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.

A high-quality gaming mouse significantly influences a player’s performance, especially in specific game genres. However, finding the best one isn’t as easy as searching “top gaming mouse” online because what suits one player might not suit another. Given the multitude of gaming scenarios, potential buyers need to carefully evaluate their choices when selecting their next gaming mouse.

Manufacturers invest considerable effort in producing specialised gaming devices designed to provide players with a competitive advantage. These innovations include tailored form factors, customisable weight options, and additional grips to enhance speed and accuracy. Moreover, top-tier gaming mice feature advanced hardware improvements, such as ultra-sensitive sensors and intricate button setups, to excel in fast-paced gaming environments.

When it comes to picking the perfect gaming mouse, it’s like assembling a custom toolkit for your virtual adventures. You’ve got to factor in things such as the connection type, size, weight, grip style, and ergonomic design. It’s all about finding the right fit for your gaming style.

But that’s not all. When you’re diving into the world of gaming mice, you’re looking for a trusty sidekick. Reliability and durability are key players in this game, especially if you’re in it for the long haul. The top-tier brands offer warranties and sturdier builds as you climb up the price ladder. You want your investment to last, after all.

Then, there’s the button bonanza. How many do you need? Well, that depends on your gaming cravings. You can go from standard buttons to a customizable smorgasbord of programmable macro keys. Your gaming experience, your rules. It’s all about getting the right tools to crush your virtual opponents.

Here then are the best gaming mice you can buy in the market right now!

ROG Harpe Ace Aim Lab Edition

Weighing a mere 54 grams, the ROG Harpe Ace Aime Lab Edition is an ambidextrous mouse and is equipped with a nylon shell and an optical sensor capable of 36,000 DPI. With ROG Micro Switches, it has a lifespan of 70 million clicks and is equipped with Bluetooth and 2.4GHz RF wireless modes as well as a storage compartment for its dongle.

Developed by Statespace and launched in 2018, Aim Lab has attracted around 20 million players to date. The base software can be downloaded for free from either Steam or the official website. Aim Lab has proven to be a valuable tool for players seeking to refine their skills in first and third-person shooters.

Review: ROG Harpe Ace Aim Lab Edition Gaming Mouse and ROG Hone Ace Mousepad

Not only does it analyse performance to aid in improving aim, but it also focuses on identifying weak points and preferences. In addition, it provides game-specific training profiles, such as those for Valorant and Roblox. ROG Harpe Ace Aim Lab Edition is thus the ultimate gaming mouse to add to your arsenal.

Corsair Darkstar Wireless

Corsair’s new Darkstar Wireless is made for excellence in any genre. This versatile wireless mouse reimagines the way gaming mice are designed, featuring a unique side button configuration that makes phenomenal attacks easy to execute. With DARKSTAR in hand, you can do more on the digital battlefield and beyond.

With an astounding 15 programmable buttons, Darkstar puts all your spells and actions within easy reach, including a perfectly situated six-button side cluster that puts a half-dozen buttons around a central textured grip. Your thumb is now utilized for maximum effectiveness and control while reducing strain during long gaming sessions.

CORSAIR Launches New DARKSTAR WIRELESS Gaming Mouse

Darkstar has wireless connectivity options to let you play the way you want, without compromising speed or responsiveness. Experience 2,000Hz hyper-polling over sub-1ms Slipstream Wireless, or connect to a host of devices with versatile Bluetooth. Darkstar’s long-lasting battery puts you in the game for up to 80 hours at a time, and you can keep the battle going while you charge when plugged in via USB.

RAZER Viper V3 Hyperspeed

As an extension of the Viper line, the Viper V3 HyperSpeed stands as an embodiment of Razer’s longstanding motto: For Gamers. By Gamers. Reaffirming Razers’ pledge to equip all gamers with tools that amplify their competitive edge, it signifies a prominent entryway to the world of professional gaming.

RAZER Launches Viper V3 Hyperspeed Gaming Mouse

Featuring the Razer Focus Pro 30K Optical Sensor, the Viper V3 HyperSpeed guarantees pinpoint accuracy. Its staggering 280-hour battery life on HyperSpeed wireless mode, powered by just a single AA alkaline battery, ensures uninterrupted gameplay. With the option to upgrade to a true 4000 Hz wireless polling rate with the Razer HyperPolling wireless dongle (sold separately), gamers gain that critical microsecond advantage over the competition.

Logitech G Pro X

The Logitech G Pro X lets you remove all obstacles in the way of winning. It weighs less than 63 grams and delivers near-frictionless glide. The PRO X Superlight continues Logitech’s design philosophy of Zero Opposition – the company’s commitment to remove all obstacles to create the purest possible connection between the player and the game.

Logitech G exclusive HERO 25K sensor provides unrivalled precision, speed, and consistency. It also comes with large, zero-additive PTFE feet that deliver a smooth glide for a pure, fluid connection with the game.

MSI Clutch GM41

MSI’s Clutch GM41 Wireless uses durable OMRON switches rated to last for over 60 million clicks. These crisp, reliable mechanical switches register every click register with deadly precision. The streamlined symmetrical shape of the mouse will fit comfortably in any hand. Soft, durable rubber side grips with a diamond texture provide the grip needed to stay in control.

With a weight of just 74 grams, the GM41 Wireless moves with the hand effortlessly while sustaining up to 80 hours of precision aiming on battery power. Light up the battlefield with millions of colours or approach with stealth with the lights turned off. Choose from predefined effects or synchronize lighting with the rest of your RGB setup.

When shopping for a gaming keyboard, focus on key factors: latency, switch types, and comfort. Consider extras such as RGB, media controls, and software customisation. Most gamers prefer mechanical keyboards for lower latency and more features. We’ve tested a wide range of keyboards and here are our recommendations for some of the best gaming keyboards we have reviewed so far!

ASUS ROG Azoth Wireless Gaming Keyboard

ASUS’ Republic of Gamers has a reputation for producing high-quality gaming products, including gaming gear, peripherals, PCs, laptops, and smartphones. Their latest offering, the Azoth Wireless Gaming Keyboard, is no exception. This keyboard is loaded with features and connectivity options and takes it a step further by offering a fully customisable experience.

Review: ROG Azoth Wireless Gaming Keyboard

Every key on the keyboard is hot-swappable and the board itself is designed to provide the best tactile experience for gamers. Additionally, the ROG Azoth comes with a DIY Switch Lube kit to ensure consistent performance. The Azoth aims to satisfy both gamers and keyboard customizers by providing a comprehensive package. The build quality of the ROG Azoth keyboard is impressive. Its three-layer system ensures a comfortable and responsive typing experience that surpasses many keyboards we have tested in the past.

The Azoth also comes packed with a 2-inch OLED display that can be customised to display information about system operations, control multimedia functions, and manage certain keyboard functions. It comes with a small knob and button controller that makes it quite practical to use. It essentially creates a shortcut menu for some basic functions, saving the hassle of loading up the Armory Crate software. The ASUS ROG Azoth Wireless Gaming Keyboard is thus the ultimate gaming keyboard around.

Corsair K70 RGB TKL Champion Series Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

Corsair’s K70 RGB TKL Champion Series Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is an excellent gaming keyboard that comes in a tenkeyless form factor. For those uninitiated, Tenkeyless is a term used to describe keyboards that do not have a 10-key numeric keypad on the right side. The tenkeyless design is absolutely amazing for gaming, doing away with the Numpad. This, in turn, gives your mouse a lot more room to manoeuvre, since you usually get little use out of a Numpad in most gaming situations. The reduction in size also means a reduction in weight, making it easier to lug your mechanical keyboard around.

Review: Corsair K70 RGB TKL Champion Series Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

The keyboard also comes with a “Tournament Switch”, just next to the USB Type-C, which when flicked, makes the keyboard competition-ready. What this means is that it changes the backlighting on the K70 RGB TKL to a single static colour for less distraction and disables custom actions and macros. The keyboard is very well-built and the design is top-notch. You get a sort of a brushed metal look up top, while the keys themselves are quite nice. Underneath the keyboard, you get the anti-slip pads and the flip-out keyboard legs. In terms of polling rates, at default, the keyboard is at 1000Hz. However, if speed is what you need, you can change it to 8000Hz using the iCUE software.

Ducky One 3 Mini Classic RGB Keyboard

Fancy switches and LCD screens are no longer enough to stand out in the keyboard market. To excel, manufacturers must offer sought-after features such as high-quality stabilisers, durable (preferably PBT) keycaps, and even hot-swap PCBs, which are becoming increasingly demanded by users. The Ducky One 3 Mini Classic RGB Keyboard also introduces QUACK Mechanics, a series of improvements that earned its name in a lighthearted manner.

Review of the Ducky One 3 Mini Classic RGB Keyboard in the UAE

As a 60% keyboard, its compact size contributes to its enhanced rigidity, making it feel like a keyboard designed for durability and resilience. The design team at Ducky truly crafted a keyboard ready for any challenge. Since this is a 60% form factor keyboard, it only retains the essential keys and sheds all the extras. It leaves out the function row, number pad, arrow keys, navigation buttons, and media keys.

Razer Huntsman Mini Analog

Razer’s new Huntsman Mini Analog is a new version of its compact 60% gaming keyboard. The standout feature on the Huntsman Mini Analog is optical switches with variable actuation, which let gamers assign two functions to a single keystroke depending on how hard the key is pressed.

The keyboard is designed for “LAN players, fans of minimalist gaming set-ups, or those looking to save space, whilst giving users the fine control and precision demanded by today’s games.” Note that to use dual-step actuation on the keyboard, you’ll have to run the Razer Synapse software. Dual-step lets you press a key lightly and hold it until you’re ready, then press all the way down to initiate a follow-up action. It can be used, for example, to combine actions like equipping an item and then using it.

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL

SteelSeries’ esports-ready TKL design allows for a cleaner desktop space whilst also giving more room for large sweeping mouse movement, ensuring game-winning moments go unimpeded. For the first time, the Apex Pro TKL will be untethered and available with next-gen high-performance Quantum 2.0 Dual Wireless technology.

With the Apex Pro TKL, users can take advantage of OmniPoint 2.0 technology to switch between agile 0.2mm actuation and deep and purposeful 3.8mm key presses. The TKL design gives users more desk space, for clutch plays while still being transportable to LAN events. A built-in OLED smart display allows gamers to see the game system and chat information as it happens, making the need to minimize games a thing of the past. Double shot PBT keycaps ensure the keycaps last just as long as the 100m keystroke-rated switches.

Logitech G715

Logitech’s new G715 Gaming Keyboard from the Aurora Collection delivers low-key vibes with high-key performance so you can express yourself and play your way. You can float away with its dreamy white design and comfy, cloud-shaped keyboard palm rest. With a tenkeyless layout and adjustable height, this is an ideal compact mechanical keyboard for gaming that gives you that good game feeling, all day long.

The G715 release arrives with a slick white design that comes backed by per-key RGB backlighting and GX Red tactile switches. The wireless form factor works over both Bluetooth and the 2.4GHz wireless receiver and also features other fun inclusions like a dedicated volume scroll bar, media controls, and a customisable top plate.

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