arthurh@jacobs.CS.ORST.EDU (Hank MacArthur) (10/14/90)
Hi Everyone, I have read two article hear from two individuals that are thinking about buying and have bought a system from mail order. Can anyone with knowledge, tell me the good points of purchasing from them? I see that the prices are cheaper but I don't really feel that I could trust them. At the same time, how about the service? If one part would break down, how could I get it fix without having to send it through mail which takes too long? All response are appreciated. Later, Hank
RFM@psuvm.psu.edu (10/14/90)
Lots of mail order houses are reputable. Plus, many now offer/provide support/warranty via established service outfits -- TRW, GE, etc. Places that come to mind that I wouldn't hesitate to deal with include Swan, Dell, Northgate, Compuadd... to mention a few.
smsmith@hpuxa.ircc.ohio-state.edu (Stephen M. Smith) (10/14/90)
In article <20968@orstcs.CS.ORST.EDU> arthurh@jacobs.CS.ORST.EDU (Hank MacArthur) writes: >I have read two article hear from two individuals that >are thinking about buying and have bought a system from >mail order. Can anyone with knowledge, tell me the >good points of purchasing from them? Since I am one of these anonymous "two individuals" mentioned above I hope I am not out of line by making my 2 cents worth inflate to 4 cents by posting this additional article. But today at the computer store (where I spend more on magazines than anything else these days) I came across a brand new magazine for direct buyers entitled "PC Sources." This premiere issure (October 1990) promises to be one of the best source for tips on mail order purchasing. This first issue covers much of what you seem to be asking in your posting. For example, the table of contents includes the following headings and subheadings: Buying Smart; buying PC products by phone is easy when you know what to look for. Cracking The Code: How To Read A PC Mail-Order Ad; advertise- ments for PC systems could daunt the most dedicated linguist. The acronyms, the arcane terms, the jargon... Shopping For A Warranty; ...Russ Lockwood tells you the differences among warranties and what considerations are most important. Marketplace: With Or Without Software?; software that comes bundled with a system can be a great deal-- if you know what you're getting. Plus in the first 50 pages or so are around 9 short articles/ columns designed to help the direct buyer. To suscribe write or call P.O. Box 53298, Boulder, CO 80321-3298 (800)827-2078. (I have no affiliation with this magazine whatsoever.) Also, in the Computer Shopper every month there is a page or two which gives good guidelines on the proper procedure to follow when mail ordering. I have found that the best way to find out about mail ordering (without laying down too much $$$) is to read as many computer magazines as you can in light of a particular system or component in mind. Then call a few companies and ask them to send you information additional to what is in their add. They are (usually) very helpful and it can take away some of that apprehension we all feel when dealing with them (at least it helped me some- what). Hope the above helps! S. Smith <smsmith@hpuxa.ircc.ohio-state.edu>
jokim@jarthur.Claremont.EDU (John H. Kim) (10/17/90)
I'd like to put in my $.02 on _PC_Sources_, the new magazine. I've been shopping around for a PC (for a friend's business, a student doesn't have that kind of money!), so I went to the bookstore and picked up a copy of the magazine when I heard about it. I've spent the last two months talking with friends, reading magazines, and following this group to make myself "PC literate." In less than 20 pages, _PC_Sources_ taught me everything I've learned in those two months and then some. If you are shopping for a PC and are stumbling over much of the terminology, the premiere issue of this magazine is a MUST READ. Even if you already know the terminology, one of the articles points out most everything you need to know when mail-ordering and is an excellent way to outline all your questions before ordering. I will go so far as to recommend that, if we can get the publisher's permission, the article be made available via anonymous ftp for any first time PC shoppers like me. I have no connection with the magazine or its publisher. I'm just damn impressed. My subscription goes in the mail tomorrow. -- John H. Kim | (This space to be filled when I jokim@jarthur.claremont.edu | think of something very clever uunet!jarthur!jokim | to use as a disclaimer)