It's funny how quickly things get outdated. ellie/Flickr
I have never shopped on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving that kicks off the holiday spending spree, but this year I plan to break that tradition.
I’ve been considering replacing my 14-inch computer monitor for more than a year. My tiny screen is constantly crowded with windows and tabs and apps, making me inefficient at work. I want a bigger monitor.
Black Friday is a great time to buy consumer electronics, if past sales are any indication. Here’s how I plan to get a great deal this Black Friday.
I’ve narrowed down what I’m looking for. Earlier in the year I was considering replacing my entire computer, but I still have a year on my extended warranty. (Extended warranties are not often a great deal, but my machine underwent major surgery in its first year, so I purchased it in case the problems continued.) I’m focused and determined not to get distracted by other sales.
I’ve set a target budget. My early goal was to spend less than $100 on a new computer monitor. Since then, I’ve browsed many Dell catalogs and realized I won’t be able to buy a bigger monitor unless I bump up my budget to $200. No point in replacing what I already have. I’m hoping to lower my budget to $150 after I do more research about prices.
I’ve saved the money. Nuff said.
I’m monitoring Black Friday 2010 ads. I joined the email list for BFAds.net years ago and am continually impressed with their dedication, enthusiasm, and ability to put sale prices into perspective. So far most of the deals are for toys, but my fingers are crossed that there will be great electronics deals this year, like last year.
I’ve got a plan. Closer to the holiday I’m going to spend an hour or two comparing in detail the sales for monitors within my budget that fit my needs. I don’t plan to shop Black Friday in person, so I’m limited to online deals. I plan to narrow down my choices to 2-4 monitors and do a final comparison of price, warranty, return policy, and shipping fee. Then I’ll make my decision.
I’ve got an alarm clock. The best Black Friday deals are extremely short lived (an hour or less?) and often occur at uncomfortable hours when I’d rather be sleeping. But if I can shave a significant amount of money – $75 or more – off the price of a good computer monitor, I’m willing to set my alarm.
Are you considering a major consumer electronics purchase this winter holiday season? What’s your plan of attack?
Welcome to Bargain Babe! I’m Mara, and I’m so glad you’re here. I am an obsessive bargain hunter and penny pincher, and I am determined to live a full life without EVER paying full price. 
I noticed last year that many of the deals that were happening at that big box stores and electronic stores on Black Friday also were on sale at Amazon throughout the day. It’s not guaranteed but it’s worth taking a look.
Black Friday overwhelms me. But I like the idea that you are going to use it to get a deal for a new monitor. You might also watch the early holiday sales. I noticed that new egg and best buy are running sales this pre-holiday sales. (I’m also keeping an eye out for a couple technology purchases). The fact that you have aplan, know what you are looking for are so key to getting a great deal, especially with tech.
If you wait until the Monday after Thanksgiving, that is what has become known as “Cyber-Monday”, the “Black Friday” of the internet. I did a lot of my Christmas shopping on that day last year.
Check the Sears website. They have several 19 inch monitors for under $150.
@Brenda Williams Thanks for the tip – I will definitely check out Sears’ monitors.
I think that looking for a Black Friday deal on a monitor is a good bet. Monitors are one of the items that you can get a good deal on. Especially if you just want something bigger than a 14 inch.
I got my new monitor by turning in my Discover Card points for Staples Reward cards and waiting for the monitor I wanted to go on sale. I LOVE my big monitor.
My television died and I’m trying to hold out until Black Friday to purchase a 32″ Vizio or Samsung. I’ve been watching the ads and comparing prices and hoping to find a deal. I’ve never shopped on the day after Thanksgiving or Christmas so this will be quite an experience for me.
Don’t know what you’re looking for in terms of display resolution, but you can get an Acer P205H 20″ Widescreen LCD Monitor 1600 x 900 for $99.98 at Staples. Good until 11/13.
http://www.staples.com/Acer-P205H-20-Widescreen-LCD-Monitor/product_823879?cmArea=FEATURED:SC3:CG4:DP2000
@Andy That is awesome! I get rewards at Staples so I like to shop there.
Keep an eye on the resolution numbers, some of the 19″ and 20″ monitors are lower than 1400x* pixels wide, you should skip over those.
The staples / Acer mentioned above if 1600×900, which is nice, but not full “1080p” -> 1920×1080, which is top resolution you’ll see on a consumer monitor. You can now get 1080p in a 20 or 21.5″, but a 23-24″ will provide a nicer experience with the larger pixels. Also, you can potentially use a 1080p monitor as an HD display.
ps. make sure your laptop can drive a bigger monitor, it should list a maximum output size in the manual. It’s ok to get a monitor you can’t fully utilize if you know you’ll be able to with the next computer…
pps. If you buy from Staples keep an eye out for a $25 off of $75 coupon. They mail them to members or can be bought cheaply on ebay.
I have a monitor by the name of ENVISION had it for 5 yrs and it needs upsizing Envision last wk at Fry’S 28′ for $198.
Check out Staples!
Walmart put their “doorbusters” online for sale, starting at 3 am on Black Friday morning, last year. I had to wait a few minutes for the TomTom GPS and another item to be activated, but I purchased them at the “doorbuster” prices and was back in bed by 3:15 am.