computer fairs?

[SporkPork]

when building a computer, is it worth going to local computer fairs? or is it best to stick with pricewatch.com?

[billxp]

I've done both. It all depends really on the price and what your buying.

Pricewatch you pay shipping and no tax.

Computer fairs you usally have to pay tax and they want more if you use a credit card sometimes.

Just know what your final cost is going to be either way.

[sbp]

Computer fairs are okay. You can find good deals there sometimes. Just be aware of what you are buying. Most of the time I buy from web stores that are good.

[Edited by sbp on 07-10-2001 at 10:31 AM]

[Speedfreak]

I usually check the cheapest prices on pricewatch before I go to a computer fair. If it comes out the be the same for the price+tax I would have to pay at the fair compared to the price+shipping I have to pay online, then I will get at the fair. If it is more than online, then I will judge the overage against how much I am in a hurry to get the item. :D


I have found that most of the time I can find anything that I need at the same total price as I can get it online (give or take only a few dollars). That is good because then I would have the item right now. I like goint to the shows anyways, becuase I always find something that I can use (or forgot about) that is really cheap.

[Speedfreak]

Damn, that sucks, dark. The ones I have gone to (one I usually go to in Pamona [L.A.] and one I have been to once here in Orange County) have always had booths of people with stores that are local to where the show is.

Whenever I buy something big, I always check to see if the address and phone is on the reciept. If not, I will ask for a business card or for then to write it down.

I definately agree with going for the things that you have to pay a shitload for shipping online compared to the actual price of the item.

Overall though, I personally have never had a problem with buying things at show. I have never had anything go bad, either.

[Grimm]

My experiences are prety much the same as DarkFury's. I would be careful purchasing anything at a computer fair, except at a local dealer's booth.

[froggystyle]

i have had nothing but trouble buying from computer fairs...somehow i manage to get ahold of all the broken parts or parts that dont work right...its a hell of a time trying to rectify it.

[Anupone]

They're OK if you go to a big one. I found prices online to be cheaper. Computer fairs tend to sell unknown brand for cheap so the average Joe thinks he got a good deal. Two of my friends bought PC from them. They run ok but not what I paid for though. With the price they're willing to spend, it's good enough for them.

I found PC accessories to be cheaper though. Like power supply, case fan, PC cases, Cable what remember you get what you paid for. I would buy local dealer, in case you have to return it.