I’ve shopped online before, but this is the first time I’ve ever taken advantage of the so-called Cyber Monday sales. I have been buying the Harry Potter movies as they come out each year and sending them to my daughters as Christmas presents. Rather than brave the crowds at Target or Best Buy on Black Friday, I decided to shop for the latest (and last) DVD of the series, Deathly Hallows Part 2, at Amazon.com.

Wow. What a deal. Not only was I able to order the DVD for 50% off the retail price, I also got a free “instant rental” good till December 23rd. It will be delivered within a week … well in time for me to pack it up with their other gifts for shipment to Tokyo, and I can watch the movie on my computer for free without opening the package. Sweet. 18 months ago