local small computer stores vs giants

~~PurpleSky~~ · 08-08-2005, 09:40 PM

Which one would you prefer and why ?
Any pleasant unpleasant experiences you had ?

**superflysmith** · 08-08-2005, 10:42 PM

I prefer the smaller chain in my area. The people seem to know alot more about computers than the big stores. Pricewise they are about the same that is why I ultimately use the online stores because online stores are cheaper.

**40sondacurb** · 08-09-2005, 12:37 AM

do you mean local chains vs places like dell and gateway?

I'd have to go with the local ones.

The hard drive on my new PC was bad; it would have took moths of technical support to replace, but because I went to a local place I just drove there and got the HDD replaced no problem, no hassle, and no lengthy procedure.

yustr · 08-09-2005, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by superflysmith

Pricewise they are about the same that is why I ultimately use the online stores because online stores are cheaper.

But it's real hard to throw the thing through their window when all else fails. Did I just say that?

**ReeKorl** · 08-09-2005, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yustr

But it's real hard to throw the thing through their window when all else fails.

No, but you have a website and probably an email address which I'm sure you could send a little 'care package' to.....

*ahem*

Anyhow, I've got to say I prefer the online stores also. Around here, you've either got the larger chains who have employees that don't know the difference between a vacuum cleaner and a PS2, let alone computers, or a small shop which tends to have half of it's stock in a 'fallen off the back of a lorry' sale, ie. nicked and selling as soon as the guy can get rid of it. Also, as I don't drive, it's quite hard getting to and from the shops, especially if I've just bought 50lbs of kit. Much easier to get it delivered to the door.

**MD_Willington** · 08-09-2005, 05:11 PM

Local guys are more expensive...but I'm on a first name basis with them...

**Spatcher** · 08-10-2005, 05:29 AM

I'd have to say big places like Fry's and CompUSA. There aren't a lotta local places around here, and half look closed. Besides, Fry's and all have plenty of programs and stuff to look at. The local computer store by me only has a few programs *lotta hardware stuff*.... but those guys are more knowledgeable than the goobers at Fry's....

bry623 · 08-10-2005, 11:22 AM

Local, most support on the phone and web sucks, but if you're in some snot nosed kids face demanding a new power supply, they usually cave in.

**myquitehead** · 08-10-2005, 03:50 PM

My local computer store's owners thought that all 256mb graphics cards were equivalent... I went in asking for a 6800 gt and he just points at all his 256mb cards

**Speedo** · 08-10-2005, 04:06 PM

I'm partial to the local stores as they are a heck of a lot more helpful than the big guns....

08-08-2005, 09:40 PM	#1 (permalink)
~~PurpleSky~~ Register user Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 2,130 OS: n/a	local small computer stores vs giants Which one would you prefer and why ? Any pleasant unpleasant experiences you had ?

08-08-2005, 10:42 PM	#2 (permalink)
superflysmith An American Hero and Moderator, The Conversation Pit. Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 1,576 OS: XP PRO	I prefer the smaller chain in my area. The people seem to know alot more about computers than the big stores. Pricewise they are about the same that is why I ultimately use the online stores because online stores are cheaper. __________________ "Some people go their whole life wondering if they ever made a difference. Marines don’t have that problem." Bush made the Packers lose

08-09-2005, 12:37 AM	#3 (permalink)
40sondacurb #64 & #36 BACKBONE Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 5,804 OS: xp	do you mean local chains vs places like dell and gateway? I'd have to go with the local ones. The hard drive on my new PC was bad; it would have took moths of technical support to replace, but because I went to a local place I just drove there and got the HDD replaced no problem, no hassle, and no lengthy procedure. __________________ Donate to keep the forum running "I know the human being and fish can coexist peacefully" -George W. Bush

08-09-2005, 05:11 PM	#6 (permalink)
MD_Willington Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: WA State & BC Posts: 587 OS: XP	Local guys are more expensive...but I'm on a first name basis with them... __________________ Mainboard: PCC M848ALU / ECS L7S7A2 / ECS 748-A, HDD: Western Digital 40Gb, RAM: 2-256Mb DDR266 by Micron 4x AGP Card: 3DForce4-MX440, CDRW: Liteon 52x32x52, PSU: Antec True430, CPU: XP2200+ (AXDA2200DUV3C) *It's OK to be ignorant; it's not OK to play stupid.* *Never assume you are entitled to an answer. You are not.*

08-10-2005, 11:22 AM	#8 (permalink)
bry623 Manager, The Conversation Pit/Analyst, Security Team Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: NW Territory circa 1787 Posts: 10,621 OS: winxp pro sp2	Local, most support on the phone and web sucks, but if you're in some snot nosed kids face demanding a new power supply, they usually cave in. __________________ "Government is not the solution to our problem. Government is the problem." -Ronald Reagan

08-10-2005, 05:29 AM	#7 (permalink)
Spatcher Henry Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,467 OS: XP Home SP2 My System	I'd have to say big places like Fry's and CompUSA. There aren't a lotta local places around here, and half look closed. Besides, Fry's and all have plenty of programs and stuff to look at. The local computer store by me only has a few programs lotta hardware stuff.... but those guys are more knowledgeable than the goobers at Fry's....

08-10-2005, 03:50 PM	#9 (permalink)
myquitehead TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 570 OS: XP Pro Sp1	My local computer store's owners thought that all 256mb graphics cards were equivalent... I went in asking for a 6800 gt and he just points at all his 256mb cards

08-10-2005, 04:06 PM	#10 (permalink)
Speedo DisIsIt Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 299 OS: XP, W2K, ME, Mandriva My System	I'm partial to the local stores as they are a heck of a lot more helpful than the big guns....