Author Topic: The New CompUSA saga continues  (Read 3995 times)

Offline number six

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The New CompUSA saga continues
« on: June 17, 2008, 02:18:39 AM »
So a month or so ago I went to the 'new' CompUSA (ie the TigerDirect version) and couldn't find anything on my list of basic components (IDE Cables, 3.5/5.25 drive adaptor, Decent Case). This week I went there looking for a decent, reasonbly priced power supply and was rather amazed to find an entire wall full - ranging from $15 cheap-o generics up to the 1000w gamer class stuff.

So that begs the question, if you are the sort of person who can't figure out how to install a HDD (ie you don't need to buy IDE cables, etc) then what the hell do yo need with a wall of Power Supplies? I wonder if they just haven't figured out what to stock yet or what? Doesn't make sense to carry an ass load of one 'DIY' component but then scrimp so much on the other bits that making their store your only stop is kind of impossible.

Anyway, if you need a power supply they will hook you up.. I guess that's good to know.

Offline briefcase

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Re: The New CompUSA saga continues
« Reply #1 on: June 18, 2008, 11:19:33 AM »
I'm planning a trip to the Altamonte Springs CompUSA 2.0 this weekend, so I'll see if perhaps it's just not your store being thick about stocking necessities, such as IDE cables. Boxed retail hard drives and optical drives come with the appropriate IDE or SATA signal cables nowadays, though, so it may not be as much of an issue for Joe Public...

The problem I used to have with CompUSA 1.0 (or 1.5 after they got acquired by the company in Mexico) was that some smaller things, such as IDE cables or 3-1/2"-to-5-1/4" drive bay adapters, were never quite where you expected them to be. They would have a section with controller cards (IDE, SATA, parallel, USB 2.0, Firewire, etc.) and then have the cables someplace else. For a while, the only place they had IDE cables was in their ill-fated 'overclocking' and modding section alongside the case neon.
« Last Edit: June 18, 2008, 11:43:19 AM by briefcase »
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Offline number six

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Re: The New CompUSA saga continues
« Reply #2 on: June 18, 2008, 08:49:34 PM »
I'm planning a trip to the Altamonte Springs CompUSA 2.0 this weekend, so I'll see if perhaps it's just not your store being thick about stocking necessities, such as IDE cables. Boxed retail hard drives and optical drives come with the appropriate IDE or SATA signal cables nowadays, though, so it may not be as much of an issue for Joe Public...

The problem I used to have with CompUSA 1.0 (or 1.5 after they got acquired by the company in Mexico) was that some smaller things, such as IDE cables or 3-1/2"-to-5-1/4" drive bay adapters, were never quite where you expected them to be. They would have a section with controller cards (IDE, SATA, parallel, USB 2.0, Firewire, etc.) and then have the cables someplace else. For a while, the only place they had IDE cables was in their ill-fated 'overclocking' and modding section alongside the case neon.

Is CompUSA really worth planning a trip to? Can you mark it off the 'Computer Retail Chains' in your adventure book?

As for the IDE cables, no I wasn't looking for a standard IDE cable if you recall - I was looking for one of the 'cord' style ones that are easier to deal with. However, it struck me as odd that they would have a wall of SATA cables and thousands of other odds and ends but not a single IDE cable of any type. I'd certainly hate to think if you did actually need one at CompUSA your only recourse would be to buy a new drive or mainboard. But at least they have certain things (ie Power Supplies) covered.. just seems like an odd mix.

Offline briefcase

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Re: The New CompUSA saga continues
« Reply #3 on: June 23, 2008, 09:13:15 AM »
Well, I made it to the CompUSA 2.0 in Altamonte Springs this weekend. The banner they had outside indicated that is was their "grand opening", but I thought they were open before this weekend; however, the way things were inside... maybe it was their grand opening...

Things looked a bit sparse inside. Their old "Apple Corner" had stacks of computer cases, mostly "ULTRA", which must be their house brand now because ULTRA-branded merchandise is everywhere. They also had a few Thermaltake cases and a few Shuttle cases/barebones systems, but I didn't see any Antec cases (or power supplies) or Cooler Master cases, which is a bit of a disappointment.

The biggest outward change at CompUSA 2.0 is that (the Altamonte Springs store, anyway) they now have their CPUs, memory, and motherboards out for you to pick up yourself, instead of having them behind the counter at the service desk. I'm not sure if they did this to make the place look less empty or if it's a conscious attempt to boost sales by having those items out where you can see them and where the tech-savvy can just go get the components they need without the hassle.

The other quite noticeable change at CompUSA 2.0 is the fact they have quite a few more white-box and near white-box components than CompUSA ever did. I'm guessing that CompUSA 1.x packaged that type of stuff in their own brand back in the day, but it's still interesting to see the amount of white boxes and boxes marked, "SATA CARD FOR RAIDING", they have now. CompUSA also now carries remanufactured laser and inkjet cartridges, as well as the original manufacturer's cartridges.

They no longer have console games or consoles and I believe Target now has a larger selection of PC games than CompUSA 2.0. I didn't see the first bit of McAfee or Symantec/Norton antivirus/security/utility software there, but they had hundreds of boxes Computer Associates' software in that area instead.

Perhaps it's early yet, but CompUSA 2.0 seems to have shifted away from what little focus that CompUSA 1.x had on business consumers and gone squarely for the home market. I didn't see anything about their training offerings (if they even have them any more), but it may be early yet, both for this particular store and for the relaunched chain.

Overall, it's nice to have CompUSA back in the area, even if it's in a diminished state from what it once was. Hopefully, that's only a temporary thing and they'll be able to expand some of their selections. I still prefer them over Best Buy for the few components that Best Buy does carry.

Oh, and, yes, the CompUSA 2.0 in Altamonte Springs did have rounded IDE cables. I have pictures to prove it.  ;D
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Offline number six

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Re: The New CompUSA saga continues
« Reply #4 on: June 23, 2008, 10:06:03 PM »
Sounds like the Brandon store with more IDE cables.

Ultra shit is everywhere, plus they have a lot of generic items.. but that's not all bad. I don't exactly need a named brand USB card reader for $8.

Lots of cheap LCDs as well, stacked everywhere. The Brandon one appeared to be phasing out the Coolermaster cases, at least the ones I wanted they only had the 'floor unit' and no actual stock.

Offline r3zon8

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Re: The New CompUSA saga continues
« Reply #5 on: July 03, 2008, 10:07:01 AM »
ive always been a fan of online shopping. newegg is my one stop shop for items when im not in a pinch

locally, tigerdirect does a very good job or sticking retail and oem parts for those diy'ers.

i visited seattle about 2 years back, and was able to shop at a Fry's. these guy s had it all. i with there was one in S.Florida.
HG

Offline number six

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Re: The New CompUSA saga continues
« Reply #6 on: July 03, 2008, 11:05:34 AM »
Tiger Direct is CompUSA now. I've heard about how cool Frys is, but yeah none in Florida that I know of.

I mean obviously Newegg et al is your best bet, but it's nice to have a local resource for parts.. especially if you get in the middle of a project and find out your missing something.

Offline The Renegade

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Re: The New CompUSA saga continues
« Reply #7 on: July 03, 2008, 11:56:20 AM »
CDW has a nice retail shop in Chicago as well.

Offline Ikaruga

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Re: The New CompUSA saga continues
« Reply #8 on: July 20, 2008, 03:22:57 PM »
New compusa rox

Got a Sony DVD r burner for $30

Would of ran me $80 at Worst Buy

Offline funky49

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Re: The New CompUSA saga continues
« Reply #9 on: July 20, 2008, 09:58:56 PM »
Ouch!

If I need something 'in town' I'll give CompUSA v2.0 a shot...
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