GKN3M2%IRISHMVS.BITNET@wiscvm.wisc.edu (03/08/86)
Generally, one can find a difference in software/hardware prices
of up to 10-20% among the various ads in the computer mags. A
recent (and ongoing) experience dictates the old adage that he who
buys cheap, gets cheap. Our department has ordered supplies from
many computer vendors. Some have delivered merchandise very quickly
and always are available to explain if and why an order may be late.
Two such exemplary companies are Conroy-LaPointe and Mac-Connection.
One month ago we ordered two relatively popular items (Thunderscan
for the Macintosh and a surge protector) from Northeastern Software, a
company that advertises heavily in BYTE, PC, MacWorld, etc. After
I was lucky enough to even get them on the phone (they have the busiest
busy signal in North America) and a twenty minute phone conversation
they were able to tell me that they were presently not keeping
records of all mail orders and to call back next week. After
inquiring about credit card or COD phone orders I was told that they
need a week to ten days for processing before shipment.
To sum it up, they may have lower prices than the other vendors
but you lose the difference in the extra time waiting and long
distance phone calls.
Evan Bauman
Univ. of Notre Dame
I have no affiliation with any of the above named companies.