Computer shows, worth it or not???

[BillyB]

I just went to the Market pro show here in Delaware. This is my 3rd one in about a year and honestly I think they are just a junk show!! The garbage there is cheap if you're looking for that, but for anything high quality I think it's cheaper over the Internet. Has anyone ever gotten an exceptional deal on high quality hardware at one of these shows???

[jad1097]

I have never been to one but I have a friend who goes to them all the time and claims to get great deals.

[NavyDood_ F/A18_Mech]

I agree BillyB

I went to a couple when i was in FL for schooling last summer. I wasn't impressed. The only thing I found were some games for a good price that were jewel cased only. CPU's off the net are cheaper. And everyone carried crappy MoBo's.

They are great for finding accessories though. Cables, fans, heatsinks, and pigtails for fans. Stuff like that.

Jim

[This message has been edited by NavyDood_ F/A18_Mech (edited 01-23-2000).]

[Ed_S]

Here in St Louis there are two different exhibitors that do shows.
One good, one not.

One does TV ads, billboards, the whole bit. Draws in a big crowd at $7 each. I was told he charges the vendors $600 per table for space. They have to charge huge prices due to the overhead, so bargains are few. And they get hostile if try to haggle.
I don't go there. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/frown.gif

The other advertises in a local comp. newspaper. Draws in an "in the know" kind of crowd at $4 each, free 2nd day reentry. Charges $100 for table space. Lots of deals from friendly vendors. Fun.
I don't miss it. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Strange thing is, several vendors do both shows but act completely different!

Next "good" one is Feb. 5-6
http://www.computercentralshows.com/



[This message has been edited by Ed_S (edited 01-23-2000).]

[Susan]

It really depends on the vendors who happen to be at the show that you're going to.

Today, for instance I went to one that I've been to many times before, but there didn't seem to be as many as usual which I blame on the cold weather and the possible onset of snow. Some of them travel from up to 40 mi. away.

I picked up an ATX case w/250W PS for $25 - not bad. The rest of the things are comparible to what you will find on Pricewatch.

Before you enter, it's best to know your prices, because prices there can vary from one table to the next.

The Marketpro shows near me have a great variety of hardware, from generic to OEM to Retail box.

[user0005]

I haven't gone to one myself but the friends that have tell me they are interesting to go to. You can get yourself 5 finger discounts (get new parts for free). http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[RONALDvd#22]

And ofcourse,you haven't said anything about stealing...

[This message has been edited by RONALDvd#22 (edited 01-23-2000).]

[tonym]

I agree with Susan. "Caveat emptor" are the watch words for shopping at computer shows.
I just went to a show yesterday and bought the makings of 4 new Athlon systems (mobos, CPUs, HDDs, etc.) and I think I did OKAY on price -- and at least I'm guaranteed no shipping damage if I carry it away (been there and done that!!). Plus, I always buy from vendors that have an actual addresses and brick-and-mortar stores.
I always chuckle when I see the guys selling *real cheap* software that looks like it was re-shrink-wrapped on a deli meat-wrapping machine. Methinks they get sample and/or RMA software and resell it at the shows (i.e. "Office 2000, Professional (OEM, Not for Resale) for $100)-- and they live in a van or a U-Haul. Try getting your money back there!!

Just my $0.02 worth...


Tony

[Algee7]

Virtually all of my comp equipment came from MarketPro shows. All of the hardware sellers have brick and mortar shops in the NY/NJ area.
My friend had a problem with a monitor he bought there after two months. We brought it in but they didn't have the same model there. They offered him a comparable one but, since we have six DigiViews between us, he wanted the same one.
They wound up shipping one from there store at their own expense! Can't ask for much better than that http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif