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TMCNet: BLOG: Etan On Tech: Planning to buy a laptop or netbook on Black Friday? Here's what you need to know [The Orlando Sentinel, Fla.]

[November 25, 2009]

BLOG: Etan On Tech: Planning to buy a laptop or netbook on Black Friday? Here's what you need to know [The Orlando Sentinel, Fla.]

(Orlando Sentinel (FL) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Nov. 25--As in years past, laptops should sell very well on Black Friday.

Some of the computer deals generating a lot of buzz include a $298 HP laptop at Wal-Mart [http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=13228466]and a $197 HP laptop at Best Buy [http://www.bestbuy.com/site/null/9617193.p?id=1218131714579&skuId=9617193].

While both of these laptops are great deals, there are some things to keep in mind. For one, both are heavy and their batteries won't last as long as netbooks or smaller laptops. But they do both come with the new Windows 7 operating system and they both have a good amount of RAM and storage space. Of course, each store probably only has a few of these to sell, so good luck.

If I was buying a full sized PC laptop on Black Friday, here is what I would want it to include * Windows 7 operating system * A DVD drive * An SD card slot * A built in webcam * At least 2GB or RAM * At least a 160GB hard drive * Built in Wi-Fi If I were buying a PC netbook on Black Friday, here is what I would want it to include * A 10 inch screen * SD card slot * Built in webcam * At least 1GB of RAM * Battery that lasts at least 6 hours * Lightweight design * Comfortable keyboard * Built in WiFi Although many new netbooks now come with the Windows 7 operating system, it's still OK to get one with Windows XP, and doing so will probably save you some money.

Some good options are the Acer Aspire series, the ASUS Eee PC series and the HP Mini 10 series. I've got my eye on this netbook [http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B002P3KMXK/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance].

For the best prices, make sure to compare in store prices to online ones.

If you're buying an Apple laptop, Black Friday is a good day to get it, as Apple will be holding its only sale of the year. Apple hasn't announced the discounts yet, but it should be at least 10 percent off. And if you are a student or teacher, you can always get a discount on Apple products.

For more things to keep in mind when buying a laptop or netbook on Black Friday, check out this interview I did with local FOX affiliate WOFL-Channel 35.

http://media.redlasso.com/xdrive/WEB/vidplayer_1b/redlasso_player_b1b_deploy.swf To see more of The Orlando Sentinel or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.OrlandoSentinel.com.

Copyright (c) 2009, The Orlando Sentinel, Fla.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

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