Get a 42-inch plasma TV for $299.99
It's new, not refurbished, and not some no-brand, either: it's an RCA. If you like your colors blazing and your viewing angle wide, you'll like plasma.
Recently, while shopping for a new TV, I found myself waffling between LCD and plasma. I've always chosen the former because they tend to pair better with PCs (and I'm a media-center guy), but because the TV in question was going to marry a TiVo, that wasn't a concern.
I'd also steered clear of plasmas because of longstanding issues with burn-in, but a little research revealed that thanks to improvements in plasma technology, it's not really a problem anymore.
Most of all, plasmas used to fetch a premium price -- but these days they're actually cheaper than many comparably sized LCD or LED TVs. Case in point: while supplies last, Best Buy has the RCA 42PA30RQ 42-inch plasma HDTV for $299.99 shipped (plus sales tax in most states). That's one of the lowest prices I've seen on any 42-inch TV ever.
The 42PA30RQ is a pretty no-frills TV, not that there's anything wrong with that. (Plug in a $50 Roku box and you've got frills aplenty.) Its highlight specs include 720p resolution (which most viewers agree is sufficient at this size), three HDMI inputs, a digital audio output (which is key if you're pairing it with, say, a sound bar), and durable outer casing to prevent fallapart. (Okay, I borrowed that last spec from "The Simpsons.")
A 42-inch TV is ideal for a den, bedroom, playroom, or the like -- anyplace where you can sit roughly 8 feet away from the screen.
CNET hasn't reviewed this particular model, but 46 Best Buy shoppers rated it 4.5 stars on average. And over at Wal-Mart, where the RCA is out of stock but showing a price tag of $399.98, a whopping 858 customers rated it 4 stars on average.
Shop around a bit and you'll see any number of 42-inch plasma HDTVs selling for $500, $550, and even $600. Needless to say, a $300 model is hard to pass up. This will probably sell out fast!
Bonus deal: If you're planning a trip to an actual Wal-Mart store, you can get the Kindle with Special Offers for $79 -- and a $30 Wal-Mart gift card. Definitely a tempting option for Mother's Day or a similar gift-giving occasion. Thanks to reader Mike for sharing this deal.
Deals found on The Cheapskate are subject to availability, expiration, and other terms determined by sellers.
Curious about what exactly The Cheapskate does and how it works? Read our FAQ.