Going, going gadgets

We asked, you chose. After responding to our question about which gadget you are most looking forward to buy this Gitex, we narrowed down the top choices to five with the most votes. While the iPad 2 unsurprisingly came as the top Gulf News readers' choice, many hoped that the latest iPhone 4S and the improved iOS 5 operating system would make it to the Shopper. However, they didn't.

As the event comes to an end today, we've done the hard work for you and found the best last-minute deals you can still take advantage of on cameras, smartphones, tablets, laptops and TVs.

Smartphone: HTC ChaCha

They're known for their beautifully designed devices and this Taiwanese company is offering its social-media-powered ChaCha at a steal for Dh999 only at Gitex. Original retail price is Dh1,299.

That's not all. All customers who purchase any HTC smartphone from an authorised dealer in the UAE will have the chance to win a Mini Cooper S through a raffle. All you have to do is take the validated invoice to the HTC's Shopper stand to claim a raffle coupon.

Laptop: Samsung notebooks

All Samsung notebook purchases during Gitex will come with a cash-back offer worth up to Dh5,000. Each customer will receive a scratch card upon purchase which will be of different cash-back denominations. The purchase also entitles customers to a unique code that will give them a chance to win a Galaxy S II smartphone. Samsung is spreading out these offers to all its retailers including Sharaf DG, Emax, Lulu, Carrefour, Virgin Megastores, Jumbo Electronics and Geant.

There's also an extended raffle draw until October 31 through which customers can get a chance to win a Mini Cooper.

Television: Sony Bravia EX520

Jumbo Electronics says its deal on the full-HD Sony Bravia EX520 is good enough. The 40-inch LED TV is available for Dh3,499 but comes with a Dh500 gift voucher redeemable on your next purchase.

Cameras: Canon DSLR

With the purchase of any Canon EOS DSLR, shoppers receive a Canon Pro-Kit worth Dh500. The kit includes a tripod, a Pixma 250 inkjet printer, a DSLR photography tutorial CD, a DSLR cleaning kit, an 8GB memory card and an EOS backpack.

There's also an offer on all point-and-shoot cameras with each of them going out with a 4GB SD card and a carry case.

Offer is valid at the National Stores kiosk.

Tablet: iPad 2

Jacky's Electronics says it has matched all its iPad prices to the official Apple online store prices. Prices range from Dh2,099-Dh2,599 depending on memory size and whether they are Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi + 3G models. What's more? They are throwing in a screen guard, a leather case and a Samsung E1080 mobile phone — all for free. And since Apple ships all its products from abroad, you might have to pay a 5 per cent duty, which is waived, if you buy it at Gitex. Jacky's says offers could get better closer to the end of the day.