I just got back from my second trip to the Chicago Costco to check out the HDTVs. They had a fresh batch of the 50-inch Vizio plasmas (CNET review) sitting on the floor. I saw a guy at checkout with one on a pallet hauling it to his car, so at least one person must think it’s a better deal than the GV47LF. Not me though.

I got a second look at the GV47LF in action. This time they had a much better HDTV source running into the TV, and it looked really good. I would have bought it on the spot except I don’t have a car. I’m trying to get my buddy to help me haul it home. I asked at the help desk if Costco would deliver the TV to my apartment, and the young woman said local warehouses don’t deliver, but if I bought online and had it shipped, I’d get cheaper sales tax than Chicago’s 9%, and that would help make up the difference. So, I went home and did the math. Nope, no deal. Online is $150 in shipping and $109 in sales tax ($260 total) versus just $150 in sales tax at the store. Bad information.