Decide what to buy

Which? reports that mobile network and retailer O2 has hired 1400 extra staff to cope with expected demand when the Apple iPhone launches next week.

Next Friday 9th November at 6pm, the hotly-anticipated new phone will be available from more than a thousand Carphone Warehouse and Apple stores, with Carphone Warehouse estimating it could sell up to 10,000 iPhones on launch day.

Those wanting to use the new handset will need to take out an 18-month contract with O2 at between £35 and £55 a month, and the iPhone itself will cost £269 to buy.

Related articles: Top five: mobile phones with MP3 players | New ReevooMark retailers: Carphone Warehouse | Blog roundup: UK iPhone launch

Now that it’s the 1st of November it’s finally acceptable to start talking about Christmas (and yes the eagle-eyed among you will notice that I actually wrote about it last week, but that was just to see if you’re all awake).

According to Forrester Research, this Christmas will see us setting new records for online shopping, with the UK leading the European charge. Forrester estimates the UK’s 27 million online shoppers will spend more than £490 (700 euro) each in the lead up to the holidays, with the top product areas being leisure travel and typical gift items like DVDs and consumer electronics.

What are your planned purchases this holiday season (and will they be gifts for others, or gifts for you)?

[via Gizmodo UK]

What a great idea this blog is! Writer of White Goods Help, Andy has spent 30 years as an engineer in the white goods trade and shares his expertise, gives advice on problem appliances, troubleshooting tips and offers buying guides for those looking for the best washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers.

His site is divided into Washerhelp, Dryerhelp and Dishwasherhelp (no prizes for guessing which products each of them covers), but his blog focuses predominantly on washing machines.

Some of the great posts include making the most of your Economy 7 energy tariff, how to deal with low water pressure and washing machines, plus relevant discount codes and alerts about cheap appliances.