<![CDATA[Gizmodo: friday]]> http://tags.gizmodo.com/assets/base/img/thumbs140x140/gizmodo.com.png <![CDATA[Gizmodo: friday]]> http://gizmodo.com/tag/friday http://gizmodo.com/tag/friday <![CDATA[You're Saving the Economy! (Average Gadget Spending Up From $160 to $190)]]>
Believe it or not, that's what the latest data shows: The economy is bouncing back, or at least, retail spending is. The trend is clear especially in electronics, where spending has skyrocketed from a little above $160 to almost $190.

That figure is the average spending per user, post-Black friday. The main winners were Best Buy—with a 18.3% year-over-year growth—and Fry's—with a 12.2%. No only that but, spending in the high end retail has also increased, reverting a negative trend.

Great. Now all those people without a single penny in the bank will be able to be rejoice. [Mint]

]]>
http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5424583&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[A Guide To Choosing The HDTV That's Right For You]]> If your holiday plans involve buying a new HDTV, HD Guru has put together a quick and dirty guide to help you avoid some of the pitfalls many consumers fall into.

You will learn important lessons like: sizing your TV to optimize resolution, whether to choose LCD vs plasma vs LED and why you don't need to spend money on a 240 Hz TV. So, make sure to check out the following link before you shop. [HDGuru]

]]>
http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5407745&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[Dealzmodo: Best Buy Black Friday Ad Features Pre-Loaded Nintendo DSi]]> As this leaked Best Buy Black Friday ad reveals, one of the many deals coming our way the day after Thanksgiving is a Nintendo DSi, preloaded with a number of free DSiWare titles.

The price remains the same as it's been for the DSi: $170. The downloadable titles, which have been downloaded for you at the factory, are the gravy.

There are two bundles in all, reports Siliconera:

One bundle is geared towards Brain Age fans. It includes Brain Age Express: Arts & Letters, Brain Age Express: Sudoku, Brain Age Express: Math, Clubhouse Games Express: Card Classics, Photo Clock and a white Nintendo DSi.

The Metallic Blue DSi Mario bundle is better suited for core gamers. Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again!, WarioWare Snapped!, Dr. Mario Express, Mario Calculator, and Mario Clock are loaded on that DSi.

All told, the two bundles give you $28 and $22 worth of freebies, respectively. [Gearlive via Siliconera]

]]>
http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5405103&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[Newegg's Black Friday Deals Unveiled]]> Now that we are down to the wire, Newegg has finally pulled the wraps off their Black Friday lineup. Highlights include: a 46" Sharp Aquos 1080p LCD HDTV for $1000 shipped, an 8.9" Acer Aspire One Netbook for $250 shipped, a Garmin nuvi 250 GPS unit for $100 shipped, and a set of Xbox 360 Elite / Wii bundles shipped at $400. All-in-all, Newegg's deals are fairly typical of what we have already seen, but shopping online sure beats heading out to the stores.

If you don't want to wait to shop, Newegg also has a pre-sale running right now with a 60 deal lineup. [Newegg]

]]>
http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5099346&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[Sam's Club, JC Penney, Staples and CVS Black Friday Ads Posted Now]]> BlackFriday.info just posted up four more Black Friday ads to get you ready for Spendathon '08. Since nobody here really comes to read about getting an automatic doughnut maker from JC Penney for $99 (maybe you do?), we'll assume you're more interested in the Nintendo Wii for $224, Wii Fit for $78 and vaious Blu-rays for $10.87 found at Sam's Club. If you really want that Wii, you'd better go get in line tomorrow. [Black Friday - Thanks Shannon!]

]]>
http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5083791&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[Black Friday Technology Deals Start Now]]> If you can't wait until Black Friday to hunt for deals for the holidays, or you just need to upgrade your gear now in these times of economic uncertainty—why save if everything is going to hell? Spend!—here's a round up with the lastest deals we have found on the Web, from an unlocked Nokia N82 for $389 (originally $650) and a $14.99 Motorola Bluetooth headset, to a $199 Insignia Blu-ray player (originally $230) and a $799 high definition 42-inch Samsung plasma to match. And that's just the beginning, there are MP3 players, GPS, and more TVs:

Panasonic 32'' HDTV for $599. Originally $699.

Samsung 42' plasma for $799. Usually goes for around $1000.

Unlocked Nokia N82 for $389. Originally $650.

8GB USB Flash drive $17.99. Originally $37.99.

Insignia Blu Ray player $199. Originally $230.

Garmin nuvi 4.3 inch Widescreen portable GPS $199.99. Originally $749.99.

Sony Bravia Z-Series 46 inch hdTV $1,842. Originally $2,799.

Motorola H350 Bluetooth Headset for $14.99. Originally $49.99.

SanDisk Sansa 6GB MP3 player for $39.99. Originally $219.99.

Element 32'' HDTV for $499.99. Originally $579.99.

LG 42 inch 720p HDV for $799.99. Originally $1099.99.

]]>
http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5066065&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[10 Gadgety Reasons to Stay in Bed All Weekend]]> Another long workweek draws to a close, and that means its time for the Thank Giz It's Friday roundup of gadgets to help you get the most out of your weekend—or, in this case, the least. In fact, the focus this week is to supply you with 10 good gadgety excuses to stay in bed. Naturally, you probably have a few questions about how this can be done, so let's get started.

Q: What about entertainment? I can't just sleep all day (or can I?).

If it is entertainment you seek, look no further than the Hi-Can high fidelity canopy. It will enable you to surf the web, watch movies, play games and listen to music—all from the comfort of your bed. You can even control other gadgets in the room via a control panel located on the headboard. At this point the bed is only a concept, but the words "coming soon" at the end of the video on the website offer some hope that it will become a commercial product. [Hi-Can via Link]

ipod-pillow.jpgChances are the Hi-Can is going to be a little rich for your blood, but you still have plenty of inexpensive choices when it comes to MP3 pillows. This particular iPod-shaped version is soft enough to sleep on, but you can also hook it to your iPod (or any other MP3 player) to listen to your favorite tunes through its speakers. You can even scan through FM radio. Available for $19.99. [Kleargear]

If you want a comfortable way to use your laptop in bed, LapDawg has the answer with a wooden stand that will allow you to use your computer in a variety of positions—even lying down. Available for $130. [LapDawg via Link]

Q: What about sex? I like sex.

Don't worry—we have you covered. First up we have this Private Cloud bed by designer Manuel Kloker. As you can see from the image above, it can rock. It is also available for sale, although the price is unknown. If you can't put 2 and 2 together with how that could prove useful in a sexual situation, chances are you are not so popular with the ladies. Let me re-direct you to another product more suited to your needs:

Strip Tease Pillow Cases: While this pillowcase is fairly tame, I can assure you that things get interesting as the stripping continues on pillow 2. Available for $19.95. [Private Cloud Bed via Link and Strip Tease Pillow Cases—NSFW Link!]

Getting back on track, we have the aptly titled "Love Mattress." It offers couples "a simple yet effective position for embracing" using polyurethane-injected foam strips that allow arms and feet to fit between the gaps. In other words, you can hold your partner without having your arms fall asleep. And, by the looks of things, it can offer quite a bit of traction. Unfortunately, the Love Mattress is only a concept at this point. [Gooya Design via Link]

If you are looking for something a little classier and more elaborate, we have the Sphere Bed with its 32-inch LCD TV, surround sound speakers, champagne chiller and massage unit under the mattress. Plus, it has that plush red frame that just screams sex. [Product Page via Link]

Q: As you can probably tell, my priorities are messed up—which is why I put sex and entertainment over hygiene. But I do shower every once in awhile—can I do that in bed?

Yes...yes you can. The Shower Bath in Bed is normally reserved for those with severe physical limitations, but I don't see why it can't be utilized by the lazy as well. Basically, the Shower Bath in Bed is a collapsible tub that stays on the bed at all times. When it is time for a bath or shower, the tub basin is formed and a shower head with hot and cold faucets is fed water from a supply system that can be connected to a sink or bathroom faucet spout. When the shower is complete, the water can be funneled to a floor drain or pumped into a commode, sink or bathtub with the optional Automatic Drain AUDR-1 accessory. Not surprisingly, this kind of convenience doesn't come cheap. Expect to pay well over $5000 for the complete package. [Shower Bath in Bed]

Q: What about dropping a deuce? Can I do that in bed?

Sure—if you have one of these Quantum Sleepers. One of the main perks is a complete toiletry system, but the fun does not stop there. The unit also functions as a panic room that can protect you from break-ins, chemical warfare and natural disasters. The unit is completely air-tight so filtered O2 is pumped in. It also features 1.25" polycarbonate bulletproof plating, a heating and air conditioning system, cover and door actuators with emergency release, a proximity sensor, O2 sensor, smoke detector, motion detector, an emergency communication system and backup battery power.

According to the product page, the rebreather system will work for three days before the unit starts to tap outside air—which is more than enough for a weekend of serious R&R. Curiously enough, it is also enough time to die of dehydration. There does not seem to be any mention of how rations and water would be stored. [Quantum Sleeper]

Q: I like the idea behind that Quantum Sleeper. If Armageddon should come while I lie in bed this weekend, how will I kill the zombies that are sure to roam the Earth?

With a "Back-Up" bed rifle rack, of course! When it is inserted under the mattresses, your shotgun is always within arms' reach. [Back-Up]

Q: What about the kids? How can I keep them out of my hair this weekend?

As a bonus, I offer you these space shuttle and pirate ship themed beds. If you are willing to drop around $2600 and $8000 (respectively) on beds this awesome, chances are your kids won't want to leave bed either. [Space Shuttle Bed via Link and Pirate Ship Bed]


]]>
http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=394154&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[How to Solve the Rubik Cube in Six-Seconds Flat]]> We are very big fans of Rubik's Magic Cube, even while none most of us have not solved it yet. Not even trying this one, really. Until today. Why I didn't think about this before, I don't know, but that felt oh-so-good. [Rubik in Gizmodo—thanks Carlitos]

]]>
http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=381338&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[Leopard to Ship on October 26th?]]> Rumor has it that Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard is going to be shipping in just a few weeks on Friday, October 26th. Although it's not very surprising, given that Apple usually releases new OSX versions on the last friday of the release month. If we were betting people, our money would be on the 26th. [AppleInsder]

]]>
http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=307324&view=rss&microfeed=true
<![CDATA[Best Buy's Black Friday Ad]]> Best Buy's Black Friday Ad, one of the crown jewels for Black Friday season, has just been posted online. Some of the pretty decent deals are a Kodak 5-megapixel camera for $79, a Celeron E-Machines PC with 15-inch LCD for $189, a HP Core Solo Notebook for $379, a Toshiba 50-inch Plasma for $1699, and a 32-inch and 42-inch WestingHouse for $479 and $999 respectively. Some pretty decent stuff here, but they'll probably have two or three per store and be sold out unless you show up at 10 PM the night before.

Black Friday Ad [Black Friday Info]

]]>
http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=213153&view=rss&microfeed=true