$349.98 and $419.00 Xbox 360s at RitzCamera.com
RitzCamera.com is offering
an online-only special on both the Xbox 360 Core and Platinum Systems for $349.98 and $419.00, respectively. The
$350 asking price for a Core System is ridiculous, of course, but the
$419 for a Platinum is a pretty good deal—with no tax for most U.S. residents and $12.95 ground shipping. (Check your total; it's not considered a standard item.)
Finding a reputable online retailer with a good deal on Xbox 360 pre-orders has become something of a sport for console deal watchers lately, and with good reason: most big sites gouge eager early adopters with unnecessary accessories and pricey bundles. At least this deal basically charges for consoles and consoles alone, even if the prices are somewhat inflated. With
no sales tax, however, the Platinum System is a much worthier deal than before (unless, that is, you live in Texas or a few other states where the sales tax either doesn?t exist or is less than 5%; RitzCamera.com only charges for residents of California, Georgia, Kansas, and Maryland).
Finally, don?t be discouraged by the fact that Ritz Camera Centers are located in 1,300 locations nationwide (er,
worldwide?): ordering from a city and state known for its high sales taxes and multiple Ritz Camera Centers didn?t seem to register local tax one bit on the final checkout page. Perhaps it helps that RitzCamera.com is
a separate company from the Ritz Camera Centers. Confusing, but, oh, so helpful! Anyone know if it?s safe to order from here? Wait a second? what,
no refunds?? Let?s hope that some online stock gets replenished at
Costco or
Sam?s Club soon.