Computer Show May 3&4

[HKSturboKID]

From my experience, all this sale show is for stores that have alot of junk.....ahem...I mean old stock they try to get rid of.

 

[Harvey]

The quality of computer swap meets and shows varies in different parts of the country. They're great in Southern Ca. Most of the exhibitors are local merchants selling at less than the prices they charge at their stores so dealing with defective items isn't a problem.

Of course, there are no coupon deals, but I've scored great some great deals. RAM is usually around the same price as at many "office" stores after rebate. I've also bought Teac floppy drives for around $7 and recently, I picked up a legal copy of Norton System Works 2002 (boxed, retail) for under $20.

 

[Lemanz]

I will second what harvey says. I have been going to shows in Northern California for years. Usually it is all the local merchants that come together and sell their items at a discount or their retail prices. I usually go if I am building a new computer. I can go and have 20 diferent people selling the same thing so I know I get the lowest price in town without driving all around town. Usually some great deals on closeouts and the oem software is reason enough. I usually get a $25 dollar 3 year membership to offset the admission costs.

 

[DaCurryman]

I'd say that the internet has reduced the need for computer shows, but the one thing I'd say in favor of the shows is that the low prices dont necessarily require too much work (mebbe a little negotiation).

Most of our Hot Deals require PM, and what I hate the most...Rebates. I have a couple of hundred outstanding in rebates right now, where I'd feel much better having the money in my pocket. So if a show can get from a show something for $50 instead of from thr internet for $40 after a $40MIR, then I'll go with the show.

 

[Bleep]

A friend and I had a swap meet (open air) in the mall parking lot (free) we charged no admission, we did not directly charge those selling things, we just asked the sellers to give us 2% of their sales and we trusted them to pay.
we had 23 sellers and probably 1500 buyers we made some money. All the sellers there paid us something, we relied on their honesty and we were not disappointed. I would never pay to get into a swap meet or computer show.

Bleep

 

[classy]

Originally posted by: LukFilm

Originally posted by: dethman
computer shows used to be the place to get hardware. now everything can be had for the same price/cheaper online.

Thats not true. Cases and software are still hot deals at computer shows. Case in point, I live here in NJ , I bought XP home edition at a small show here 3 weeks ago for 83.75 total. Could have bought XP Pro for 114. It costs me only 5 bucks to get in. You can still get some really nice deals at these shows. This show is huge and usually has a speaker or two. I think Billy G was there 3 years ago.

 

[snowpeas]

Why do you people call it a computer show? Its more like a computer market. I never see any demonstrations of new products or anything like that. Using the show is very misleading, but i guess its a good business tactic to get the first timers there.

 

[Steve0]

Last time I went to a computer show I got a Lian-Li PC-70 case for $150, cheaper than any web sites at the time. (Maybe still, I'm not looking.) Paid tax, but that was less than shipping would have been.

Think maybe I can catch a hot deal on a Centerwood mobo at this big Raritan show May 3? THAT would be cool.

Steve

 

[sohdahere]

You can get lucky at shows,
one advantage is that you bargain when buying many parts from one vendor...

 

[deramon]

Got agree buying at the shows is somewhat risky unless you know the vendor is a good guy. Most don't know you if you come back and tell them that something does not work. Not bad for cases or other heavy bulky items where shipping is pricey.

 

[doggyworld]

Originally posted by: Bleep
A friend and I had a swap meet (open air) in the mall parking lot (free) we charged no admission, we did not directly charge those selling things, we just asked the sellers to give us 2% of their sales and we trusted them to pay.
we had 23 sellers and probably 1500 buyers we made some money. All the sellers there paid us something, we relied on their honesty and we were not disappointed. I would never pay to get into a swap meet or computer show.

Bleep

Wouldn't the Mall security be a little suspicious of a mob of people in the parking lot? Also.. if the Mall found out about this, I think they could legally charge you for using their property.

 

[DavidTan]

Pomona Computer Fair is better! It like a indoor swapmeet and you can also bargain with them. I remember I went to Pomona Computer Fair. I bought a 101 games in 1 for GBA Advance. The 101 games had mario 1, 2, castlevania, yoshi, and etc. all the hot titles in 1 cartridge for $40 dollars. They also mod your xbox, and ps2.

 

[LilHen]

Some good deals at these shows, but definitely better deals online.

 

[ynot167]

Originally posted by: LilHen
Some good deals at these shows, but definitely better deals online.

Yes, you might get a better deal online, but you'll have to wait for shipping. Actually, if you're lucky, you might get an even better deal at these shows if you pay by cash. Some give you a cash discount and no tax.

 

[Bacinator]

Originally posted by: dethman
computer shows used to be the place to get hardware. now everything can be had for the same price/cheaper online.

I don't know if that holds true now that some online e-tailors will be charging sales tax, and shipping charges can be SUCK.

 

[Codfish]

I have been going to the TCF since it was held at Mercer Community College. At that time there were really good deals and there were vendors as far away as Nebraska. But that's in the past, unless you really get lucky, there are no great deals.

Having said that, monitors and cases are still a decent option to buy there if they have the model you want. The shipping can kill you on those items. Motherboards from a reputable local seller, even for a few bucks more isn't a bad idea either.

 

[vcarpio2]

monitors and cases are still a decent option to buy

Don't forget speakers. You can hear the quality, too. I'm impressed with many of the no-name brand speaker systems at computer shows.

 

[WHipLAsh13]

There are 2 companies in the Tri State area that still do computer shows. Market Pro and Tri State Fairs.

 

[Tnvolsfan]

Computer shows are only good to get some small item you had fogot or maybe some good memory prices. But make sure the memory is backed by the manufacturer.

 

[vcarpio2]

Originally posted by: WHipLAsh13
There are 2 companies in the Tri State area that still do computer shows. Market Pro and Tri State Fairs.

Yes, and Tristate will be in my backyard (Middletown) tomorrow.

I guess it's easier to say no-deals-at-computer-shows-etc if one has to drive more than a few miles to get to one (just guessing). But in my case, a self-proclaimed true geek who salivates at the site of so many peripherals, gadgets, and gizmos in one spot, I would have to exert an enormous amount of self-control to not go if a computer show sets up shop in my backyard.

 

[ynot167]

Originally posted by: WHipLAsh13
There are 2 companies in the Tri State area that still do computer shows. Market Pro and Tri State Fairs.

This one is KGP.

They all probably have same vendors, but KGP shows in Raritan Center are usually bigger.

The flee market usually has junk, but you might be able to get cables and other accessories really cheap! I once optical cables for a buck each!

 

[TheMouse]

I always say... Computer shows are now full of business men... no longer hobbyists or techies like there used to be. I go to sell Ram sometimes... I usually get decent prices on used ram. Last month I sold 512 MB of PC100 for $60, which I feel is a decent price.


I only go to KGP shows (see post above)... flea market is usually used junk... i've picked up a few AS-IS scsi HD's there with much luck.. but its still a gamble.

 

[BobSnob]

I still go to my local shows but rarely buy anything now. As the other guys say, almost everything is cheaper online. It's a laugh to see the guys asking $600 their P2-300 laptops, I just wonder if they sell any. I like to rumage thru the used parts boxes for floppy drives, but that's about it. Also, shows can be a good place to buy PC cases because a) you get a good look at them, and b) you don't pay shipping.

 

[SharkyTM]

i've been to the market-pro shows around DC and VA... great time to look over processors, and buy combos... you can pick steppings, but now... a lot of online stores do it for you. Prices were a little high, but for cash only, there was a discount, plus haggle room. Cases and monitors are the best scores. NO SHIPPING. anyhow, i'm trying to get some people from Cornell to go to the one in Trenton (Edison actually)....
Shark

 

[vcarpio2]

Got back from the tri-state computer show today. I bought a 32MB USB drive keychain for $20. I think it's a pretty good hot deal considering it's about the same price as a 32MB smartmedia card. The 64MB version goes for $30. Works great! Tested it on 2 computers, no drivers needed to be installed on either.