Computer shows

[Xesh]

Hi everyone. I'm thinking of going to a computer show this weekend in the NY area. I've never gone to one of these things, and I was wondering what the deals would be like. Do they have the newest equipment? Should I really expect 20%-80% savings like the website suggests? I'd really appreciate any experience you can share.

For those interested, it's a marketpro show in Yonkers, NY. (www.marketpro.com)

 

[Tommunist]

Originally posted by: Xesh
Hi everyone. I'm thinking of going to a computer show this weekend in the NY area. I've never gone to one of these things, and I was wondering what the deals would be like. Do they have the newest equipment? Should I really expect 20%-80% savings like the website suggests? I'd really appreciate any experience you can share.

For those interested, it's a marketpro show in Yonkers, NY. (www.marketpro.com)

In my experience it is a crapshoot - sometimes they'll be excellent deals but they'll always be items that are overpriced. They usually have the newest stuff at these things as well. Some of the best deals can be on used stuff since you can haggle with the vendors over the price. It's best to go into these things knowing a lot about what you are looking for so you know a good deal when you see it.

 

[Xesh]

Thanks for the advice. Are these excellent deals difficult to find? Do they sell out quickly?

 

[gururu]

depends on the show. you can usually get deals hovering around website values (Newegg prices for example) if the shows are good. Look for private dealers that offer lots of OEM components and lay out some products for the public to see. The best places are those teeming with people looking over tables with mobos laying about and plastic cases showing memory. Avoid vendors that have mostly retail packaged goods as they usually carry bloated retail prices. Use cash as most vendors charge penalties when using cards (don't let them see your cash and dont give them your cash until you are CERTAIN you want the item. Save all your receipts of course. When I go, I usually look for the small private asian dealers carrying OEM video, cpu, mobo, memory merchandise.

 

[Xesh]

So then, the big discount off online prices should be the exception (shipping neglected)? Does anyone have an example of a recent deal that was hard to refuse at a comp show? Thanks for the comments.