GHz Core 2 Duo, 4GB of memory, and a 320GB hard drive. Don’t forget that you’ll need to add your own monitor, keyboard, mouse, and external speakers. —Donna Tapellini

Windows 7: To Upgrade or Not to Upgrade

Launch day for Windows 7 is just a few days away. So you might be wondering whether you need to plop down between $120 and $220 for the new OS, buy a new computer, or maintain your status quo.

Before you make any decisions, you should check your computer’s compatibility, as well as that of your peripherals, with Microsoft’s Upgrade Advisor.

Then, find the description of your situation below and proceed accordingly:

You’re happy with your current system and OS. Save your money, at least for now. Sure, Windows 7 has some new interface tweaks that we think are pretty cool. But any time you upgrade, there’s a potential for unpredictable problems. So why mess with success? Meanwhile, however, always download any critical Windows updates. Make sure you’re using the latest version of your browser. And if you don’t have any security software running, install a free antivirus program. We recommend Avira AntiVir.  Alternatively, Microsoft just released its free antivirus/antispyware software, Microsoft Security Essentials.

You’re a Vista user frustrated with its performance. Get the upgrade if your system is compatible. Windows 7 is more stable than Vista and it’s got a good number of ease-of-use enhancements. And as a bonus, you’ll get a grip on those frustrating User Account Controls, since Windows 7 provides options for different levels of settings. 

You recently bought a new computer and qualify for a free upgrade. Get your upgrade. Most computer manufacturers are offering free Windows 7 upgrades to those who bought Vista-based computers from late June through this coming January. Be sure to register for the upgrade, and keep in mind that you might have to pay shipping and other costs to have the software sent to you. But keep in mind that the Windows 7 upgrade option does not apply to Vista Basic-based computers.

You’re an XP user. If your computer is no more than four years old and running Windows XP, and you want to upgrade to Windows 7, run the upgrade advisor. If you’re cleared for Windows 7, you can upgrade, but you’ll first have to either install Vista or backup and then erase the contents of your hard drive before moving to Windows 7.

Retail versions of Windows 7 cost $120 for Home Premium; $200 for Professional; and $220 for Ultimate. Eligible college students can grab an upgrade for just $30 until early January at www.win741.com. —Donna Tapellini

Extra Extra: Consumer Reports Electronics Buying Guide is on sale

(Click to enlarge.)

It may be a tad early to start your holiday shopping, but there’s a good chance you’ve at least been thinking about it. Maybe you’ve had a big-ticket gift—like a new TV or home theater—in mind for a while now, but are putting off the purchase till November or December. If it’s sales you’re waiting for, you probably know what you want and how much you’re willing to pay. On the other hand, you might just a teeny bit leery of throwing so much cash at something you know very little about. Which is better: a plasma or LCD TV? Should you upgrade to a Blu-ray player or stick with standard-def DVDs?

If you find yourself in need of expert advice, consider the newest edition of the Consumer Reports Electronics Buying Guide. Inside you’ll find a wealth of information on everything from televisions and computers to smart phones, GPS units, and much more. For each product, the Consumer Reports editors walk you through the basics, explaining what’s available, which features matter, brand profiles, and offering tried-and-true shopping tips.

In addition to product information, the guide offers advice on how to shop smarter, including:

• Netting the best deals online, and protecting yourself when you shop on the Web


• When to repair and when to replace a broken item


• How to haggle effectively


• Finding the best electronics retailer based on our comprehensive annual survey


• How to save—and what to be wary of—with refurbished or open-box products on store shelves


• Where to get free office software, free computer security programs, and more useful freeware