Apple, HDTV Black Friday Deals Revealed Early

Excitement is already ramping up for Black Friday, the year's most intense shopping event. Already we're seeing some leaked advertisements for various consumer items, with discounts on Apple products -- like the iPad, iPod, iMac, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro -- generating the most attention.

Black Friday kicks off later this week and for most Americans marks the official beginning of the 2011 holiday season. For years now retailers and manufacturers alike have sought to generate a retail frenzy by drastically lowering prices on Black Friday.

Apple Lowers Price on Most Products

So, what deals can we expect to see this year? Let's start with Apple.

A series of leaked advertisements show that most of the company's products have been reduced in price for the event. The firm's popular digital media player, the iPod, has seen its price cut, but not drastically.

The iPod Nano (6th generation) is reportedly getting an $11 price reduction, while the iPod Touch (4th generation) receives price cuts of between $21 and $41 (depending on the version). (Source: slashgear.com)

Apple's iPad 2 Tablet computer is also being discounted between $41 and $61 (again, the discount depends on the version). iPad accessories are also being discounted; for example, plastic or leather covers have been cut about $11.

MacBook computers are also said to be receiving discounts of around $100 each. Keep in mind that precise price reductions may vary depending on the retailer.

High Definition Televisions (HDTV) Prices Slashed

But it's not just Apple that is offering deals this Black Friday.

Major U.S. retailer Target is well-known for its Black Friday deals, and USA Today has outlined its top three bargains, all of them televisions.

First, there's a 22" Polaroid 60Hz 1080p LED HDTV for $149, followed by a Westinghouse 32" 60Hz 720p LCD HDTV for $229 (the LED version is here, currently listed for only $30 more; LEDs produce approximately 40% more light than standard LCD displays and are much more energy efficient).

Finally, Target is also offering a 40" 120Hz 1080p LED HDTV for just $399. All three are likely to generate a lot of interest, and that means big midnight line-ups. (Source: usatoday.com)

Still, not everyone is convinced Black Friday is worth all the buzz. U.S. News & World Report recently ran a story criticizing the Black Friday tradition, noting that "Many discounts will continue long after Black Friday is over. While certain so-called 'doorbusters' are available for a limited time only (and in limited quantities), many deals will continue throughout the holiday season."