Quote:
Originally Posted by
ob1spyker 
Ok, so here's how it goes down. It starts with the 65vt25 for $3199 as a sure thing down to a S2 floor model for $1399? Price eventually became an issue with my wife especially as the salesman was wrapping up a floor demo for himself, a 63" Samsung plasma non 3D and showed us the 65" S2 next to it that he said he could do a good deal on. She bit and after much feet dragging I eventually gave in. Not fully though, as I only allowed a deposit to be left so I could sit and stew on the matter some more and see if we really are getting a good deal.
Am I? I don't know. I know it's not as good as the VT25 and that it is discontinued. New it looks like I can pick it up for $1899.99. It will be coming with the (or a) remote control and the pedestal is included. (You would think that the pedestal shouldn't be a problem, but I was looking at a Best Buy floor model and the sales guy said they throw their pedestals away? Seems like such a waste.)
Anyway, the 65VT25 seemed to go to be true and I guess it was. I have to be honest I still wasn't personally sold on spending about $3500 with tax on a new technology that looks like it still is in flux. Active/ passive glasses, maybe no glasses at all? And as I read more on this site and others the possibility of Panasonic adding the Kuro tech from Pioneer seems closer to reality come 2011. (Guess we don't have to wait long to find that one out.)
So, my question to you guys now. Is this a good deal? Should I go with the warranty? 2 years for $199, 3 years for $299, or 5 years for $399? What is the resale market like for TV's like this one if I want to sell it in 2 years or so and go with an upgraded 3D TV at a later date? Are there other comparable options to the S2 out there for around this same price?
Thanks again for all your help and input. It is appreciated. I'll probably be making the final arrangements later today so I'll be checking back to see what input comes and will keep you informed on the final decisions.
Use your Amex card, if you have one, to buy it and get an extra year's warranty, otherwise don't bother with buying more warranty. I doubt they throw the pedestals away - he just can't find it in the stockroom. Ultimate Electronics had the P65S2 on sale for $1,599 a couple weeks ago brand new so you might want to wait (if you want a brand new one) as you'll see those prices again as they clear out the 2010 models for the 2011 models in the late spring/early summer. As for resale? No one knows. I think you'd be lucky if you get 1/3rd to 1/2 of what you paid, if that, the way prices are dropping.
With floor models I'd check the number of hours on the set and see if you are comfy with how much it's logged already. As always, use a flashlight with the screen off to check for hairline cracks and check for dead pixels with the screen on (easiest way to do that is load the coloured slides mentioned on the 2010 Panasonic Settings thread). Be happy with the condition of the unit otherwise too. I'd ask for some freebies to be thrown in - mount, cables, etc.
I don't land in Vegas until 6:30PM
