Last year I told you the "10 Black Friday Secrets Retailers Don't Want You To Know." All these secrets still apply (and the retailers still don't want you to know them). What's different this year is that Black Friday will be dominated by netbook deals. Here's why:

First, unless the Grinch finds a way to keep Christmas from coming, the holidays will soon be upon us. Netbooks make perfect gifts because the cost is low, the value is high, and everybody wants one. Unlike other gadgets, netbooks are popular among all age groups, from 9 to 99. They're even great gifts for people who already own desktop, laptop and other netbook computers. You can never be too rich, too thin or have too many netbooks.

Second, the economic downturn means belts are tightening. Some who might spend $500 or more on gifts for immediate family members might downsize the budget to less than $350 this year. In previous years, bargain hunters might buy big-ticket items, like $1,800 high-def TVs. This year, the downturn will favor smaller purchases, like $300 netbooks.

Third, ASUS proved that a hit in the netbook space sprinkles magic pixie dust on other products in the form of positive brand reputation. Because of the runaway success of the ASUS Eee PC line, now gadget enthusiasts are more inclined to take a chance on ASUS's desktop PCs and random gadgets. That means minor players will be taking advantage of Black Friday to discount netbooks below cost to generate better word-of-mouth.

Fourth, free Wi-Fi is a lot easier to come by this year. Starbucks, Peet's, McDonald's and other major chains offer free Wi-Fi, which is ideal for netbooks that are easy to carry everywhere.

See here at Datamation to find out what you need to know to get the best deal.