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Did you just realize that you left someone off of your holiday shopping list and now need to scramble to get him a gift? If you aren’t too close with him and he has yet to know a thing or two about gadgets, technology and pop-culture, you may want to consider picking up one of the Insignia MP3 players.

Best Buy’s private label brand, Insignia, offers two models: the Sport 2GB (NS-DA2G) and the Sport 1GB (NS-DA1G). Both models are 0.5” thin, weight 1.2 ounces, have a 1.2” OLED screen, built-in FM tuner, USB 2.0, have a rechargeable battery with 18 hours of playback time, and are PC and Mac compatible. They also both support MP3, WMA, WMA-DRM, PlaysForSure , Napster and Rhapsody subscription services and JPEG image files. The 2GB model also adds audible support.

I had a chance to play with both models (which are essentially identical) and was left rather impressed with the functionality and ease of use as compared to name brand players (check out the interface here). The 2GB price is right, the size is good, and they are easy to use for you non-tech folk. I suggest heading over to Best Buy to pick one up if you are currently in the market, or forgot to get someone a present.

You can get 1 GB for $79.99 or 2 GB for $99.99, not too bad if you don’t feel pressured to buy a iPod name brand.

The guys over at Joystiq have been tipped off and it has led you and me to be ticked off. A source sent over some internal documents that told local Best Buy stores not to put out PlayStation 3’s until December 31. Best Buy will be putting out a circular that guarantees that each store will have 25 60GB units on the eve of the new year and stores must hold their inventory until then. The source does go on to say that stores will more likely have upwards of 40 units each (or more in some locations).

This just really pisses me off. First of all, if the stores have units, sell them. It is not like the PS3 is being released on the 31st, it is already out. Why make people wait and guess when there will be systems. It doesn’t cause a greater demand, if anything people get fed-up and go elsewhere (or to another system). Second, if Sony is trying to push out as many systems as they can before the New Year (remember that they said they were going to be back on track), then why give stores and consumers only one day to pick up systems? I don’t know about you but I had planned on sleeping in on the 31st to prepare for the crazy parties later on. Finally, why do they have to be 60GB systems, what happened to the 20’s?

Read [Joystiq]

Best Buy has begun to launch cell-phone-only stores in Manhattan via a partnership with U.K. retailer Carphone Warehouse. The stores, called Best Buy Mobile, carry more than 80 cell phones from manufacturers like Motorola, Sony Ericsson and Samsung. Shoppers also have the option to choose from seven mobile phone service carriers, including Cingular, Verizon, Sprint, Amp’d Mobile and pay-as-you-go plans from Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile, Verizon InPulse and Cingular GoPhone.

“What we’ve seen over time is no one out there is offering customers both choice and service in one location,” said David Sprosty, chief executive officer of Best Buy Mobile, in an interview. “Our hypothesis is that by offering the level of care that they get from a carrier store with a better choice of phones, ultimately we can create something that will hopefully meet the needs of the customer that are underserved today.”

RadioShack has recently started selling Cingular Wireless phones and cut ties with Verizon Wireless to try to revive its wireless sales. It has also signed a new 11-year deal with Sprint Nextel.

The Best Buy Mobile stores operate either as small stand-alone stores or as “stores-within-a-store.” Employees will not work on commission and will not be pushing one wireless brand over another—they will just stop at no end to make a sale.

New York stores are at the following locations:

• 360 Madison Ave.


• 2233 Broadway


• 2 Union Square East


• 750 Seventh Ave.


• 1186 Third Ave.


• 1280 Lexington Ave.


• 622 Broadway


• 60 W 23rd Street


• 529 5th Ave.

Read [Best Buy] Read [Yahoo] Via [Engadget]

I have heard, though don’t hold me to it, that second party electronic warranties from places like Best Buy, Wal-Mart, and Circuit City are the biggest ripoffs you can find. If you search around the web a bit you will see horror story after horror story of people who tried to claim problems with electronics products at these locations based on their warranty and ended up enjoying a nice runaround and no resolve. I am a firm believer in not purchasing these offerings, a good warranty is when it is directly from the manufacturer and is the only time to buy the extra protection.

As you can expect retailers don’t appreciate my thoughts, between cables and warranties these big box companies are able to stay in business and continue to offer lower shelf prices. Target is next on the list, taking a cue from their competitors by offering extended service warranties. Beginning this month, Target is rolling out three-year service warranties on electronics — including televisions, digital cameras and laptop computers, ranging from $19 for products under $200 to $79 for those $1,000 or more.

Analysts have speculated that Richfield-based Best Buy and Virginia-based Circuit City derive at least half of their annual profits from service contracts, according to some news reports. Neither electronics retailer discloses that information. But in fiscal 2006, Circuit City reported that $422 million of its $11.5 billion in sales came from extended warranty revenue. But Target will be a latecomer to competition for service warranty sales in the estimated $132 billion-a-year consumer electronics industry. Wal-Martlast year began selling two-year service plans on televisions and computers, while electronics specialists Best Buy and Circuit City have had extended service warranties on electronics for years.

One distinctive feature of its warranty program, Target said, is that customers will be able to apply a sticker to their electronic devices that gives them a number to call when they need repair service, even if they’ve lost their product receipts.

Read [Twin Cities]

Gamers rejoice, the most anticipated game of all time has begun to show some light. BestBuy.com has a product page and pre-order option available for the long awaited Halo 3, for Xbox 360. It is currently listed at $59.99 with a release date of 3/1/2007. Valid sources have told Gadgetell that we can expect the game much sooner than that, possibly even this fall, assuming the release schedule does not change.

Here is the hype:

The much-anticipated final chapter has arrived. Master Chief returns to finish the fight once and for all in order to finally end the epic conflict between the Covenant, the Flood and the entire human race. Experience a heart-pounding, dramatic climax to this popular video game franchise.

Next-generation graphics and technological advances, such as an enhanced artificial intelligence and an advanced real-time lighting engine, make the story come to life with stunning realism. Experience all-new weapons and characters as you struggle through tough challenges. You can even log online with Xbox Live and battle in exciting multiplayer action.

Update: Amazon also lists Halo 3 available for pre-order for $59.99 but for release on March 31, 2007. Why do I have a feeling that Halo 3 will be released way before these two dates…

Halo 3 [Best Buy]

As it goes, there are big weeks and slower weeks. Thankfully with Memorial Day and the nice weather this was the latter. Checkout the lineup below as we wrapped up this week’s big news in the Gadgetell Podcast. This podcast was once again sponsored by GoDaddy.com.  Head over there and get 10% off any domain or hosting order courtesy Gadgetell and GoDaddy.

• One laptop per child will now cost $130


• Dell’s $8,000 laptop


• MS says Vista will be on time (whenever that is) and Office 2007 takes after a fruit


• Apple sets up shop at best Buy


• Nike+ Apple


• The end of film as we know it
• 
  RIM brings the Blackberry back to its root


• Q’s available for you


• Wii for my birthday!

Listen In
[MP3] Direct Download (Right click, select save as).
[RSS] Add the Gadgetell Podcast RSS feed to your RSS reader to have the show delivered right to you!

Hosts: Doug Berger, Adam Berger
Producer: Greg Cherniet
Music: Dvir Tzadok
File size: 25.0MB
Length: 00:36:30

Sponsored by GoDaddy.com:
As a listener of The Gadgetell podcast, enter code GADGET1, that’s G-A-D-G-E-T and the number 1, when you check out, and save an additional 10% on any order. Get your piece of the internet at GoDaddy.com.

Interested in sponsoring the podcast or advertising on the site? Please check out our advertise page or send an email to advertise (at) gadgetell .com.  We are specifically looking to get the resources for some sweet podcasting equipment (microphones, a mixer, cables, etc.).

Feedback is much appreciated. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at gadgetell (at) gmail.com.  Thanks for listening!

Apple has been selling iPods and Apple branded accessories in Best Buy for a few years now, and most recently added the Mac mini. But in an un-Apple like move, the company will start setting-up shop in your local Best Buy.  The new MacBooks, MacBook Pro, Mac Mini and iMac systems will all be showcased together on prominent Apple displays within the computer section at Best Buy. Two stores already have these kiosks and more are expected to added inventory.

This should not only get Apple into areas where there are no Apple store, but consumers will finally be able to compare PCs directly to Macs. I guess Apple is really confident about this whole Intel-Mac thing.

Read [ZD Net]
Image via [News.com]

DIRECTV named the next 24 U.S. markets that will receive local HD programming. Beginning in April of this year, DIRECTV will roll out the first of the 24 new markets, offering HD programming from the four primary broadcast networks—ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC. All DIRECTV local HD programming is being transmitted via MPEG-4 AVC, the new standard in digital video compression and advanced modulation that more than doubles the efficiency of DIRECTV’s capacity.

The 24 local markets to receive HD programming include: Baltimore; Minneapolis, Minn.; Birmingham, Ala.; Nashville, Tenn.; Charlotte, N.C.; Orlando, Fla.; Cleveland ; Phoenix; Columbus, Ohio; Pittsburgh; Denver; Raleigh, N.C.; Fresno, Calif.; Sacramento, Calif.; Hartford, Conn.; Salt Lake City; Indianapolis; San Diego; Kansas City, Mo./Kan.; Seattle; Miami; St Louis, Mo.; Milwaukee, Wisc.; West Palm Beach, Fla.

DIRECTV currently offers 12 HD local channel markets, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Tampa and Washington, D.C. With the launch of two new satellites—DIRECTV 10 and DIRECTV 11—in 2007, DIRECTV will have the ability to deliver more than 1,500 local HD and digital channels and 150 national HD channels, in addition to new advanced programming services for customers.

Customers can receive local HD channels by purchasing the new H20 HD receiver and a satellite dish that has the ability to receive programming from five different orbital locations and Ka-band signals. Through Feb. 28, DIRECTV is offering new and existing customers a $200 mail-in rebate on the purchase of a DIRECTV HD Receiver. (Limit one rebate per account.) Receiving equipment is available at major consumer electronics retailers like Best Buy and Circuit City, and through DIRECTV.

Each year, some of the best holiday deals take place on “Black Friday,” the day after Thanksgiving.  We’ve gone through the ad listings that have been made available on bfads.net to make sure that you don’t have to wake up early to get to the stores on Black Friday.  All you need to do is go to the store a few days before Thanksgiving and buy the items that you want.  Then on Black Friday (November 25th), go to the store and “price-match” (return and re-buy) your item back for the new advertised price.  You get all the same deals without waiting in line at 7AM.  Pure genius isn’t it?  To check out Gadgetell’s Best of Black Friday, read on…

Computers
Best Buy

• eMachine AMD64 3200+ Computer w/ 15” LCD and Color Printer - $399.97 (Rebate)


• eMachines Intel Celeron D Processor 340 Computer w/ 17” CRT Monitor - $149.98


• Intel Celeron M Processor 370 Notebook - $379.99

• eMachines Sempron Desktop w/ 512MB, 100GB - $249.99

• Compaq Presario AMD Sempron Laptop - $549.99 (Rebate)


• eMachines AMD Sempron Desktop - $349.99 (Rebate)

• HP Pavillion 1203w-b Desktop w /15” LCD Monitor - $398.00


• HP Pavillion ze2308wm Notebook Computer - $398.00

• Adobe Photoshop Elements (AR) - $49.99 (Rebate)

• MAG 17” LCD Flat Panel Monitor - $149.99


• MAG 19” LCD Flat Panel Monitor - $169.99 (Rebate)


• Toshiba Multimedia DLP Projector - $449.99 (Rebate)

• Sony SDM-HS95B 19” LCD Monitor - $249.99 (Rebate)

• Flat Panel 19” LCD Monitor - $199.99 (Rebate)

• Samsung 914v 19” LCD Monitor - $199.94 (Rebate)

• CompUSA 802.11g PC/PCI/USB Adapters - $2.99 (Rebate)


• CompUSA 802.11g Wireless Router - $2.99 (Rebate)


• Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Router - $39.99 (Rebate)


• Netgear 801.11g Compact Router - $9.99 (Rebate)

• Netgear Wireless G Router - $29.94

• 2 Motorola RAZR Cell Phones (w/ T-Mobile Service) - $79.99

• Cingular Motorola Razr V3 Package - $88.73

• Samsung Digital Camera with Flash and Zoom - FREE

• SanDisk 1.0GB Compact Flash Memory Card - $39.99 (Rebate)


• SanDisk 1.0GB Secure Digital Memory Card - $39.99 (Rebate)

• Sandisk 512MB Compact Flash Memory Card - $9.99 (Rebate)


• Sandisk 512MB Cruzer Micro Flash Drive - $14.99 (Rebate)

• 512MB USB 2.0 Flash Drive - $9.99 (Rebate)

• Sandisk 512MB Secure Digital Memory Card - $14.94 (Rebate)


• PNY Attache 512MB USB 2.0 Flash Drive - $9.94 (Rebate)

• Dynex 75-Pack DVD+R / 25Pack CD-R (AR) - $2.99 (Rebate)


• Seagate 120GB Internal Hard-Drive w/ 8MB Buffer - $29.99 (Rebate)

• 50 Pack Nexxtech DVD+/-R Blank Media - $6.99


• Western Digital 250GB PATA Hard Drive - $59.99 (Rebate)

• 160GB USB 2.0 External Hard Drive - $49.99 (Rebate)


• 200GB Internal Hard Drive - $29.99 (Rebate)


• CD-R 90-Pack Printable Blank Media - $9.99


• DVD+RW 20-Pack Blank Media - $4.98


• External 80GB USB 2.0 Hard Drive - $29.99 (Rebate)

• Western Digital 200GB Internal Hard Drive - $59.99 (Rebate)

• Playo 50pk DVD+R Blank Media - $2.94 (Rebate)


• Playo 50pk DVD-R Blank Media - $2.94 (Rebate)

• Insignia 32” Stereo TV - $199.99

• Phillips 51” Widescreen Rear Projection HDTV - $799.99

• 20” Flat Screen TV / DVD Player Combo - $129.83


• 23” Color Television w/ Front AV Inputs - $99.72


• ilo 26” Widescreen LCD HDTV Monitor w/ DVI - $696.00

• Samsonite Camera / Camcorder Bag - Free After Rebate - FREE

• Logitech Bluetooth Headset - $9.99 (Rebate)

The list above is simply our picks of the best buys from each store.  If you have a deal that you would like to share with us, leave it in comments below.  Happy shopping!

Read [BFads.net]