I debated whether to write a Black Friday column.

On the one hand, I’m all about getting the best technology deals, and traditionally, Black Friday (Nov. 23 this year) has been a day when you find amazing prices.

But the day doesn’t seem to have the same oomph like it used to. Maybe it’s because technology and its gadgets always seem to be on sale. Or that the media makes a big deal out of other days, like Cyber Monday (this year on Nov. 26). Or maybe, just maybe, people are not rushing out in the same numbers like in the past to wake up early, stand in line, and go to battle against your neighbors, all for that adrenaline rush that comes with knowing you conquered the moment and walked out to the parking lot with your prized possessions.

Speaking of waking up early, I’m not sure why they even call it Black Friday anymore. The sales usually start on Thanksgiving afternoon or night, and even earlier online. And I get why some consumers have been turned off, or even boycott retailers who make their employees work on the holiday.

Truth be told, with online shopping I don’t know why people still physically go to the big box stores on these days. Do they not realize they usually get the same deals while shopping in their pajamas? Ok, I get it, you’re impatient and want something in your hands now. Smile.

With that said, I’ve scoured the internet to bring you what I think are the best Black Friday technology deals already announced. There’s no guarantee that these items (limited in quantity) will be available when you want them, or that stores will not offer these same prices (or even cheaper) at another date and time. Still, what I see here, are indeed good deals.

I limited the recommendations to three stores that are within driving distance of our readers: Walmart, Target and Best Buy. Whether you like or dislike these stores, they generally offer the lowest prices. I’m not saying you can’t find a better deal elsewhere, but these three have the biggest selections and generous return policies.

As has been the case the last couple of holiday seasons, 4K TVs, smartphones and wearables, and smart home devices will be the biggest draw and is a reason why I have written so much about them in past columns.

Some of this year’s Black Friday deals that get my attention include the 65-inch Roku 4K TV for $398, and the LG soundbar for $99, both from Walmart. That’s a combined savings of $500. The highly-rated 75-inch LG Smart 4K TV is $999 from Best Buy, saving you $500. Although it’s not a name brand, the Element 55-inch Smart 4K TV at Target is just $199 – a price I never thought I would see this low for a large 4K TV.

The same holds true for these tablets and notebooks at Walmart: The latest 32GB iPad is just $249 (usually $329) and the Samsung Chromebook 3, is half price at $99.

Now is a good time to equip your home with smart hubs like the Amazon Echo and Google Home, as prices are cut in half. Also, there are advantages of buying smartphones at some of the retailers on Black Friday because $300-$400 gift cards are included.

You can find more information about each product on each of the websites below. Just search for “Black Friday” deals.

Walmart: www.walmart.com

SMARTPHONES

iPhone 8, 8+, or X will come with a $400 Walmart gift card when purchased on a device payment plan through AT&T, Sprint, or Verizon.

iPhone XS, XS Max, or XR will come with a $300 Walmart gift card when purchased on a device payment plan through AT&T, Sprint, or Verizon.

Samsung Galaxy S8, S8+, S9, S9+, or Note 9 will come with a $300 gift card when purchased on a device payment plan through AT&T, Sprint, or Verizon.

TVS/SOUNDBARS

Sharp 65” 4K Roku TV (in-store only, model LC-65Q7300U) will be $398 (usually $700).

Vizio 60” 4K Smart TV with Chromecast built in (model D60-F3) will be $498 (usually $598).

Samsung 55” 4K Smart TV (model UN55NU6900FXZA) will be $398.

LG 37” 2.1 soundbar with wireless subwoofer will be $99 (usually $229).

HEADPHONES

Bose SoundSport wireless headphones will be $99 (usually $149).

Beats X wireless headphones will be $75 (usually $109).

LAPTOPS/TABLETS/PC ACCESSORIES

HP Pavilion 15” Gaming Laptop (model CX0056WM) will be $599.

Linksys Velop mesh Wi-Fi system will be $199 (usually $349).

iPad 32GB (latest model) will be $249 (usually $329).

Samsung Chromebook 3 will be $99 (usually $199).

SMART HOME/OTHER

Google Home Hub (comes with $10 of Vudu credit) will be $99 (usually $149).

Google Home Mini will be $25 (usually $50).

Roku Ultra (in-store only, comes with $35 of Sling credit) will be $48 (usually $99).

Roku SE (in-store only, comes with $35 Sling credit) will be $20.

Fitbit Versa will be $149 (usually $199).

Target: www.target.com

SMARTPHONES

iPhone XS or iPhone XS Max comes with a $250 Target gift card (with activation).

Google Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL comes with a $200 Target gift card (with activation).

TVS

Element 55’ Smart 4K TV for $199.

Samsung 65’’ 4K HDR Smart TV for $799.

Samsung 50’’ 4K TV for $329.

SMART HOME

Google Home Mini for $25.

Amazon Echo for $69.

Amazon Echo Dot Gen 2 for $19.

Amazon Echo Dot Gen 3 for $24.

Best Buy: www.bestbuy.com

SMARTPHONES

64GB Galaxy S9 or Galaxy S9+ – unlocked $519 (save $200).

64GB Galaxy S8 $449.99 (save $150).

64GB Moto X (4th generation) $299 (save $129).

TVS

75’’ Samsung Smart 4K TV with HDR $1,597 (save $702).

75’’ LG Smart 4K TV with HDR $999 (save $500).

70’’ LG Smart 4K TV with HDR $699 (save $300).

55’’ Samsung Smart 4K TV with HDR $747 (save $252).

55’’ Sharp Smart 4K TV with HDR and Roku $249 (save $200).

SMART HOME

Apple HomePod $249 (save $100).

Google Home Hub $99 (save $49).

Google Home Mini $25 (save $24).

Alexa Echo Dot (2nd generation) $19 (save $20).

WEARABLES

Garmin Frontrunner 235 GPS Running Watch $199 (save $50).

Samsung Gear Sport $179 (save $100).

Fitbit Versa $149 (save $50).

Fitbit Charge 3 $119 (save $30).

Fitbit Alta HR $79 (save $50).