How can I get the best deal on a Mac on Black Friday?

Ok so I’ve already tried searching through the billions of mac questions and don’t think it’s been answered but if so whoops. If not here’s the deal:

My current pc is in the crapper (not dead yet but not far from it) and xmas is right around the corner. Soo I’ve decided to get a mac. I’m in school so I qualify for the education discount. I’m also thinking I’ll get it in New Hampshire to avoid paying tax (yes, I’m in college I need the discount). Now my dad would also get a military discount – is this better than the education discount? Can we use them both? Can I still get a deal on Black Friday or should I not bother going there on the craziest day of the year?

Also – I would like to use it to do some publishing (nothing serious, just for personal use). Are there any programs on a Mac that would enable me to do this or would I have to buy something?

PS- I should probably add that I’m just assuming it is best to buy it from the apple store directly but if it’s the same product guarantee elsewhere share the knowledge