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 DACS
had a table at the computer fair held on Sunday October 13th
at the O'Neil Center on the West Conn campus. Cogan
Computer Fairs, who sponsor the fairs, donated the table
so we could evangelize the benefits of DACS membership. Thanks
go to Al Vale, Marc Cohen, George Krampetz, and Tom McCarthy
who staffed the booth. They passed out back issues of DACS.DOC
and answered questions from people attending the fair. The booth
was also a welcome place to rest my weary feet when I finished
my shopping.
Cogan Fairs hosts these computer
fairs all over Connecticut, plus Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
The vendors at the fairs offer some of the lowest prices anywhere
on computers and accessories. This time my shopping list included
books (I found three at more than 50% off list), a 400 watt power
supply to upgrade my server (found one at about one half of the
prices I saw online) and a back battery for one of my older computers
(no one had it). I would not suggest these shows to a computer
neophyte, but for the typical DACS member they can be a great
resource. Here are a few suggestions if you plan to go to a fair:
- Make a shopping list--the more
detailed the better. It's easy to forget items, buy the wrong
stuff or just get distracted from your mission in the hubbub
of a busy fair.
- Once you know what you want, look
online to see what prices are from other vendors--not everything
at a fair is a bargain. Be aware of what you are buying; some
of the merchandise is used or closeout. I saw a 23" monitor
for $400; even used, this sounds like a bargain to me.
- Don't buy from the first booth
you see. Walk around the fair and compare prices; if it's a big
fair take notes as you go.
- Have fun. These fairs are computer
bazaars (both spellings) and you will see many interesting items
you had no idea you wanted or needed. Just keep point #1 in mind
and don't get carried away!
Just because you missed the fair
in Danbury doesn't mean you need to wait for the next one here.
If you are in the market for a new computer or monitor, a drive
to Waterbury or even Hartford can be well worth the trip.
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