I've never liked Best Buy. First, I don't like the name of the place, and second, I don't like the whole "geek Squad" thing. It's all just too creepy. I build my own systems and networking, and I'm not inclined to go to Best Buy for anything. The format may work for them; it doesn't work for me. Anyplace that sells refrigerators and stoves along with computer gear is automatically suspect, in my view.
If I have an issue, like wanting to pick up more chips, I go to a local "mom and pop" shop that does nothing but computers.
This horror tale simply confirms my long-held view when it comes to places like Best Buy: run away!
ENU?
http://www.europa.com/~enu/
Smells like a Taiwanese freighter, but the prices are right.
Posted by: Gordon R. Durand | August 30, 2009 at 06:40 PM
I've heard of the shop, but haven't visited as yet. I use WD drives (prior bad experience with SeaGate), and have been able to pick them up for less elsewhere. Memory prices do seem very competitive, however, and I plan to bump that up in one of the systems fairly soon, so thanks much for the reminder!
Posted by: Max | August 30, 2009 at 07:53 PM
http://pacecomputers.com/ - Pace Computers is a good place too.
As long as Best Buy keeps screwing over their customers it insures my job with a local IT / computer repair company.
Posted by: SC | August 31, 2009 at 12:23 AM
SC: Pace looks interesting, and I'd not been aware of them. Of course, having got my ASUS for next to nothing (tester) their price on that product seems a bit steep - I think the pricepoint was supposed to be just under $300. Perhaps some more infra has been added. I don't see any reason for it, as my unit has enough ports to handle external drives, screens, or whatever.
Correct on your view of Best Buy, I think your job's pretty safe.
Posted by: Max | August 31, 2009 at 06:30 PM