Best Buy’s iPad launch playbook leaked in its entirety? Looks like it

Well, well, what do we have here? In case you were wondering if those leaked Best Buy iPad playbook images making the rounds this weekend were legit, we’ve been handed a 15-page PDF that matches up with everything we’ve seen so far. Granted, this could still be fake, but it’s a pretty thorough and clever one, if so. There isn’t really anything too exciting that we haven’t already covered, but for those who felt like something in their lives were missing between the excerpts, feel free to browse the entire thing now while you wait (im)patiently for Saturday.

Best Buy’s iPad launch playbook leaked in its entirety? Looks like it originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 28 Mar 2010 22:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Leaked image says iPad lands at Best Buy… on launch day

We’d heard buzzing for some time now around the internet that Apple planned to sell its iPad in more than just its own stores, and usually the name Best Buy was mentioned in the same breath… but now we’ve got some photographic evidence. The above shot comes from what looks to be an internal memo from the big box retailer, not only stating that the stores will be getting the iPad, but that they’ll be getting the iPad on launch day. Now, there’s no way for us to confirm that is 100 percent the real deal, but we speculated this could be coming back in mid-February, and there’s lots of corroborating evidence to suggest this is no joke (such as COO Tim Cook explicitly mentioning the device would be sold at Best Buy) — we just didn’t expect to see it day one. We’re digging for more info on this story, so stay tuned.

Update:
Best Buy’s iPad playbook is certainly looking legit at this point. Our tipster sent us another two screenshots (they’re after the break) showing off BB’s new retail display which includes the iPad. Interestingly, they also tell us that the iPads are set to be delivered to stores on the night of April 2nd, and that quantities will be limited to about five of each model on launch. TUAW has also just published more of the playbook if you want to head over there and check it out.

Continue reading Leaked image says iPad lands at Best Buy… on launch day

Leaked image says iPad lands at Best Buy… on launch day originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 27 Mar 2010 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung’s R30 and R80 Touch of Color laptops now on sale


Plain they are not, and Samsung‘s Touch of Color laptops that were launched at the tail-end of CES this year have finally begun to ship. As of now, the Core 2 Duo-equipped R430, Core i3-packin’ R480, and Core i5-based R580 / R780 are all on sale at Best Buy, with prices ranging from $629.99 to $829.99. The whole lot seems to be available for shipping or direct pickup, so give that source link a look to figure out which configuration fits you best. Or don’t — no pressure.

Samsung’s R30 and R80 Touch of Color laptops now on sale originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 23:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Laptoping  |  sourceBest Buy  | Email this | Comments

Viliv S10 Blade gets reviewed, Best Buy now selling Viliv devices

The folks at UMPC Portal have already treated us to an unboxing of Viliv’s new S10 Blade convertible netbook, but they’re now back with a full review that gives a better picture of the device. On the whole, they seem to be fairly impressed with the device, noting its thin and sleek design, and its “silent, rugged operation.” They were also pleasantly surprised by the battery life, which clocked in at an impressive 7.5hrs with WiFi on during general use. On the downside, the resistive multitouch screen wasn’t quite as responsive as they would have liked, and there are a few other minor annoyances — like the lack of a button to rotate the screen in tablet mode, no mic input or Ethernet port, and some fairly lackluster built-in speakers. In other Viliv news, it looks like none other than Best Buy has recently started carrying the company’s devices (online, at least), although it doesn’t yet have the S10 up for order.

Viliv S10 Blade gets reviewed, Best Buy now selling Viliv devices originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Mar 2010 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TiVo Premiere spotted in Best Buy with March 28th retail date

If the minature box doesn’t give it away then the word “Premiere” certainly does. That’s the first in the wild shot of TiVo’s inaugural Series 4 shifter riding the shelves of Best Buy. We’re told that the units are definitely in-house but are being withheld from shelves until March 28th (not the 27th as originally rumored but ahead of the official “early April” date) with a list price of $2,000 to prevent enthusiastic clerks from breaking the street date. So don’t go in demanding a $149.99 take home price (MSRP is $299) this morning just ’cause you saw it on Engadget, ok?

[Thanks, DS]

TiVo Premiere spotted in Best Buy with March 28th retail date originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Best Buy’s 3D bundle pricing isn’t as much of a deal as it appears

It’s no surprise that Best Buy is encouraging customers to pick up Samsung’s 3DTV and Blu-ray player at the same time, but smart buyers should doublecheck to make sure they’re actually saving money before they walk out of the store. Next week’s advertisement does feature Best Buy’s price on the UN55C7000 that’s $300 lower than the MSRP, and grabbing the display and player all at once gets a free Starter Pack throw in with two pairs of glasses and the Monsters vs. Aliens flick, but the $3,419 package deal at the lower right and its “$780” savings?. That claimed price throws in a $150 Geek Squad install to set up the TV, connect WiFi and “sync your 3D glasses,” while also including the TVs price and $349 estimated Starter Kit value. While there might be some customers who don’t know their HDMI from their WEP key who can save that way, we’re figuring most Engadget readers can keep a few bucks in their pocket and hook things up themselves, and if you’re looking to grab another pair of glasses, it’s probably important to save anywhere you can. The real insult here however, can be found to the right, encouraging buyers to pick up The Blind Side right away, instead of waiting to rent from Redbox or Netflix.

Best Buy’s 3D bundle pricing isn’t as much of a deal as it appears originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 02:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Panasonic’s VT25 3DTVs will be nearly 50% off Japanese prices, launch this week at Best Buy

Good news for those who found themselves a few yen short after hearing the Japanese prices of Panasonic’s first 3D plasma HDTVs — their American counterparts will be considerably cheaper. Even at a recent line show the company kept the MSRPs close to its chest, but March 10 Best Buy’s 24 hour location at Union Square will sell the first full HD 3D home theater system, consisting of the aforementioned VT25, DMP-BDT350 Blu-ray player and active shutter glasses. Japan’s Nikkei pegs the bundle price at around $3,000, with 50-inch televisions by themselves arriving for around $2,500. Compare that to the ¥430,000 ($4,813) price in Japan and you’ve got an idea of the discounting going on so Panasonic can hit its targets of 1 million 3DTVs (worldwide) sold in 2010. Can’t get to Manhattan by Wednesday? The Panasonic/Best Buy team up will reportedly place demos at 300 or so stores shortly, rising to 1,000 locations by the end of the year. Unfortunately they won’t be able to advertise an Academy Award for Best Picture winner (catch Samsung’s ad last night?) in the 3D demo reel, but between Avatar and this week’s box office smash, Alice in Wonderland, we’re sure there will be at least a few people interested in taking 3D home once it’s available.

Panasonic’s VT25 3DTVs will be nearly 50% off Japanese prices, launch this week at Best Buy originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 04:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Wall Street Journal  |  sourceNikkei (registration required)  | Email this | Comments

Latest round of LG, Panasonic and Samsung Blu-ray players begin retail invasion

We’ve already seen Sony’s newest Blu-ray players turn up at retail, and it looks like they’ve now been joined by LG, Panasonic and Samsung’s latest offerings. Those include the BD590, BD570 and BD550 from LG, the DMP-BD85 and DMP-BD65 from Panasonic, and a lone BD-C6500 from Samsung, although that’s just the first of more to come from the company. No surprises with the prices or specs, but you can check out a slew of in-the-wild shots at the link below, or head down to your local Best Buy (or other retailer) to see if you’re able to spot any of them first-hand yourself.

Latest round of LG, Panasonic and Samsung Blu-ray players begin retail invasion originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motorola Devour to sell for $150 at Best Buy?

You’ve just got to love the slow trickle of information about your next smartphone, right? Just days after hearing that Best Buy would gladly accept your pre-order on Motorola’s Devour (without actually telling you the final price, comically enough), this leaked flyer has flown into our inbox to clear up the mystery. Unless we’ve got some seriously awesome Photoshop work going on here, it seems as if the Flash supporting handset will sell for $149.99 on a 2-year Verizon contract, and of course, that’s sans mail-in rebate if you snag one from the Big Yellow Tag. Not bad given the specs, wouldn’t you say?

Update: Looks like a case (shown after the break) has popped up as well. Thanks, H.R.!

[Thanks, Anonymous]

Continue reading Motorola Devour to sell for $150 at Best Buy?

Motorola Devour to sell for $150 at Best Buy? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 18 Feb 2010 09:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sezmi launches $20 per month cable/satellite alternative today in L.A.

After a trial period, Sezmi is finally available to those looking for a way out from under overloaded and overpriced cable and satellite TV packages. $299 fetches the Sezmi System, with 1TB HD Media Recorder, OTA antenna and remote, then choose either a $5/month Select Service plan limited to whatever broadcast networks you can pull in plus IPTV sources and VOD (YouTube, CinemaNow, etc.) or the Sezmi Select Plus package at $19.99 which adds familiar premium networks including USA, CNN, MTV, Syfy and more, also delivered over antenna. In case you like what you’re hearing, all that traditional TV and internet content gets blended together in the company’s unique UI (check out our CES 2010 hands-on for a preview) that can be personalized for each person in the house. Of course the revolution isn’t without its downsides, it’s currently only available in the L.A. area (Select Service goes nationwide this spring, with Plus expansions planned for the summer) while a lack of ESPN and no HD on any of the premium channels will serve to kill its appeal for some. Don’t plan on grabbing one at the Burbank Buy More either since it’s a Best Buy exclusive for now, but if your zip code and TV watching needs fit the description then check out the introduction video and press release embedded after the break.

Continue reading Sezmi launches $20 per month cable/satellite alternative today in L.A.

Sezmi launches $20 per month cable/satellite alternative today in L.A. originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 18 Feb 2010 05:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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