Computer Fairs?(anyone been?)

[philb34]

Hi,

There is one of these computer fairs near me today,and I was wondering if it would be worth going to?

I am trying to build a new system so would appreciate any comments.
Or are you better off just buying online?

Cheers,

Phil

[Scarlet Infidel]

Ive been to a couple, they are interesting and good for buying used items. They tend to be cheaper than highstreet shops but more expensive than online. They can be fun to go to though and you can always haggle prices.

[philb34]

Would I be able to get DFI mobo's you reckon?

[Xaneden]

Only one way to find out

[MrP]

depends on the fair, if you anywhere near manchester, bowlers is incredible (biggest in europe i think), however some local ones can be rather disapointing.

i dont tend to bother with the ones in the north east, it tends to be a few of the best selling mobo's/graphics card, then a load of chesp cases/fans/neons with the usual crowd selling cables, printer ink cartridges, and stuff you really dont want!

[joshwa]

friends of mine have been to fairs and had faulty goods, then had problems returning them, or the goods replaced with other faulty goods, so I wouldn't recommend them. You may as well buy online as you'll have more choice, and be able to return it more easily if there are problems...

plus everytime you want to go back if you do need to replace them, you have to pay the entrance fee again...

[philb34]

you have to pay the entrance fee again.

Yeah that is true,never thought of that

I will get online then.

Cheers!

[chrestomanci]

I have found them to be good for small widgets that cost more than postage to buy online. Stuff like cables, network cards or gender changers.

I have also found some good deals on second hand kit. For example, about a year ago, I went with my dad to a fair, where he brought a 22" CRT (That will do 2048x1536 @90Hz) for 50 pounds. Considering that he needed a large screen for photo editing it was a great deal.

I think a fair would also be a good place to look for a low end second hand PC for web surfing, email or word documents.

[idimmu]

if bought a few things from fairs, a cheap voodoo 3 card xD which was faulty and i had to send back, and then the one i got back broke...ive had a few other random things which have been fine.

the biggest thingive got was my ti4200 which was fully boxed from msi, i doubt it would have been much more expensive than online, but seeing as i didnt have a debit card at the time it was a good buy for me

[Norky]

"Hey, what's my plumber doing selling copies of Windows XP?"

[Wyoming]

I have been to one in my area. It was quite a small affair with new parts being more expensive than online (expected though as they have to pay to exhibit their goods and smaller businesses can not buy in such bulk).

However the second hand stuff was very good. I bought a nice retro Creative sound card for £4 which works fine and has meant I do not have to shell out for onboard sound with every motherboard I buy

They are worth a look if nothing else.

[OmarSantiago]

They're not bad for consumables and small parts and impulse buying for little bits and pieces, fans etc you might need. That said, the way some of the Central London traders treat components is shocking; especially RAM which is always handled without any static bags or protection, just some guy wearing a cotton shirt, polyester slacks and nylon sweater handing you a stick of RAM by the contact pins and telling you it's brand new and wil work perfectly in your system.

[mike_w]

I've been to a couple, not that great. Prices are cheaper online, with a bigger selection. If you stick to the decent online companies, you'll probably get a better experience/customer service as well.

[Dav0s]

comp fairs imo are the best places to buy HDD's, new or used, big or small, they tend to have the lot.

also CRT screens, but anything else is often cheaper online.

[999tigger]

They can be good for consumables where the postage outweighs teh cost of the item. Sometimes you can save the vat on processors. I tend to stick online and with the scan free offer you have no excuse now.

[dinoprime]

i have to agree that the central london fairs have some appalling traders, but the one at crystal palace near my place is quite good with plenty of traders with plenty of bits and pieces, but i guess the think to remember is u get what u pay for