[svlug] Good local computer stores around South Bay Area?

[RICHARD DELP]

--- On Sat, 9/6/08, Kevin Jeffrey Smith <kevinjsmith at gmail.com> wrote:


> I figure I'd try to support the little guys, especially
> on stuff like
> CAT-5/USB cabling that costs more in shipping charges than
> the actual
> product.
> 
> Thanks!

I concur with Margaret:  Central Computer is THE best computer store around here.  They have a very complete assortment.  Their supply of cables, for instance, is outstanding.  Other parts for building your own machine are there for your perusal and purchase.  They are indeed local.  They started in Santa Clara about twenty years ago in a little store front on Kiely.  Their mother store is still in Santa Clara, now on Stevens Creek.  They have stores in San Francisco, in Sunnyvale, and in Newark. according to their web site, centralcomputers.com, there is now a fifth retail store in China.

Their sales staff is competent and knowledgeable, but not pushy.  Prices are as low as I have seen, except for an occasional Fry's dramatic pricing on something of which they have so little stock they will sonn run out.  For instance, when SuSE was stilling selling retail boxed versions, Central was consistently 10-15% below Fry's.

Their stock of software is mostly limited to systems and utility software.  Application software is little beyond application versions for the non-English-speaking customer.

Second choice woule be Micro Center in Santa Clara, which does not meet your criterion, for it is indeed a nationwide chain.  Probably you are familiar with them from your Chicago residence.

Welcome to the Bay Area.

Dick Delp