Articles and Guides
Below are our archived articles from 2012:
November 21, 2012
Appliances deals are among the best kept secrets on Black Friday. Annually outshined by massive television, video game and laptop deals, great sale prices on washers and dryers, ranges and refrigerators often go unnoticed by the multitudes that brave cold weather and early morning hours to score great savings. If you’re looking to pick up a new appliance this holiday season, don’t skip the massive deals available on Black Friday. Read on to see our picks.
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November 20, 2012
The good news this year: if you’re hoping to pick up a point and shoot stocking stuffer for under $100, there are plenty of great options to choose from. There are also some wonderful bundle packages for those looking to dive into SLR photography. Read on to see our choice picks, which cover value cameras all the way through introductory high-end digital SLR models.
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November 20, 2012
The rise of the Android tablet, coupled with the Kindle Fire's competitive $199 price point last year, has made this the most exciting year yet for tablet deals. Not only are the prices lower but the overall quality from top to bottom is the best we've seen. Read on to see our recommended tablet choices on Black Friday.
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November 19, 2012
No family holiday or vacation would be complete without taking home-videos to torture the kids with later and to make your extended relatives jealous. This year's camcorder deals offer everything from durable kids items that take real video but don't break the bank, to purse-sized handhelds that can travel with you to where ever the great shots happen to be.
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November 19, 2012
With GPS and turn by turn directions becoming a common feature on many smartphones this season, demand for a traditional GPS unit is down. That means this Black Friday is the perfect time to snag a name brand GPS unit on the cheap. Prices are better than ever for these devices that'll get you where you're going without having to subscribe to a service or sign a long-term contract.
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November 19, 2012
Earlier this season, the media (and our avid forum posters) were speculating about the possibility of a 40" HDTV retailing on Black Friday for under $200. As we now know, those wishes have come true. Securing these unbelievably low-priced televisions, on the other hand, will require some serious commitment, as these will likely be among the hottest Black Friday deals of 2012. This guide offers our picks for the best TV deals in several size ranges. The offerings are the most competitive we've ever seen – enough for us to even include a section dedicated to super-sized models measuring 60” and above.
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November 19, 2012
Laptops have become synonymous with Black Friday. When one thinks of Black Friday, they think of consumer electronics – primarily laptops and televisions. And while many new tech products have come and gone, laptops have consistently reigned supreme. This buying guide picks out the best of the best in one of the most competitive Black Friday categories.
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November 18, 2012
iPads, iPhones and iPods regularly pop up when we ask for holiday wish list items, but does Apple really deserve the praise it receives? Over the past five years, Apple has positioned itself as the leader in tech cool. However, are their beloved gadgets really a cut above the competition? To help you answer that question, we decided to compare Apple products head-to-head with their closest competition.
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November 18, 2012
The kids tablet market has exploded in 2012, with its offerings more numerous and varied than ever before. If you've already started looking into what tablet will work best for your child, you've probably noticed that these can often have far less in common than adult-focused tablets. This guide will break down some of the key differences among this new crop of kids tablets and offer some details on some key models to watch out for this holiday season.
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November 16, 2012
It’s been a few years since Apple’s iPad signaled the start of the tablet revolution. 2012 marks the movement’s largest, most competitive year yet. Now is a great time to pick up a tablet, but with several models and sizes available, which one will work best for you? The following guide will walk you through some general questions to consider if you’re in the market for a tablet this holiday season.
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November 16, 2012
Mobile phone deals have slowly been creeping into Black Friday ads the last few years, and 2012 looks to be this category's watershed moment. There are 40 mobile options to choose from and nearly every section we break down is incredibly competitive. In fact, some deals are so similar that we've offered two options, allowing you to tailor your purchase according to your overall Black Friday sales plan. Read on for our picks, from smartphones through feature phones.
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November 16, 2012
There are several great laptop deals available to Black Friday shoppers this year, but where should you start given the different prices and specs? If you aren’t exactly sure where to begin your search, this guide will help narrow your focus so you can find a quality laptop at a great price this Black Friday.
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November 15, 2012
2012 likely boasts the largest offering of video game deals we've ever seen. Though this year marks the PS Vita's first Black Friday (and likely the Wii's last), practically every console is available at a great price. We've sorted through both the bundle deals and individual game sales to offer our extensive list of choice picks among this year's massive batch of deals.
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November 15, 2012
The newest Nintendo console comes out this Sunday, November 18, yet has received little attention from the main-stream audience. What is the Wii U and will it be nearly as popular as its predecessor that was sold out for 6 months after its launch? Find out inside.
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November 15, 2012
Sure, a brand new washer may not be as glamorous as a flat screen TV, but that doesn’t mean you should overlook the many appliance deals available on Black Friday. Just like with televisions, appliances will sport some pretty hefty markdowns, so make sure to take a second look at the ads if you’re thinking about picking up a new refrigerator or range this holiday season. Our helpful tips offer general pointers to keep in mind when shopping for washers and dryers, dishwashers and more.
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November 13, 2012
A refresh from our 2010 article, we cover the advances made in HDTV technology and how this should affect your purchasing decisions this holiday season.
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November 8, 2012
If you’re a parent, you’ve probably already sifted through a few toy books this season trying to find the elusive item that your child will love. Your children may have even circled their favorites, but if you’re looking for an item that will keep their interest and develop cognitive ability, the choices can often be slim. Our latest guide offers five great educational toy choices, organized in age from toddlers to teens.
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November 7, 2012
With great new smartphones – and even iPhones – now being offered for free by certain mobile providers with two-year activation, the time seems perfect to upgrade to a fully-functioning, Internet capable phone and data plan. Before you commit, though, there are a few things you should know before signing that fresh new contract. This guide covers points to keep in mind if you’re considering upgrading, including cost and projected data use.
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November 7, 2012
In this guide, we profile the upgrades you'll find with the new batch of eReaders and tablets from the Amazon Kindle and Barnes and Noble Nook lines. Is now a good time to finally pick one up for yourself? If you already own one, are these latest generation products enough to trade in last year's model? Read on to find out.
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November 7, 2012
Ultrabooks are being rolled out as a new branch in the next wave of mobile computing. These small, speedy units are sleeker, lighter and faster than ever before. While they’re impressive, they certainly aren’t for everyone, as their ultra-portability sacrifices some specs computer users may not want to part with. Our informative guide will get you caught up with just what an ultrabook is and whether or not they’ll fit your given computer needs.
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November 2, 2012
If you feel like it’s finally time to upgrade your old camera or you would simply like to be a bit more versed in camera terminology, check out our general digital camera guide to learn about a few things to look for when buying. Whether you’re picking up another point-and-shoot or want to get serious with photography and upgrade to an SLR, this guide will cover all levels of photo interest.
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November 2, 2012
Find out who is offering layaway this holiday season, how much you'll be paying upfront, and just how long you'll have to pay off your item. Also, find out where signing up for a store credit card may actually be worth it.
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October 30, 2012
Everything these days seems to be remade, and toys are no exception. Like anything else, some are reboots that bring something new to the table, while some just rehash old ideas to sell to a new generation of kids. Here's a look at some toys that may invoke a sense of deja vu when you're out shopping this winter.
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October 29, 2012
As we excitedly wait for the major Black Friday ads to come out, parents can begin to get started on trying to decipher just what their child may want by looking through this year's toy catalogs. But, with so many options to choose from, where should one start? In this article, you’ll find a 2012 take on Jenga, a much-hyped reboot of a Christmas classic and new chapter in the legacy of a classic toy manufacturer. From 9-months to teenagers, there's recommendations for kids of all ages.
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October 22, 2012
Shopping for a gamer is an already difficult task, so it doesn't help that the holiday season is the prime time publishers choose to release their blockbuster games. With so many quality titles coming out week after week in the fall and early winter, it can be hard to choose exactly what game to pick up for the avid gamer on your shopping list. To ease your stress, we at BF Ads have compiled a list of the hottest games this holiday season.
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October 21, 2012
With every passing week, there seems to be another gadget hitting the market that brings a new way to keep your lifestyle as wired as possible. It's only natural that this notion would expand into the world of toys, bringing the exciting world of technology to kids of all ages. If you've got a youngster that can't put down your iPad, these gifts will be sure to please.
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Below are our archived articles from 2011:
November 22, 2011
Tablets are set to become one of the hottest items this holiday season, so we couldn't pass up on doing a buying guide specifically for them. Sadly, you won't find any iPads on here, but we highlight some deals to consider from worthwhile competitors.
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November 22, 2011
As we all know, technology changes fast, and camcorders are one of the key areas where we can see this change in full effect. Camcorders, previously too expensive for most, can now be found for under 50 dollars. Our 2011 Camcorder Black Friday Buying Guide showcases the best deals at several price points, from budget to full-feature camcorders.
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November 22, 2011
As retailers start the push for holiday shopping earlier in the year, it can seem like Black Friday is practically last-minute shopping. Plus, with more retailers offering deals in the weeks running up to Thanksgiving, are Black Friday deals still significant?
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November 22, 2011
If you’re looking to replace or upgrade an appliance this holiday season, don’t overlook Black Friday. Don’t sleep on these deals, because some of our picks offer several hundred dollars of total savings. We offer our picks on washers and dryers, microwaves, ranges, dishwashers, and more.
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November 21, 2011
One of the hot electronics that people still clamor for on Black Friday is digital cameras. Whether you’re looking for a simple point-and-shoot or hope to upgrade to a digital SLR, we have recommendations for all price ranges. Read on for our picks.
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November 21, 2011
Since Black Friday is widely known as one of the best single days to shop, some may be quick put on the blinders and believe everything advertised is available at a great place. Unfortunately, we regret to inform you that this isn’t true, as retailers can offer more than a few deals in their ads that are far from great. To cover some of the biggest deals to avoid, we offer you five “deals” that you should surely pass on this year. While they may seem good at first, our article will explain why none of these deals are worth buying.
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November 20, 2011
We’ve taken a look at all the tool deals available this Black Friday and have compiled a list of our highlights. From hammers to ladders and vacuums to tool sets, we have a set of deals that cover a wide price range, so you’ll be equally satisified if you’re looking for a stocking stuffer or hope to find a big box deal. Also, this may just be the start of your total savings, as certain charge/store credit cards or coupons could add to these savings.
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November 20, 2011
We’ve offered you the best deals at different price points on some of the most popular items this Black Friday, but we felt like that wasn’t enough. We felt it necessary to list the cream of the crop, the best of the best. So we did it. Here are the five best deals, the five that are getting the most hype this Black Friday.
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November 20, 2011
To meet popular demand, we decided to add a bit of an addendum to our television buying guide. For those looking to bring the theatre fun of 3D to the home, here are our recommendations for the best deals available on 3D televisions this Black Friday. Read on for deals that are sure to pop right out of the screen!
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November 19, 2011
In our 2011 Video Game Black Friday Buying Guide, we highlight our picks for the best deals on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Wii consoles available this Black Friday. We also pick a few of the best deals on console-specific and multi-platform video game titles.
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November 17, 2011
Here’s what you’ve been waiting for: our picks for the best laptop deals available this Black Friday. We offer you picks and runners-up in four categories, from the sub $200 range to the best high-end deal available for under $700. Chances are these will go fast, so if you plan to pick one up, you may want to plan accordingly.
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November 16, 2011
People are more connected than ever, and that’s no secret. It was hilarious in the movie Clueless when a phone rang, prompting everyone to whip out a mobile phone and answer. That scene has become a reality of sorts, and now there’s dozens of options to choose from if you’re looking to snag a mobile phone this Black Friday.
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November 15, 2011
Televisions are among the most sought after deals on Black Friday, and these picks will be sure to have several people lining up hours before stores open. However, despite the low prices, not all deals are created equal. We present to you our 2011 Television Buying Guide, with our personal picks for the best deals available in four different size ranges this Black Friday.
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November 15, 2011
If you're still looking to pick up a GPS, Black Friday looks like the perfect time to purchase one this year. With several available and some prices lower than they've ever been, read on for our recommendations in the sub $100 and sub $200 categories.
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November 14, 2011
Is utilizing a store credit card a good method of holiday shopping? There are both positive and negative aspects, and it's important to weigh them carefully. Here, we offer you 5 benefits, and five consequences, of using a store credit card this holiday season.
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November 14, 2011
If you're a seasoned Black Friday shopper, you'll pick out your favorite items ahead of time, find the cheapest retailers, utilize some of the best Black Friday shopping apps and grab the deals before they run out. But some experienced shoppers will take it one step further and use the Black Friday circulars to price match items at other retailers.
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November 10, 2011
With countless movies and TV shows now available at the click of a button, it’s the perfect time to look into subscribing to a streaming media provider, especially if you’re sick of dealing with late fees. If you’re already a subscriber, you may still want to read through to see if another service may better suit your needs. In this guide, we cover streaming media and how to set it up then offer an introduction to three streaming services: Netflix, Hulu Plus and Amazon Prime.
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November 4, 2011
Last year marked our first time covering digital media players, and as is the case with most technology nowadays, a new year brings with it a new generation of set-top boxes. In this article, we update you on the features of the new crop of popular digital media players. This is a must-read for those who would like to access programs like Netflix and Hulu Plus from their television or would like to enjoy sites like Pandora and YouTube from more than just their computer.
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November 3, 2011
A 2011 update of our layaway piece from last year, contributed by our friends at Money Crashers. Find out who is offering layaway this holiday season, how much you'll be paying upfront, and just how long you'll have to pay off your item. Also, find out where signing up for a store credit card may actually be worth it.
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November 3, 2011
Apple’s iPad ushered in the mainstream start to the tablet era last year, and in the months since, tablets have become the hot new item on the electronics market. With plenty to choose from -- and many now able to compete with the iPad -- now’s a great time to think about picking one up. If you aren’t quite sure where to start, let our buying guide give you a few key tips on what to look for.
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November 2, 2011
If you feel like it’s finally time to upgrade your old camera or you would simply like to be a bit more versed in camera terminology, check out our general digital camera guide to learn about a few things to look for when buying. Whether you’re picking up another point-and-shoot or want to get serious with photography and upgrade to an SLR, this guide will cover all levels of photo interest.
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October 31, 2011
Interested in picking up a game or two for loved ones over the holidays? This guide will give you an idea of what will be in demand this year. Just like last year, you'll find something for everyone – family titles and first person shooters, plenty of anticipated sequels, and even a reboot of a groundbreaking franchise.
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October 31, 2011
Interested in what toy has the best shot of becoming the must-have item of the year? Take a look at our hot holiday toys list to see our picks.
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October 27, 2011
3D has a lot of momentum behind it, and if you’ve decided you would like to dip your toe into the pool of 3D TVs available this holiday season, here are some key tips you should be aware of before you dive in.
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October 27, 2011
This year, with new releases from both the Kindle and Nook, the second round of the eReader wars is ready to begin. In the coming weeks, expect several ads to include great deals on eReaders for Black Friday. But with so many to choose form, how do you decide which one is right for you? We're here to help you with just that.
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Below are our archived articles from 2010:
November 22, 2010
Are you considering going paperless this year? Read our guide for some tips on what to look for as well as a few of our picks this Black Friday season.
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November 22, 2010
While Black Friday can be a time for great bargains, this is not the case with all items you’ll see advertised. Be sure to avoid those listed in this article, as they are nowhere near the deals that they may seem.
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November 21, 2010
If you’re looking to pick up a digital camera on Black Friday, take a look at this year’s buying guide to see our picks for the best deals you’ll find.
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November 21, 2010
Are you thinking about upgrading to Blu-ray this year but aren’t sure what it will cost, or curious about the difference between standard DVD and Blu-ray and what all the talk is about? If so, read further to see if now is a good time for you to make the switch.
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November 21, 2010
If you aren't sure of the finer points regarding HDTV, or would like a quick brush-up, consult this guide to find out more about resolution, plasma vs. LCD, LED and 3D technology, and more.
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November 20, 2010
With so many televisions on sale on Black Friday, it can be hard to discern which are truly the best deals. In this article, we break down our picks according to size, one of which may be among the best deals on Black Friday.
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November 20, 2010
If you’re looking into buying a gaming console, you’ll find competitive pricing, and surprising choices at several retailers this Black Friday. Read on to see our bundle picks for home, and portable, systems.
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November 19, 2010
GPS devices are once again in high demand, and with many of those on sale on Black Friday offering plenty of features for great prices, now may be the time to finally pick one up or upgrade a dated model. Take a look at our buying guide for the best deals available as well as our personal picks at each price point.
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November 19, 2010
Laptops are one of the most popular items for purchase on Black Friday. Year in and year out, stores like Best Buy, Wal-Mart and Staples offer some of the best laptop deals of the year. As we have done in years past, we will take a look at the deals available at the major retailers and let you know just what you should grab and why.
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November 17, 2010
In this article, we take a look at the features of HD pocket camcorders and compare popular choices.
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November 16, 2010
Heard of Apple TV or Google TV but aren’t quite sure what they are? Our guide should help you become better acquainted with these two devices, as well as a few others you may not have heard about.
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November 12, 2010
Not sure what toys are getting kids excited this year? Check out this guide for a start. It features new items as well as a few toys that look to be just as popular as they were last year.
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November 11, 2010
Our new article offers a comparison between the Sears Black Friday ad and its Family and Friends Sales Event. Which items are worth waiting for and which ones should you consider picking up this weekend? The results may surprise you.
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November 8, 2010
The long awaited iPad is finally here, but was the hype really worth the wait? In this article, we take a look at some features and weigh the pros and cons of Apple's latest product.
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November 6, 2010
The Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Nintendo Wii all look to be popular gifts once more this holiday season. However, interest this year lies in an innovative new addition: motion-sensor accessories, designed to compete with the highly popular feature already found on the Wii. This looks to be Microsoft and Sony’s attempt to tap into the family-friendly market the Wii has had so much success with. Our guide will cover the Xbox Kinect, PlayStation Move, and Nintendo Wii, as well as a handful of motion-sensor games offered by each console.
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November 6, 2010
This guide will give you a general overview of the 10 most anticipated video game titles this holiday season as well as a top 6 breakdown by platform. These include action games, family games, anticipated sequels, and buzz-worthy originals – truly a little something for everyone. Take a look to see what fits your interest!
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November 5, 2010
Want to skip the holiday crowds this year? Get your shopping done early in the year and the paying done later with layaway programs available at some of the country's biggest retailers. With layaway, you pick out your items, pay a down payment, and then make biweekly payments on the remaining balance usually for 8 to 12 weeks. Then, when the balance is gone, you simply stop in and pick up your items. To help prep you for all of the layaway options out there, I've researched seven of the biggest retailers to find out the details on their layaway programs.
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Below are our archived articles from 2009:
November 24, 2009
Chances are it has been a while since you last purchased a washing machine or dyer. This buying guide will ease you into understanding the basics in the latest technology, with looking into some of the best deals offered this Black Friday.
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November 23, 2009
Looking to buy a camera on Black Friday? In this guide, we explore the large variety of cameras on sale and makes some recommendations.
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November 23, 2009
Blu-ray has been growing in popularity since around 2007, as both Blu-ray players and discs have substantially dropped in price over time. This Black Friday will be the first time that a lot stores will be offering deals on Blu-Ray Players, and the first time we will see a Blu-ray player well under $100.
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November 23, 2009
If you are planning on purchasing a GPS device this year, you have quite a few options available. This article will make a few recommendations towards specific units to select while bargain hunting. If you missed our basic introduction to a GPS article, we recommend you read that over to introduce yourself to the ins-and-outs of GPS.
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November 22, 2009
Interested in purchasing a video game console this year but not sure which one is right for you? Our article can help you decide which one is the best fit for you and your household.
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November 22, 2009
A quick and simple drill-down of the top ten can't miss toy deals for Black Friday 2009.
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November 22, 2009
One of the most sought after items this Black Friday is high-definition televisions. Purchasing the center-piece of your home theatre is not, and should not, be a quick and easy decision. There are many factors to consider before purchasing a HDTV and this guide should answer a majority of your questions along with a detailed list of our favorite HDTVs on sale. Updated for Black Friday 2009!
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November 19, 2009
Laptops are always a hot item on Black Friday and unfortunately, most models available during Black Friday are manufactured almost exclusively for one sale. There are currently over 25 different laptops being offered and we have narrowed down our 6 overall favorite laptops, spanning three different price tiers.
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November 17, 2009
GPS devices have come a long way the past couple of years and with prices dropping, features rising, and more people hopping aboard the GPS bandwagon, you might be wondering if it's time to throw out your old paper maps and make your travel plans easier. If so, you've come to the right place. Let this guide help you in your search for the perfect digital navigator! We'll be providing an overview of the most useful GPS features inside.
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November 16, 2009
The market for toys is huge and always changing. By the time you're done sorting through all of your options, odds are that what was hot will be old news and the next big thing will be sweeping into the market, putting you back at square one in your search for the perfect gift. This guide highlights the hottest toys for the 2009 Holiday Season.
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November 12, 2009
The variety in laptop capabilities can make the buying process seem overwhelming. separates a good laptop from a bad laptop? What is the importance of the processor, RAM, hard-drive? Are the commercials with the cool, laidback young Macintosh and the dorky, uptight, and old PC are being candid or deceitful. We here at BFAds want to make your buying process as smooth as possible, so we've constructed a buying guide to bring you up to speed on the ins and outs of laptops. Note that much of the information below is applicable to desktop computers as well.
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November 10, 2009
High-Definition televisions are often on the list of big-ticket sales at many Black Friday retailers. A good television should hopefully last you for several years, so this is not a decision to rush into! Big discounts on these expensive sets can tempt you into a quick purchase, but do your homework beforehand and you'll wind up with a great TV for a great price.
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November 9, 2009
Blu-Ray discs have been out for two full years, is it time to make the jump from DVD to Blu-Ray? Will the upgrade benefit me? How much of a quality difference is there between DVD and Blu-Ray? All these questions and more answered inside.
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November 9, 2009
Black Friday deals on laptops are usually among the best values a shopper is likely to find. If you're in the market for a laptop this year, you'll probably see a lot of great offers on netbooks in particular. Not entirely sure what a netbook is? Confused on how they compare to a regular notebook/laptop? This article addresses the key differences between the two products.
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Below are our archived articles from 2008:
November 25, 2008
Laptops are always a hot item on Black Friday and unfortunately, most models available during Black Friday are manufactured almost exclusively for one sale. As of November 24th, there are currently 30 different laptops being offered and we have narrowed down our 7 overall favorite laptops, spanning five different price tiers.
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November 20, 2008
One of the most sought after items this Black Friday is high-definition televisions. Purchasing the center-piece of your home theatre is not, and should not, be a quick and easy decision. There are many factors to consider before purchasing a HDTV and this guide should answer a majority of your questions along with a detailed list of our favorite HDTVs on sale this Black Friday.
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November 19, 2008
This holiday season we have received many questions about GPS devices. There are quite a few GPS devices available on Black Friday in the $100 to $200 range. What are some things to look for when choosing a GPS?
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November 17, 2008
Interested in purchasing a video game console this year but not sure which one is right for you? Our article can help you decide which one is the best fit for you and your household.
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November 17, 2008
We have hand-picked our Top 10 Video Games for the 2008 Holiday Season along with our personal Top 5 Favorite Games for each console.
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