Need a new laptop or tablet for school? If so, you’re in luck. With Black Friday just around the corner, shoppers around America have already begun planning their purchases for the holiday season. While some companies,such as REI, refuse toopen doors on Nov. 27, fan-favorites such as Target, Walmart and Best Buy have graciously embraced the occasion. Tech deals are better than ever, with the new gadgets being discounted at up to 18 percent off, so expect long lines, violent outbreaks and pepper spray. Here are some of the top tech deals to look out for from Wal-Mart, Target and Best Buy .
Wal-Mart
Wal-Mart has traditionally been a place of chaos and is definitely not a place for the faint-hearted on Black Friday. The lines are long, the stores are crowded and shoppers are constantly in a race to grab the best deals.
- Fitbit Flex – $59
The Fitbit Flex is the latest craze in wearable tech. Though it is not the flashiest wristband in the market, it makes up for its simple design with its long battery life and ability to monitor your physical activities. - 40-inch 1080p LED HDTV – $150
TVs are oftentimes the most desired items for Black Friday and are also the reason behind (many) arguments. This year is no exception, as Wal-Mart is offering the newest TVs for over $100 less than their regular prices. - Apple iPad Mini 2 – $199
Apple’s iPad Mini 2 is one of the most popular and portable tablets around. Its thin and compact design is perfect for students who enjoy the functionalities of Apple products but do not feel like dealing with the full sized iPad.
Target
Target, although not as notoriously chaotic as Wal-Mart, can still be quite hectic, given that they are offering some of the best deals on headphones and other tech.
- Beats Solo 2 Headphones – $97
Beats headphones may not have the best sound quality or the cheapest price point, but for students looking for a decent pair of mainstream headphones, be on the lookout for the Beats Solos 2, which are on sale for $97 compared to the regular price of $200. - Select Movies – $6
Despite the increasing success of Netflix, it’s not necessarily a bad thing to own some DVDs, especially if you can get some for as cheap as $6. And these movies aren’t even that old. The list includes recent releases Furious 7, American Sniper and much more. - Apple Watch with a $100 Target Gift Card – $349 The Apple Watch is Apple’s most recent attempt to enter into the world of wearable tech. Receiving a $100 gift card with the purchase of one makes it one of the best deals of Black Friday.
Best Buy
As a tech store powerhouse, Best Buy has already established itself as a major target for those searching for good deals on the latest gadgets. Seeing how it is already a popular destination for Black Friday shoppers, it’s clear that Best Buy is going all out this year.
- Amazon Fire 7-inch 8GB Tablet – $35
If you want a cheaper alternative for the iPad or simply don’t support Apple, the new Amazon Fire tablet is a solid option. At the price of $35, you certainly can’t go wrong. - Samsung 40” 1080p HDTV and Xbox One The Lego Movie Bundle – $500
For a bundle that would normally cost $800, the $500 price point is certainly appealing for those trying to find entertainment outside of their schoolwork. - Lenovo – IdeaPad 100s 11.6″ Laptop – $150
Computers are a must in the tech-filled world that we live in today. After all, students type their essays, check their grades and watch videos all on computers. If you are planning on buying a cheap and reliable laptop, consider the Lenovo IdeaPad, whose strong points can be found in its compact and simplistic design.