Call of Duty: Black Ops II

Some excitement and a few minor innovations can't prevent most of Call of Duty: Black Ops II from feeling like a retread in need of a reboot.

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Buyer beware: Black Friday smartphone deals not so hot

AT&T is trying to get rid of phones such as the HTC Vivid for 99 cents; Sprint is dumping the Galaxy Victory for free; and Verizon is offering the original Droid Razr -- its hit phone from a year ago -- also as a giveaway. The Lumia 900, which has been rendered nearly useless with the release of the newer and incompatible Windows Phone 8 devices (including the Lumia 920), is another bad deal.

The only area where the deals make a difference is with prepaid carriers. With no contracts and monthly rates that are typically more competitive, the extra savings on the phone make a difference. Virgin Mobile, for example, is taking $70 off of the Galaxy S II 4G and $100 off of the HTC Evo V 4G.

So as you put on your bargain hunter's cap and prepare for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, be extra critical when you look at smartphones. You'll be glad you did.

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Best TV deals for Black Friday and beyond

The shopping phenomenon known asBlack Friday, with its "insane" doorbuster deals, comes around only once a year. While there are a couple of nuggets hidden in there, it's also an excuse to clear stock of items people aren't that interested in anyway.

If you see any of the following TVs for sale on the day, grab them! For our picks of the best door-buster deals, try here. But if you miss out, know that the TVs listed below are already available for affordable prices, and you don't have to line up in the cold to get them.

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Finding the Real Deals on Black Friday

By Patrick Nelson
TechNewsWorld

Never forget that one of the principal purposes of Black Friday and Cyber Monday is for retailers to get rid of flat-selling, slightly older stock to make room for the latest gear. Remember netbooks? Be aware that there may well be a reason that a particular TV or tablet is cheap -- it's old tech. A Doorbuster TV won't have gesture recognition -- the latest TV feature, for example.Take a laptop or smartphone in addition to blankets and chairs if you're looking for aspot in the tent cities springing up outside your local big box store this week. Smartphone-driven on-the-fly research is proving to make it easier this year to find Black Friday deals on TVs, tabletsand other merchandise.

Whipping out one of our 110 million smartphones over Thanksgiving dinner may not bea bad idea either -- if a bit antisocial.

Here's a rundown of some of the best ways to find bargains this Black Friday and CyberMonday:

Step 1: Check the Online Majors

Major online retailers like Amazon have been doing online black weeks for a while nowand have become pretty good at it. Amazon's flash sales, which it calls "lightning" sales, goon all week.

On the afternoon I was Web browsing, I saw a D-Link DES-1008E 8-port 10/100 speednetworking switch on sale for US$16.99. I've never seen a switch for under $20 before -- even if this is slightly older tech. Gigabit speed is the current gold standard.

Auctioneer eBay also has one-day, instant purchase deals.

Step 2: Get the Apps

Black Friday-specific apps can let you search by store, price and item. Plus they add geofunctions and push.

Highly rated examples include Black Friday Deal Finder from FatWallet for iOS, whichincludes push notifications, and Black Friday App from Dealnews.com for Android, withleaked ads, and comparisons of in-store product prices with online prices.

Step 3: Keep Gathering Intelligence

Maintain your vigilance when out and about. Use barcode scanning look-up apps likeBarcode Scanner for Android, and ShopSavvy for iOS and Android to scan items you areconsidering purchasing.

This is particularly important if you're a leisurely shopper and aren't participating in TentCity, because what happens is that the super-discounted deals, say cheap laptops, sell outearly in the long weekend, and you end up perusing a bunch of laptops left over -- notmentioned in the Black Friday pitches.

Use the barcode-lookup app to find out if those outcasts are a good deal or not. You mayfind that you can beat the price through regular channels. Or likely, that the electronicsleft over are the higher-powered, later model, more expensive devices -- and better suitedto your purposes anyway than the cheap junk the retailer was trying to get you to buy inthe first place.

Likely cheap deals this year will be for base-level smartphones, not the newest devices;low power laptops good for kids, but not necessarily for you; and GPS devices -- manypeople use smartphones these days, not dedicated devices.

Likely in-demand products this year are sub-$500 TVs and tablets.

Step 4: Research Online

Never forget that one of the principal purposes of Black Friday and Cyber Monday is forretailers to get rid of flat-selling, slightly older stock to make room for the latest gear.Remember netbooks?

Be aware that there may well be a reason that a particular TV or tablet ischeap -- it's old tech. A Doorbuster TV won't have gesture recognition -- the latest TVfeature, for example.

Beware of the Emperor's New Clothes. Use your time wisely, keep googling whileyou're standing in line, prospective purchase in hand, and never be afraid to walk away,even if a salesperson has written up the ticket.

Step 5: Caveat Emptor

Also, don't forget that a secondary purpose of Black Friday and Cyber Monday is forthe retailer to get you in the store, or the seller to get you onto his website. Don't buyanything you haven't determined has value.

Buying something for the sake of it, because what you wanted was sold out, is a mug'sgame. In the case of brick-and-mortar, go home, get on the Internet, and buy somethingwith value. Happy Holidays.

Want to Ask a Tech Question?

Is there a piece of tech you'd like to know how to operate properly? Is there a gadget that's got you confounded? Please send your tech questions to me, and I'll try to answer as many as possible in this column.

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Review: 'Call of Duty: Black Ops II'

"Call of Duty: Black Ops II" will have gamers glued to their controllers for many nights to come.STORY HIGHLIGHTS"Call of Duty: Black Ops II" is an exciting ride that should keep gamers rivetedThe popular franchise is set in two time periods: the late 1980s and 2025Game is available in North America and will be released this month in Europe, Australia

(CNN) -- Forget the distracting cameo by David Petraeus. Despite its disjointed narrative, "Call of Duty: Black Ops II" twisted me around so many times with its compelling story that I really enjoyed myself.

Treyarch Studios set this new chapter of the popular first-person-shooter franchise in two time periods: the late 1980s and 2025. They consulted with military experts who helped guide what the future technology of war should and shouldn't look like.The game's single-player campaign staggers like a drunken New Year's reveler between the past and the future. Missions hop from one time to another with little or no continuity between the actions. One mission will have you battling in Panama during the late '80s, and then the next takes you to a luxury resort in the Cayman Islands in the near future, with different characters and different weapons.The reason for this back-and-forth is nestled in the father/son storyline of the Mason family. Dad Alex is a Black Ops vet who is called back into active duty in 1986 to help the CIA with some missions in Africa and Latin America. In the future, son David is a Navy SEAL, leading a Joint Special Operations Command team.Linking the two is a terrorist known as Raul Menendez. He harbors great anger toward the West and capitalism in general. Players discover Menendez's motivations through the past missions, which reveal how he plans his final revenge in the future.The backdrop for all this is the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union, and a new Cold War between the U.S. and China. The new tensions are spurred not by ideology but by a soon-to-be depleted resource known as rare earth minerals -- those materials used in nearly all our computer technology.CombatCombat is pretty typical for a first-person shooter game. Plenty of weapon choices and some destructible environments make for fast-paced, frenetic battle scenes. Some of the weapon effects are suspect though as shots to the head do not always kill their targets.The enemies aren't the brightest bulbs in the box and are predictable in their actions. There were times I cleared the area of bad guys, just to have another wave rush in before I could move forward. And then another one after that.

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Black Friday HDTV deals revealed: Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart and Sears

20 hrs. Gary Merson , HD Guru

It's that magical time of year when Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals start appearing — and some discount pricing is already hitting stores. Best Buy, Amazon, Sears and Walmart are four of the top stops for HDTV buyers, and now we've got a list of TVs — anywhere from 19-inch models all the way up to 65-inchers — whose prices are cut or soon will be. 

Bear in mind as you peruse these lists that there are other things you need to consider. HDTVs do not come with the connecting cables, power protection or screen cleaning kits. This article will tell you what accessories to get and the prices you should be paying. Also, most HDTVs come with one-year parts and labor warranties, although some of the no-name brands only offer 90 days. This piece tells you how you can double the manufacturer’s warranty for free by paying with the right credit card, and how you can save on third part extended warranties.

OK, now on with the deals!

Amazon's HDTV deals, now through Black Friday/Cyber Monday

Unlike other retailers, Amazon isn't waiting until Thanksgiving week to kick things off. A number Amazon’s Black Friday/Cyber Monday HDTV specials are available now. Though mostly no-name brands, there are some crazy deals, including a 19-inch HD set ... for $80.

Amazon will have additional TV deals in the 23- to 46-inch ranges from Coby, Haier, Hiteker, RCA, Sceptre and TCL.

Coby TFTV3925 39-in. 1080p 60HZ LCD HDTV

Was $335 - Now $279.99 Haier LE55B1381 55-in. 1080p 120Hz Slim LED LCD HDTV

Was $946.33 - Now $749.00 RCA LED46A55R120Q 46-in. 1080p 120Hz LED LCD HDTV

Was $520 - Now $499.98 Seiki SC324FB 32-in. 720p 60Hz LCD HDTV

Was $209 - Now $179.00 Seiki SE401GS 40-in. 1080p 120HZ Slim LED LCD HDTV

Was $400 - Now $289.00 Seiki SE421TT 42-in. 720p 60Hz Slim LED LCD HDTV

Was $400 - Now $329.00 Seiki SE461TS 46-in. 1080p 60Hz Slim LED LCD HDTV

Was $485.00 - Now $399.00 TCL LE48FHDF3300ZTA 48-in. 1080p 240Hz LED LCD HDTV with 2-year limited warranty

Was $550 - Now $499.99 TCL LE55FHDF3300ZTA 55-in. 1080p 240Hz LED LCD HDTV with 2-year limited warranty

Was $1100 - Now $749.00 Toshiba 24L4200U 24-in. 1080p 60Hz LED LCD TV 

Was $229 - Now $179.98 Westinghouse UW40T2BW 40-in. 1080p 120HZ Slim LED HDTV

Was $500 - Now $359.00

Starting

 on Sunday, Nov. 18Samsung PN51E530 51-in. 1080p plasma HDTV

Current price: $697.99 - Nov. 18 price: $577.99 Samsung UN55EH6000 55-in. 1080p 240Hz LED LCD HDTV

Current price: $1097.99 - Nov. 18 price: $897.99

Starting

 on Friday, Nov. 23 (or sooner, depending on Amazon)Coby LEDTV1926 19-in. 720p LED LCD HDTV

Current price: $126.62 - Black Friday price: $79.99

Best Buy's Black Friday HDTVs

As of now, Best Buy’s deals start at midnight on Thanksgiving Day.

Among the 15 models listed below, you'll see a 26-inch for $100, a 40-inch brand-name set for $180 and a 55-inch 3-D LCD TV for just $800. Best Buy’s vendors include Panasonic, Samsung, Toshiba as well as its Insignia house brand.

Toshiba 40E220U 40-in. 1080p 60Hz LCD HDTV

Current price: $419.99 - Black Friday $179.99 

Samsung UN55EH6001 55-in. 1080p 120Hz LED LCD HDTV

Current price: NA - Black Friday price: $799.99

Panasonic VIERA TC-L32C5 32-in. 720p 60Hz LCD TV

Current price: $299.99 - Black Friday price: $189.99

Samsung UN65EH6000 65-in. 1080p 120Hz LED LCD HDTV

Current price: $2,400 - Black Friday price: $1497.99

Sharp LC60LE600U 60-in. LED LCD TV

Current price: $1199.99 - Black Friday price: $999.99

Samsung UN46EH6030 46-in. 1080p 120Hz LED LCD 3-D TV

Current price: $799.99 - Black Friday price: $647.99

Samsung UN40EH6030 40-in. 1080p 120Hz LED LCD 3-D TV

Current price: $699.99 - Black Friday price: $497.99

Samsung UN39EH5003 39-in. 1080p 60Hz LED LCD TV

Current price: $449.99 - Black Friday price: $397.99

Panasonic VIERA TC-L55ET5 55-in. 1080p 120Hz 3-D Full HD IPS LED LCD TV with 4 pairs of 3-D glasses

Current price: $1399.99 - Black Friday price: $899.99 

Insignia NS-55L260A13 55-in. 1080p 120Hz

Current price: $799.99 - Black Friday price: $599.99

Samsung PN51E450 51-in. 720p plasma

Current price: $549.99 - Black Friday price: $477.99

Toshiba 50L2200U 50-in. 1080p 120Hz LCD

Current price: $799.99 - Black Friday price: $399.99

Samsung UN32EH4003 32-in. 720p 60Hz LED LCD HDTV

Current price: $299.99 - Black Friday price: $249.99

LG 24-in. 24MA31D LED LCD 720p 60Hz

Current price: $199.99 - Black Friday price: $159.99

Insignia 26-in. NS-26E340A13 1080p 60Hz

Current price: $199.99 - Black Friday price: $99.99 

There are two accessory bundles being offered during Best Buy’s Black Friday sale. One package includes seven-outlet surge protector, screen cleaning kit and a 9-foot HDMI cable for $79.97. While we highly recommend purchasing all three (you may need more HDMI cables if you are connecting more devices than just a cable box), we find the Best Buy bundle a poor value. Better to buy this sort of thing on Amazon or Monoprice, where the regular pricing on accessories beats these sale prices.

To see the entire Best Buy circular online, go here. 

Walmart's Black Friday HDTV deals

Walmart’s deals are also staggered and begin at 10 p.m. on Thanksgiving night. Biggest deals are a 70-in. Sharp LED LCD for $1798 and a 60-Inch Vizio LED LCD for $688. 

10 p.m. to 11 p.m. ONLY,

 Thanksgiving night Emerson 32-in. 720p 60Hz LCD

Current price: NA - Black Friday price: $148

Starting at 10 p.m., Thanksgiving

Emerson 40-in. 1080p 60Hz LCD

Current price: NA - Black Friday price: $198

Vizio E601iA3 60-in. 1080p 120Hz Smart LED LCD

Current price: $998 - Black Friday price: $688

Orion SLED2468W 24-in. 720p 60Hz LED LCD

Current price: NA - Black Friday price: $78

Samsung UN32EH4003 32-in. 720p 60Hz LED LCD

Current price: $298 - Black Friday price: $248

Samsung PN43E (exact model number TBD) 43-in. 720p plasma

Current price: NA - Black Friday price: $378

Samsung UN46EH5300 46-in. 1080p 60Hz LED LCD

Current price: $798 - Black Friday price: $598

Samsung PN51E530 51-in. 720p plasma

Current price: $528 - Black Friday price: $478

Starting at 5 a.m., Friday, Nov. 23

Emerson LC501EM3 50-in. 1080p 60Hz LCD

Current price: NA - Black Friday price: $298

Sharp LC70LE600U 70-in. 120Hz LED LCD

Current price: NA - Black Friday price: $1798

Sharp LC60LE600U 60-in. 120Hz LED LCD

Current price: NA - Black Friday price: $998

Samsung UN39EH5003 39-in. 1080p 120Hz LED LCD

Current price: NA - Black Friday price: $398

Sears' Black Friday HDTV deals

The Sears deals are particularly interesting, as they feature more name brand HDTV models than Best Buy including displays from Samsung Panasonic, LG and Sharp. Sears BF deals have staggered kick-offs which begin on Thanksgiving night, Nov. 22 at 8 p.m. The hottest Sears prices include a no-name 32-in. LCD for $97, a 39-in. Seiki LCD for $199 and a 50-in. Panasonic plasma for $299.

Starting

 at 8 p.m., ThanksgivingNo-name 32-in. LCD HDTV

Current price: $249.99 - Black Friday price: $97.00 Toshiba 50L2200U 50-in. 1080p LED LCD

Current price: $899.99 - Black Friday price: $299.99 Samsung UN55ES7003 55-in. 1080p 240Hz LED LCD Smart 3-D HDTV

Current price: NA - Black Friday price: $1499.99 Samsung UN55ES6003 55-in. 1080p 120Hz LED LCD Smart 3-D HDTV

Current price: NA - Black Friday price: $999.99 Samsung UN46ES6003 46-in. 1080p 120Hz LED LCD Smart 3-D HDTV

Current price: NA - Black Friday price: $699.99 Samsung UN40EH5000 40-in. 1080p 60Hz LED LCD

Current price: $679.99 - Black Friday price: $429.99 Samsung UN39EH5003 39-in. 1080p LED LCD

Current price: NA - Black Friday price: $399.99 Samsung UN55EH6000 55-in. 1080p 120Hz LED LCD

Current price: $1399.99 - Black Friday price: $879.99 Samsung UN60EH6003 60-in. 1080p 120Hz LED LCD

Current price: NA - Black Friday price: $1099.99 Samsung UN32EH4003 32-in. 720p 60Hz LED LCD

Current price: $379.99 - Black Friday $249.99 Samsung PN43E450 43-in. 720p plasma

Current price: $499.99 - Black Friday price: $379.99 Samsung PN51E450 51-in. 720p plasma

Current price: $649.99 - Black Friday price: $479.99 Samsung UN60EH6000 60-in. 1080p 120Hz LED LCD

Current price: $1899.99 - Black Friday price: $1199.99 Samsung UN55ES7100 55-in. 1080p 240Hz Smart 3-D LED LCD

Current price: $2599.99 - Black Friday price: $1597.99 Samsung UN46ES6100 46-in. 1080p 120Hz Smart LED LCD

Current price: $1099.99 - Black Friday price: $797.99 Samsung UN40EH6000 40-in. 1080p 120Hz LED LCD

Current price: $779.99 - Black Friday price: $549.99 LG 55LM4600 55-in. 1080p 120Hz 3-D LED LCD

Current price: $1099.99 - Black Friday price: $999.99 LG 47LS4500 47-in. 1080p 120Hz LED LCD

Current price: $699.99 - Black Friday price: $599.99  Sharp LC52LE640U 52-in. 1080p 120Hz Smart LED LCD

Current price: $1399.99 - Black Friday price: $799.99 Sharp LC60LE640U 60-in. 1080p 120Hz Smart LED LCD

Current price: $1799.99 - Black Friday price: $1199.99 Sharp LC70LE640U 70-in. 1080p 120Hz Smart LED LCD

Current price: $2799.99 - Black Friday price: $1999.99 Seiki SE322FS 32-in. 720p LED LCD

Current price: $259.99 - Black Friday price: $199.99 Panasonic TC-P50U50 50-in. 1080p Plasma

Current price: $899.99 - Black Friday price: $699.99

Starting at 4 a.m., Friday Nov. 23

Samsung UN40ES6003 40-in. 1080p 120Hz LED LCD

Current price: NA - Black Friday price: $599.99 Samsung UN60ES6003 60-in. 1080p 120Hz LED LCD

Current price: NA - Black Friday price: $1299.99 Samsung PN51E530 51-in. 1080p Plasma

Current price: $899.99 - Black Friday price: $579.99 LG 47LM4600 47-in. 1080p 120Hz 3-D LED LCD

Current price: $799.99 - Black Friday price: $699.99 Panasonic TC-L32X5 32-in. 720p 60Hz LED LCD

Current price: $399.99 - Black Friday price: $349.99

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