bluebear

Well, we have actually been eyeing those for a while. I was sure we were getting 2-3 of them. Now I'm actually not so sure. My youngest son really wants one, so he probably still will get it. My husband wants the pro version (will run a full windows desktop as well as the tablet interface), but it may not be practical right now to get it. For now, there aren't a whole lot of apps out for it. I expect a whole lot to be released tomorrow with the tablet, but we'll see. We have Windows phones, so this interface is familiar to us. We are also a Zune/Xbox family, so we have a lot invested in MS products. I really like the interface, and all the features that win 8 has. The Surfaces look really nice, very slick. I think it will be nice to run Windows interface on them. There will also be other Windows 8 tablets, Asus and Lenovo I know for sure have them as well. That might be a little cheaper alternative to the Surface. I agree, the price isn't quite what I wanted (but what I expected). I did not expect the keyboard to be so expensive however. And that's part of the fun! As far as being competitive, they are competing with Apple and the iPads, not the less expensive tablets. Much more licensing and such on Windows and Apple than there is on android. What is your husband used to? Does he have any other devices that he has purchased apps for? Some of those are transferrable between devices, so that might be something to consider when choosing a platform. I am really excited to see and play with one. And I do hope we end up getting at least 1, my guys have really been looking forward to it. I guess it will all come down to the apps. If they aren't there, then probably we will get a pro for husband, and I don't know about son. He got a gaming laptop for Christmas last year, so he doesn't need another laptop-type device. That was a lot of babbling, hope it makes sense.

You can put a password on buying apps, even in-app purchases. I know you can do this on iPad and also on Android tablets. I would imagine it would be a feature of all Android, but I don't know that for sure. I don't know about passwords for deleting apps or music. But, once you purchase an app, you can re-download it for free. Of course if it's a game, then you will probably lose your saved games.

Last year my DS12 asked for a bow tie. No where to wear it to, or with, but just wanted a bow tie. He finally got it last week, to wear to the Homecoming dance. Love the story with the foil!

I read something yesterday that seemed very descriptive. It said that the mini iPads were not for those that were not willing to spend a few hundred dollars on a tablet, they were for those who wanted a smaller iPad. And it looks like that's what they've stuck to. Even my husband who has always been Mr. Microsoft and has been lusting over the Surface, said last week he may consider a mini instead, as he already has a lot invested in his 1st gen iPad, and likes the small size of my Galaxy Tab. So that's a lot of the people they are going after. Also, if they had them at $199 or even $249, that's awful close in price to the iPods, they wouldn't want to cut into that... But yeah, $329 is still kinda high, I agree.

Every year I say I'm going to send out cards... I even buy them on clearance so I have some... But I never do. Maybe this will be the year. We have a family member that every year writes a letter about the whole year and includes it with the cards. That's always neat. I bet it would be neat for her to go back and read all those later when her kids are grown.

Start checking for stores to start clearing out their BTS laptops and making room for the holiday stuff. Especially with Windows 8 coming out this week. I have already started seeing a few at Best Buy. We got one last year the middle of November that was clearance and also the display, so we got an awesome deal on it. Also, it should only be another week or two I would think before they start offering good deals. A couple weeks ago Best Buy already had some "special offer" laptops, of course they were probably not with the specs you are looking for.

Hmmm... Maybe Santa has a rule, no live animals??

On the website the price is $139.99. It's on sale this week for $10 off, so $129.99. So my guess is for the Toy Book, it will be $99.99, $40 off the reg price of $139.99.

Best Buy had iPads and Macs on sale last year. Macs were $60-$200 off. Ad doesn't state amount for iPad sale.

Swiss backpacks with the laptop sleeve were 70% off, $13.xx. But my son's laptop is too big, and the bag itself isn't terribly big, but his zippers are broken and he needs something now. So that will do for now for the price. Ladies workout pants 70% off, ladies knee socks 50% ($1.75). Also, I had been stalking some boots online, not available in the store. I found a lone pair today, IN MY SIZE! Was my 2nd color choice, but that's okay. Even better, when I checked out, they were $10 cheaper than the online price/price tag. Yippee!

Jinx.com also carries them. Sold out there too, but at least it's an additional place to check. http://www.jinx.com/p/lego_minecraft_micro_world.html?catid=

They replace the paper signs that were on top of the clothes racks and such. I hate them. They are not very visible from an angle, and are hard for me to see. I also have seen some wrong ones in places, more than I would see before with paper ones...

I agree. Especially not for the 16yo. My mom got one and returned it the next day. It didn't do/play the things she and the grandkids wanted it to. She got a Galaxy Tab 2 and they all love it, she was much happier with it. One thing to make sure is that it will have access to the Google Play store. The Pandigitals do not. There are other ways to get apps, but that's where the main ones "live".

I've seen 70 and 85%, but not 65%. Interesting...

Thanks, great idea! I found a couple to play with for my Android tablet and for my Windows phone.

Now $29.99 after rebate Thanks!

My son was 12 last year. That is a very hard age. We got him a really nice laptop, stuff to go with it, and that was about it. Probably a couple of games, clothes and stuff. And also a Sonic care toothbrush. My oldest son, when he was about that age, still liked Nerf and Legos, so that was easier. When he was 13 we got him his first Kindle. Not much help, am I? Other things that aren't games: blankets or new set for bed, book sets, DVD sets (we got ds12 the Dr. Who series last year), Amazon gift cards for his Kindle Fire. My sons at that age also started getting into saving their money, so they liked getting that. Xbox points and Xbox live accounts are also a staple here. Maybe also accessories for his gaming stuff: game chair, headset, controller...

version 12 is on sale right now at Tiger Direct for $49.99. http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3329890&CatId=1813

Last year some of the drugstores had some energy strips free-after-whatever. I tried some of those and they kept me going for the rest of the morning. Hoping someone will have them free again this year! 5 hr energy works so-so on me, but my husband lives by it...

I *think* I saw some wipe-off markers on clearance a Target a couple days ago, but I can't remember if they were the normal or slim ones.

I usually get my 3 kids 10 gifts to open, then Santa brings more. Until last year it was a good bit more, last year it was 1 gift plus accessories for that item. I think I will do that again this year. They are 13, 16, and 21. I bought some stocking stuffers last night, so I guess I've started. Really starting to get into the mindset now!

Thanks! Good deal. Looks like it is out of stock for shipping, but you can still pick up in store if it is in stock at your store.

Probably the v11 would be fine. I have heard many good things about the program from different types of people, I think that would make a nice gift if he has a need for it. And I just looked at last year's lists, and Staples did have it on sale on BF, for $39.99. So maybe you could wait a bit longer to see if this year's version will be on sale, then make your decision.

Love how thoughtful he is! I guess our Santa was lazy. He left the basketball goal in the box under the tree. Besides it being cold, and him being rushed for time, all the presents need to be under the tree so they can be seen...

Check this eBay category. There are several cheaper ones on there. And some not so cheap. http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=&_sop=10&_osacat=2458&_sticky=1&_trkparms=65%253A12%257C66%253A2%257C39%253A1%257C72%253A5710&_catref=1&_sc=1&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313&_nkw=barbie&_sacat=2458&_from=R40 I like this one. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kid-Craft-Savannah-Dollhouse-For-Barbie-Other-11-1-2-Dolls-Factory-Sealed-/230838676948?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35bf0eadd4 And, FYI, Barbie scale is also referred to as "Playscale", or 1:6 scale, in case you see anything with those references.