In a world where mega sales events and enticing discounts dominate the consumer landscape, it’s easy to get caught up in the thrill of bargain hunting. Mega sales, such as ASUS eShop Anniversary, Amazon White Friday, Noon Yellow Friday, and other seasonal promotions, promise unbeatable deals and jaw-dropping discounts. However, the pursuit of bargains often leads to impulsive purchases and buyer’s remorse. In this article, we’ll explore the concept of smart shopping strategies, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing value over the mere thrill of finding a good deal.

The Psychology of Bargain Hunting
Bargain hunting is deeply ingrained in human psychology. The idea of getting more for less triggers a sense of achievement and satisfaction. Retailers capitalize on this psychology during mega-sales events, employing various tactics to create a sense of urgency and scarcity. Limited-time offers, flash sales, and door-buster deals are designed to prompt consumers to make quick decisions without thoroughly evaluating the actual value of the products.

While snagging a great deal can undoubtedly be gratifying, it’s crucial to recognize that not all discounts are created equal. The true value of a purchase lies not just in the amount of money saved but in the overall satisfaction and utility derived from the product over time.

Prioritising Value Over Discounts
Smart shoppers understand the distinction between a good deal and a valuable purchase. Instead of succumbing to the allure of massive discounts, they focus on products that align with their needs and preferences. Prioritising value involves considering factors beyond the price tag, such as product quality, durability, and long-term utility.

One effective strategy is to create a shopping list in advance, identifying the items that genuinely enhance one’s lifestyle or meet specific needs. By approaching mega sales with a clear plan, consumers can avoid impulse purchases and allocate their budget to items that bring lasting value.

Comparing Prices and Researching Products
In the age of information, ignorance is a choice. Smart shoppers leverage the power of the internet to compare prices and research products before making a purchase. Online reviews, expert opinions, and user experiences provide valuable insights into the performance and reliability of a product.

During mega sales, retailers often promote exclusive bundles or package deals. While these may seem tempting, it’s essential to assess whether the bundled items are genuinely necessary. In some cases, retailers use bundle deals to clear out excess inventory, leading consumers to buy products they wouldn’t have considered otherwise. Researching individual items and their reviews can help shoppers make informed decisions, ensuring they get the best value for their money.

Setting a Realistic Budget
One of the most fundamental aspects of smart shopping is setting a realistic budget. Mega sales events can be overwhelming, with the sheer volume of discounted products tempting consumers to overspend. By establishing a budget and sticking to it, shoppers can avoid financial strain and make more intentional purchasing decisions.

A well-defined budget should account not only for the cost of desired items but also for potential additional expenses such as taxes, shipping fees, and warranties. This comprehensive approach prevents surprises at the checkout and allows consumers to stay within their financial means while still taking advantage of valuable deals.

Embracing Technology and Price Tracking
Technology has revolutionized the way we shop, offering tools and apps that empower consumers to make informed choices. Price tracking apps, for example, allow users to monitor the historical pricing of products and determine whether the current discount is genuinely significant. By understanding the price history of an item, shoppers can avoid falling for false discounts and make purchases when the prices are genuinely reduced.

Additionally, many retailers offer price-matching policies, allowing consumers to get the best price available. Smart shoppers take advantage of these policies by presenting evidence of lower prices from competitors, ensuring they pay the lowest possible amount for their desired products.

Understanding Return Policies
No matter how diligent a shopper is, there’s always the possibility of a purchase not meeting expectations. Understanding the return policies of retailers is a crucial aspect of smart shopping. Some mega-sales events have more restrictive return policies, making it essential to read the fine print before completing a purchase.

Smart shoppers prioritise retailers with transparent and customer-friendly return policies. This ensures that if a product doesn’t live up to expectations or if there are issues with the purchase, they have the flexibility to return or exchange the item without unnecessary hassle.

Sustainable Shopping
In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the environmental impact of consumerism. Smart shoppers are increasingly prioritising sustainability in their purchasing decisions. Mega sales provide an opportunity to invest in high-quality, eco-friendly products at discounted prices.

By choosing products that are built to last and have a minimal environmental impact, shoppers contribute to a more sustainable and responsible consumer culture. Some retailers also use mega sales events to promote sustainable practices, offering discounts on eco-friendly products or providing incentives for recycling old items.

Here then, are the top offers available through the ASUS Extravaganza…

On-the-Go Multitaskers

ASUS Vivobook Go 14 Flip (TP1400)

The Vivobook Go 14 Flip is a flippable laptop that gives you 360° perspective on everything you do. At just 16.9 mm thin and weighing only 1.5 kg, it’s no fuss to take anywhere, and its zippy Intel Pentium Silver processor gets everything done quickly, whether for work or play. With its trendy Quiet Blue colour and tough 360° hinge, the versatile Vivobook Go 14 Flip is your laptop, your tablet — or anything in between.

To provide exceptional remote-working and video-conferencing experiences, Vivobook Go 14 Flip features ASUS AI Noise-Canceling Technology that employs machine learning in order to isolate unwanted noise from human speech. This technology helps to filter out ambient noise for optimum group conference call quality. The 360° ErgoLift hinge on Vivobook Go 14 Flip undergoes a 20,000-cycle open-and-close test for durability.

ASUS Vivobook S 14 Flip (TP3402ZA-LZ409W)

The ASUS Vivobook S 14 Flip allows you to experience ultimate flexibility. This convertible adapts seamlessly to your work or play style. It elevates your performance with the latest Intel Core processors and speedy SSD storage while treating your eyes to the stunning 14-inch 2K NanoEdge touchscreen.

Whether conquering daily tasks or unwinding in style, this laptop has you covered. You can stay connected effortlessly with an array of ports, including the convenient USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port. In terms of the colour, you can choose between the chic Quiet Blue or the sleek Cool Silver. It also features 16GB of RAM, an efficient ASUS IceCool cooling system, spacious 1TB SSD storage, and a lightning-fast WiFi 6E connection.

Modern Professionals and Creative Individuals

ASUS Vivobook Pro 15 OLED (M6500VX-MA071W)

The ASUS Vivobook Pro 15 OLED is powered by the AMD Ryzen 7000 Series Processor and the potent NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 laptop GPU. Thus, this laptop guarantees peak performance, supported by an efficient dual-fan cooling system. Your imaginative creations will shine on the stunning 3K OLED display, boasting a super-smooth 120 Hz refresh rate and ultra-accurate, vivid colours.

The laptop comes packed with a gorgeous 15.6-inches 3K 120 Hz OLED display. It boasts a 16:9 aspect ratio, a high resolution of 2880-by-1620 pixels, and an impressive 120Hz refresh rate. It also comes with a 3-sided NanoEdge design with an 84% screen-to-body ratio, a rapid 0.2 ms response time, and 100% DCI-P3 coverage.

Gaming Enthusiasts and Power Users

ASUS TUF Gaming A15 (FA507XI-LP018W)

Dive headfirst into the gaming excitement with the TUF Gaming A15. Boasting Windows 11 right out of the box, this powerhouse is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS processor and up to 32GB of lightning-fast 4800MHz DDR5 RAM, ensuring seamless streaming and multitasking. You can unleash the full gaming potential with up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU and a dedicated MUX Switch. As your game library expands, the convenient empty M.2 NVMe SSD slot makes storage upgrades a breeze.

Stay on par with professional standards with a QHD 165Hz display. G-SYNC seamlessly synchronizes the display’s refresh rate with the GPU’s output, minimising lag, reducing stuttering, and eliminating visual tearing, delivering ultra-smooth and lifelike gameplay. The QHD panel covers 100% of the DCI-P3 colour space, accurately reproducing colours as intended by the creator. All packed into an impressive 80% screen-to-body frame, videos and games become more immersive without compromising on portability.

ASUS TUF Gaming F15 (FX506HE-HN018W)

Tailored for dedicated gaming and showcasing a sleek new design, the TUF Gaming F15 stands as a Windows 11 Home gaming laptop loaded with features to propel you to victory. The state-of-the-art GeForce RTX 3050Ti GPU ensures seamless gameplay on a 144Hz display, complemented by the robust Intel Core i7-11800H CPU, which benefits from enhanced cooling for amplified CPU performance while maintaining stealthy acoustics. A durable 90Wh battery, coupled with TUF’s military-grade durability, ensures that you stay at the top of your game wherever you go.

You also get a superfast NVMe PCIe SSD with 1TB speed upload times, while an open SSD slot makes it easy to add terabytes more space for all your games. Experience professional-level gaming speed with a rapid 144Hz, 100% sRGB IPS-level panel. Thanks to Adaptive-Sync, the display’s refresh rate syncs seamlessly with the GPU’s frame rate, diminishing lag, minimizing stuttering, and eradicating visual tearing for an ultra-smooth and immersive gaming experience. The ultrafast Thunderbolt 4 ensures convenient on-the-fly connectivity, enabling powerful external GPUs or external monitors to enhance your multitasking capabilities. Additionally, enjoy playing 4K Ultra HD movies, videos, and games on large-screen TVs with HDMI 2.0b.

ASUS today announced the 15.6-inch Vivobook Pro 15 OLED (M6500), the latest addition to the Vivobook Pro series of affordable creator laptops for aspiring creators, as part of a special anniversary campaign with exclusive pricing. The Vivobook Pro 15 OLED offers outstanding value, boasting high-performance specs such as AI-enabled AMD Ryzen 7000-series processors, up to 16 GB of LPDDR5x RAM, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU, and a rapid 1 TB PCIe 4.0 SSD.

Setting it apart is its world-class 3K OLED HDR NanoEdge 600-nit display ideally suited for creative tasks, as it boasts Pantone Validation, VESA DisplayHDR True Black 600 certification, and a cinema-grade 100% DCI-P3 colour gamut. This laptop also delivers an immersive entertainment experience with a Harman Kardon-certified Dolby Atmos audio system and ASUS Antimicrobial Guard for peace of mind.

To mark the ASUS e-Shop anniversary, ASUS is rolling out a special promotion for the latest Vivobook Pro 15 OLED for empowering the next generation of creators, with a substantial AED 1500 discount and an additional AED 200 off for new ASUS e-Shop registrants. Customers can further enhance their shopping experience on ASUS e-Shop with a 0% interest instalment plan, making it easier to budget for their purchases.

Additionally, ASUS offers free delivery for orders over AED 200, ensuring a convenient and cost-effective shopping experience. What’s more, all ASUS e-Shop purchases are accompanied by a complimentary 2-year Perfect Warranty, offering customers peace of mind regarding unexpected issues, with call centre support available across more than 50 service locations.

]Vivobook Pro 15 OLED lets users get everything done faster in style with powerful components, making it the perfect choice for those just starting their creative journey. In particular, selected Vivobook Pro 15 OLED with AMD Ryzen 7000-series processors benefit from powerful AI capabilities enabled by the all-new Zen 4 architecture and AMD AI Engine for real-time video processing and uninterrupted multitasking.

There’s no shortage of graphics power for creative projects, either. The next-generation NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40-series Laptop GPUs, based on the latest NVIDIA Ada Lovelace architecture with 8th Gen NVIDIA Encoders, provide the best visual experience. These GPUs are cutting-edge solutions for 3D content creation or gaming, enabling Vivobook Pro 15 OLED to bring out the best of the user’s creativity.

Users can dive deeper into their visual world with the stunning 16:9 aspect-ratio display. This super-bright 600-nit slim-bezel NanoEdge display has a 100% DCI-P3 colour gamut for ultra-vivid colours, with Pantone Validated status and an average Delta-E calibration value of less than two for professional-grade colour accuracy. VESA DisplayHDR True Black 600 certification means it delivers incredibly deep blacks, with up to a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio that brings out all the detail in dark scenes. TÜV Rheinland certification for low blue-light emissions ensures enhanced eye care during extended viewing sessions.

The Vivobook Pro 15 OLED offers a range of features to provide an exceptional user experience. To begin with, it offers unrivalled audio quality with its Harman Kardon-certified stereo sound system. This system delivers powerful and immersive sound with crystal-clear quality, enhancing both entertainment and communication experiences. The smart amplifier system further amplifies the audio experience, increasing speaker volume by up to 350% compared to a standard amplifier, with minimal distortion.

In addition to the audio enhancements, the Vivobook Pro 15 OLED also takes your video-calling experience to the next level. Equipped with an FHD webcam featuring ASUS 3D Noise Reduction (3DNR) and new webcam effects in MyASUS, it ensures a clear and crisp appearance during every video call. Last but not least, in order to maintain a hygienic and safe laptop experience, ASUS has integrated the ASUS Antimicrobial Guard. This protective surface treatment has been scientifically proven to inhibit bacteria growth by more than 99% within a 24-hour period.

Tested by an independent third-party laboratory according to the ISO 22196 standard (Measurement of antibacterial activity on plastics and other non-porous surfaces).]. This innovative feature helps keep the laptop’s surfaces clean, reducing the spread of potentially harmful bacteria via contact. ASUS Vivobook Pro 15 OLED will be available from 2nd November on ASUS Eshop, priced at AED 3999.

A mix of Acer products received the 2023 Good Design Awards, headlined by its sustainability-focused products in the Acer ebii e-bike and several devices from the eco-conscious Vero line which include monitors, a set of peripherals, and an energy-saving projector. Awards were also handed to the Acer TravelMate P6 14 business laptop, Predator Triton 17 X gaming laptop, Acer Aspire S Series all-in-one desktop, Acer Revo Box mini-PC, and the Acer Connect Enduro M3 Mobile Wi-Fi. This year’s list of winning products highlights the company’s design innovation in serving multiple segments and lifestyles.

Since 1957, the Good Design Awards from Japan has sought to recognize companies and creators who develop “empowering designs” that bring about social contributions and push the boundaries of design possibilities. This year’s entries were assessed by a jury of experts based on the criteria of human, industrial, social, and time perspectives. The chosen winners have embodied this year’s theme of “design and outcomes”, emphasizing the creators’ diverse perspectives and growing awareness of various issues through their ideas and the actions done for their works to take shape.

Acer’s Good Design Award 2023 Winners

• Acer ebii e-Bike: Designed to provide urban commuters with a convenient, safe, and greener transportation option, the Acer ebii e-bike leverages AI-driven technology that adapts to power usage, riding conditions, and user preferences for effortless riding. Its long-lasting, swappable, and portable battery can be fast charged up to 100% power in just 2.5 hours to support worry-free journeys throughout the day. It also features a sturdy aluminium alloy frame and single-fork design, marked by smooth edges and a white matte finish, giving the Acer ebii’s clean and modern appearance. The ebike’s airless tires made from closed-loop recyclable materials are also flat-free and help minimize carbon footprint in the environment.

• Acer Vero B277U D3 Monitor: Made ideal for professional workers and teleconferencing, it showcases a WQHD resolution, AI noise-cancelling capabilities, a 5M-IR webcam, and a range of colour-enhancing technologies. To further uplift viewing experiences, the Acer Vero B277U D3 monitor’s flexible ErgoStand design lets users adjust tilt, swivel, pivot, and height with ease and is equipped with eye protection features such as Acer VisionCare 2.0 and TÜV/EyeSafe certification. The eco-display is also made with 85% post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials and 5% ocean-bound plastic (OBP), is shipped with 100% recyclable packaging, and comes with loads of energy-efficient certifications such as TCO and ENERGY STAR, and EPEAT registration.

• Acer Vero B278K Monitor: To further support the growing needs of business and the remote work culture, the Acer Vero B278K commercial monitor features a 4K UHD display, built-in 5M-IR webcam and microphone that can detect multiple voices all at once, and a docking display to help minimize the need for external devices and workspace clutter. Providing added protection and flexibility for users, the monitor is equipped with Acer’s Vision Care 3.0 which helps reduce eye strain, multi-stream technology with ZeroFrame design, and daisy chain feature allowing it to connect multiple monitors side-by-side for extended viewing. The Acer Vero B278K monitor also utilizes recycled materials in its components and packaging and has earned its own share of eco-friendly certifications.

• Acer Vero XL2530 Projector: The Acer Vero XL2530 projector is great for environment-conscious consumers looking for a high-performance, yet low-maintenance projection solution. Its mercury-free light source does not require any replacements and offers up to a 30,000-hour lifespan from its high-efficiency laser light technology. With an IP6X protection-rated optical engine and 360-degree projection capabilities, the Acer Vero XL2530 gives added flexibility for various purposes within different environments. The projector’s space-saving exterior is also composed of 50% PCR plastic and 100% recyclable paper packaging, ultimately reducing overall cost and environmental impact.

• Acer Vero Peripherals Combo Set: A set of sustainable wireless peripherals composed of a keyboard and mouse, the devices are constructed from 65% PCR plastic and include OBP components, presenting an attractive earthy look and feel while leaving a lighter touch on the environment. Professionals and everyday users can maximise the keyboard’s silent switches when typing and the mouse’s 10-meter operating range, making it easy to work from any location or surrounding. What sets it apart is that they are made with one of the highest percentages of recycled plastics in the industry, combining practicality, sustainability, and ergonomic product designs in these eco-conscious devices.

• Acer TravelMate P6 14 Laptop: Users can enjoy elevated viewing experiences on the business laptop’s large 2.8K OLED display with 100% DCI-P3 colour space coverage. The thin-and-light device is packed with an FHD IR webcam, upward-facing speakers, and Acer’s AI-powered technology specialized for high-quality videoconferencing. Workers stay connected to fast internet speeds with Wi-Fi 6E and 5G wireless connectivity and a 65 W fast-charging battery. The secure-cored PC protects sensitive data with security features such as IR facial recognition, fingerprint scanning, user sensing technology, and Privacy Panel. The TravelMate P6 14 also keeps sustainability in mind as it incorporates PCR and OBP plastic, uses 100% recyclable packaging, and comes with military-grade durability, EPEAT registration, and TCO certification.

• Predator Triton 17 X Gaming Laptop: A 17-inch gaming laptop tailored for hardcore gamers and content creators who value performance, durability, reliability, and aesthetics all in one device. Its metal CNC unibody chassis is crafted to maintain a sleek and sophisticated look while housing an advanced cooling system with Acer’s 5th Gen Aeroblade 3D fans, vapour chamber, Vortex flow technology, and liquid metal thermal grease on the CPU. The laptop features a large WQXGA mini-LED display with a 250 Hz refresh rate and meets DisplayHDR requirements to offer wider viewing angles, higher resolutions, and improved multi-tasking capabilities. The Predator Triton 17 X’s screen is also Eyesafe Certified to help minimize blue light exposure when gaming or creating.

• Acer Aspire S All-in-one Desktop PC: Crafted to enhance everyday productivity and minimize workspace clutter with its slim and modern aluminium body design. Users can enjoy brilliant images when working or browsing on the Acer Aspire S AIO’s near-borderless WQHD IPS ergonomic display, with surround sound audio capabilities for truly immersive viewing. The addition of a magnetically mounted 1440p QHD webcam with ring light helps capture the best images and videos, while the options for an active stylus pen and detachable OceanGlass touchpad, made from ocean-bound plastic, further support user experiences and Acer’s mission of minimizing its carbon footprint within its product portfolio.

• Acer Revo Box Mini PC: The Acer Revo has been revamped to deliver upgraded performance in a more compact and versatile form factor. The mini-PC’s design allows it to be easily set up with an option for Acer’s patented rotatable VESA mount and adapter holder, helping save valuable desk space within homes or office work setups. Powered by the latest processors and large memory storage, the Acer Revo Box is capable of handling demanding applications with ease and possesses multiple display support (up to 3) along with a wide range of port options for added convenience.

• Acer Connect Enduro M3: The mobile hotspot device’s rugged yet sleek exterior features elevated lines on the chassis for added grip and is made from high-grade materials that conform with military-grade standards and IP54 protection rating, making it the perfect connectivity companion to stay online no matter the location or environment. The intuitive touchscreen shows simplified menu options and a QR code that makes it easier to set up hotspot connections. With vSim technology embedded, users can connect to over 200 5G network carriers across 135+ countries around the world without the need for any SIM card. It also carries a high-capacity 6500 mAh battery that can double as a power bank, making it a handy mobile device for fast internet and portable charging.