Re: OT: UK Internet based computer shops

["Ian Lowe" <ian@xxxxxxx>]

----- Original Message -----
From: "Michael McAree" <michaelj@xxxxxxx>
>
> >Personally, I would use an over the counter supplier 99.9% of the
time
> now: the risks of dealing with the Internet cowboys are simply too
great
> >>compared to the cash savings.
>
> What risk? Hassle more like. There used to be a shop in Belfast that
> sold components over the counter and had a great range etc. I even had
> an account with them. They closed down out of the blue in May :-(
> The only over the counter place you can get components in Belfast is
> probably PC World or Maplins!

The risk is that the Internet supplier will ship known faulty or second
hand
equipment, scoff at any notion of customer service, and flip you the finger
when you ask for a replacement.

*IN MY EXPERIENCE* this is a very real problem, and happens frequently
enough that saving a couple of quid over a good local store is simply not
worth the pain.

Perhaps we are lucky in the West of Scotland, to have some really good PC
suppliers, (people like Creative Computing, Infinity Computers and Kustom
PCs) but when I have been fixing PC systems around the country, I have
always been able to pick up a spare part when I need it by simply asking
someone for the local "PC bits shop".

As I said in my original  post: "as always, your mileage will
vary".

I.