Black Friday Deals: Cheap Win7 Notebook, Apple Computers

American retailers in and out of the tech industry are expecting another record-setting Black Friday shopping bonanza this year, despite the stubborn clinging-on of a troublesome economy. Deals involving several retailers, including Wal-Mart and Apple, are already arousing considerable attention.

The National Retail Federation (NRF) recently estimated that 138 million people will hit stores between Black Friday and the following Sunday, up 4 million from 2009.

An NRF survey found that 60 million people are already committed to shopping this weekend, with another 78 million saying they'll wait to see what kind of deals are available. Some brick and mortar stores, like J.C. Penney, opened at 4 am to let shoppers take advantage of their holiday bargains. (Source: starnewsonline.com)

Cheap Windows 7 Notebook Leads Bargain Bonanza

And there are some great-looking tech offerings out there, too.

One of the better deals is coming from Wal-Mart, which has said it will be offering a 15.6-inch Windows 7 notebook for less than $200.

The eMachines eME528-2325 boasts an Intel Celeron 2.2 GHz processor, 2GB of RAM (expandable to 4GB), a 250GB hard drive, HDMI port, and DVD drive. Given that most netbooks feature lower specs for about $300, it's an impressive deal. (Source: windowsfordevices.com)

We tried finding the deal online via Wal-Mart's website, but weren't successful. It's likely to be an in-store deal only.

Apple, AT&T Cut Prices of Computers, iPhone Refurbs

Apple is also offering some pretty interesting bargains, starting with its iMac, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air computers. All have had their prices sliced by about $100 ($101 to be exact), down to $1,098 in the case of the iMac and MacBook Pro, and $1,198 for the MacBook Air. The newest version of the iPod Nano has been reduced $11 (to $138), the iPad's price has been cut $41 (to $458), and the iPod Touch has been reduced $21 (to $208). (Source: tuaw.com)

Given that a recent study found kids ranked the iPad #1 amongst their most-desired tech gifts, the reduction will be welcome news to many parents.

For those in the market for Apple's popular iPhone, AT&T is offering reducing the price of its refurbished iPhone 4 by $50. According to the report, the iPhone 4 32GB (refurbished) is available for $199, the 16GB (refurbished) for just $99. (Source: centernetworks.com)

The refurbished iPhone 3GS 8GB has seen its price cut all the way down to $79, but experts say it's a good idea to spend the extra money on an iPhone 4.