Seems like everything is being rebranded these days, from The Sci Fi Channel's new "Scyfy" name to Target losing its familiar bull's-eye. Yep, the "Expect More, Pay Less" retailer will now sell packaging marked with a big, colorful arrow on a white background that says "up & up," according to a May 2009 Reuters report. I don't know about you, but I love that red bull's-eye, especially the image of the dog with the bull's-eye for an eye. Wait, I hope the dog isn't going away!
Given that Target is rebranding its line across 40 product categories from now until the fall, does that mean that its prices will also go "up & up?" In today's TechSaver Test, I challenge Target's Fabulous Deals on Electronics, which includes 14 products. I picked the Vizio 32" VOJ320F LCD HDTV, the TomTom GO 730, the Logitech V220 Cordless Mouse, and the D-Link DIR-615 Wireless N Router.
Find out if you can make out like a bargain bandit at Target, after the jump.
Vizio 32" VOJ320F LCD HDTV
(Regularly $599.99; Now $498.00)--Good Deal!
Enjoy an energy-efficient 1080p HDTV with three HDMI inputs, a 5500:1 contrast ratio, and Java, Vizio's deep java brown color that matches any decor. Advertised for $498 in Target's weekly circular, the VOJ320F has earned tons of positive reviews from satisfied Target customers. In order to get this deal, you'll have to visit your local Target store; this shouldn't be a problem for most people, given that there are 1,699 stores in 49 states! (So even though it's not available for shipping, think of all the money you'll save and the satisfaction that it won't get damaged during shipment.) A quick gander at other stores' prices, and this is definitely the best deal you can get! Good deal verified.
TomTom GO 730
(Regularly $349.99; Now $279.99)--Bad Deal!
Target took a $70 chunk out of the GO 730's price, giving you GPS features you can finally afford. This model comes with a 4.3-inch touch screen, Bluetooth connectivity, Advanced Lane Guidance, and text-to-speech. And with free shipping, $279 seems like a steal. Wrong! You can have the GO 730 for $259.64 at Buy.com with free shipping.
Logitech V220 Cordless Mouse
(Regularly $26.89; Now $19.00)--Good Deal!
The V220 is an ergonomic mouse designed for laptops that features side-to-side scrolling, 1,000 DPI, and a battery-life indicator. It even comes in four pleasing colors: blue, red, black, and pink. Target is offering this mouse both in stores and online, but you'll have to pay $5.56 for shipping. With a total price of $24.56 (excluding sales tax), should you point and click here? Yep! Target's price, even with shipping, is the best deal around. Good deal verified.
D-Link DIR-615 Wireless N Router
(Regularly $59.99; Now $49.99)--Bad Deal!
Ready to upgrade your home to wireless n? The D-Link DIR-615 offers backward compatibility, a detachable antenna, and four ports. But don't get too excited over Target's price cut of $49.99 with free shipping; Amazon
is selling the same router for $11 less.
Check back here tomorrow for the next store I put to the savings challenge.
Is a store running a sale that you want me to put to the TechSaver Test? Send me an e-mail at TechSaver@pcmag.com, and I'll investigate.