The dealnews 2009 Black Friday Predictions

Last but not least, there will be hundreds of deals on low-cost computer and technology items. Expect to score 802.11n wireless routers, PC cases, antivirus software, Secure Digital cards, USB flash drives, and more — all for $0 after rebate(s). Many of these are likely to be found at Office Depot and Staples, which traditionally waive the $50 minimum purchase to qualify for free shipping around Black Friday. (Free shipping on a Sharpie is kind of a holiday tradition here at dealnews.) Don't expect much from OfficeMax; it sat out Black Friday completely last year.

Despite Black Friday's focus on tech items, those not looking for electronics won't be out of luck. You can expect to find best-of-year coupons from the likes of Lacoste, Ralph Lauren, Timberland, Aeropostale, American Eagle, and dozens of others. Other online retailers are likely to team up with Google Checkout or PayPal to offer special discounts. For high-end retailers, wait until the second week of December when strong sales and coupons roll in from the likes of Kiehl's, Gucci, and others. One place you can ignore is Target.com. Every year, Target's Black Friday deals are in stores only and not online.

I'm sad to report that there won't be any deals on one popular item. Want to buy a new iPhone 3GS? Sorry, it won't be on sale. However, AT&T might have refurbs available; if so, expect to pay $129 for the 16GB and $199 for the 32GB.

As usual, you can expect some very aggressive deals this Black Friday season. The bulk of them will be referenced in our special Black Friday deals section. The best advice I can give you is the same I gave you last year: Be choosy about when you buy.

Dan de Grandpre is the CEO and Editor-in-Chief of dealnews, named the #1 Black Friday Site for 2008 by PC Magazine, one of the Best Black Friday Web Sites of 2008 by PC World, and a Top 100 Most Useful Sites on the Internet by MSN.