BestBuy

Google told us during its Google I/O keynote that it would bring Chromebooks to 100 Best Buy stores in the United States in the near future. Today, customers tipped TechCrunch that in-store displays for the Chromebooks finally started popping up in Best Buy retail locations. One interesting aspect of the displays is a rack of CDs loaded with the Chrome browser being offered to customers for free. However, we are not sure how many users this will actually convert. In a blog post on his Google+ account, the customer described the CDs and provided the screenshots above:

One thing I was most surprised about was the free +Google Chrome CDs. The CDs were in really cool plexi-glass cases held together by magnets. The Chrome Expert also gave us the cool idea of using the case as a picture frame after we were done using the CD. I think it is a great idea for Google to use their Chromebook’s placement in Best Buy stores to also spread the goodness about Chrome.

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Verizon has still yet to announce a release date for the highly anticipated Galaxy Nexus, but apparently a Best Buy store didn’t get that memo. A user posted the following on the Android Central forums:

Went to best buy at 9am in olathe kansas
got one
all activated
everything works fine
there was even a post it not that said 12-11

only problem was the best buy computer didn’t have a valid ski, they couldn’t ring it up
the manager looked in the system for like 60 min and confirmed it was available today

ended up having the ppm override the system and selling it to me.
in the end. i got one
me and my buddy.

Hit up your local store to see if you can get lucky! Check out the box after the break:

(Update: AndroidCentral got an unboxing, below as well)

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From 9to5Toys.com:

Best Buy today has the lowest price we’ve seen on the Virgin LG Optimus V since Black Friday – $65 with free shipping.  That’s half price for this pre-paid Android 2.2 device.

I am a big fan of this phone because of the low, no contract pricing starting at $35/month for unlimited text/data and the relatively untouched Android 2.2 experience.  There are Android 2.3 ROMs floating around for the somewhat adventurous, though frankly Virgin should get their act together and update this phone themselves.  Even with 2.2, you get voice actions, a very capable GPS and free unlimited 3G tethering if you know what you are doing.

This is also one of the smallest Android devices you can find with a 3.2-inch 320×480 screen and nice physical buttons.

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Samsung has just unveiled the webpage for the Galaxy Tab 8.9, which reveals pricing and more specs for the unreleased tablet. The 16GB Wi-Fi only tablet will be going for $469, and the 32GB Wi-Fi only going for $569. Specs for the device are a 8.9” WXGA (1280×800) display, Android 3.1, 3-megapixel rear-facing shooter, 2-megapixel front-facing shooter, Wi-Fi, and a 6100mAh battery. Currently, the Tab comes in a Metallic Gray.

Interestingly, the 8.9’s price is $30 less than the 10.1’s. The Galaxy Tab 8.9 will be hitting Best Buy stores Thursday, so make plans to hop in line. Check out a few more shots after the break:

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This feels more like the Google Phone that was promised a year and a half ago – which was supposed to hit all carriers.  The carriers would then have to fight on prices and quality of service.

As of today, the Samsung Nexus S is now at Best Buy free with a two year plan on 3 of the 4 big US Networks. Get your Sprint, T-Mobile or AT&T Nexus S here.

Now, it almost feels like a new superphone running Ice Cream Sandwich is in the works.
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AT&T announced today that the HTC Status, or “Facebook Phone”, is going to be available July 17th for $49, on a 2 year contract (minimum $15 data plan). For those who can’t get enough of Facebook, the Status is available for pre-order today. The phone packs a designated Facebook button, QWERTY keyboard, 5-megapixel camera, and runs Android 2.3. Best Buy will be running a special promotion, offering an exclusive mauve color. For the younger crowd who can’t get enough of Facebook, this could be a great phone — and especially for the price tag. Hit up the press release after the break.

via BGR

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