computer shops in canberra

[gts4diehard]

Hi guys, just been trying to find the best computer parts(new) store in Canberra. I am moving to canberra in sept but want to do some things to my computer and the only one i found so far is very expensive. eg. Epson RX510 3 in 1 photo printer is $485 at one store and the local Umart.com.au in brisi has it for $320.

any tips

Stephen

p.s. anyone interested in a GTS4 in the ACT, check out the forsale section.

[SKYLVIA]

Um computer parts, ACT's computer fair normally has alota stuff for really cheap on every second saturday or sunday. otherwise the obvious stores like harvey norman, dicksmith powerhouse

and will have a look at gts4

[GTS_DUY]

online chief, cougar.com.au is located in canberra, but a bit more expensive than other places such as umart and CWS etc

[Bluprint]

I notmally don't go near the computer shops, always gotten my stuff from the computer fairs

[leech_]

computer fairs are ok but i have seen some dodgys happening through them. I buy alot of my stuff of www.scorptec.com.au though it is melbourne based.

[NJR 34GTT]

There aren't any in Canberra that are reasonably priced compared to many of the bigger interstate stores. You are better off buying online and getting it sent to you or purchasing at the regular computer fairs, although you have to be careful there.

[Terminal]

Yeah my last purchase scored me a faulty motherboard, and the company won't get back to me about a refund, i wonder why.

[Abo Bob]

I went to a place in the Churches Centre in Belconnen and when they told me the price I just told them the price I was going to pay and they accepted. It pays to know your prices.

[leech_]

I went to a place in the Churches Centre in Belconnen and when they told me the price I just told them the price I was going to pay and they accepted.  It pays to know your prices.

Very true most will say a set price on the website however generally if you can prove a competitor even interstate they will match it or at least give you a little bit of room to move on the price

[ozshogun]

Harris Technology in Fyshwick is very good. From my experience, they stock the gear that other mainstream stores (like Harvey Norman etc) don't yet have. Their website is www.ht.com.au and prices are better than most.

I work in the IT industry and agree that it pays to know your price and shop around. Most of the computer stores in canberra want your business and are happy to negotiate. Unlike alot of other IT people, I've tended to stay away from the computer markets. It's luck as to whether or not you may end up with some dodgy stuff and it's not worth it for the sake of a few bucks. And as mentioned, it's easy to visit a mainstream retailer and negotiate a price. The obvious bonus there is that you how to find the store again and can get a replacement or refund if the product fails.

[Bluprint]

Harris Tech are pretty good (I use them at work) but I personally think they're only worth it if you can get a discount someho., I've seen cheaper places around.

Their customer service is fairly reasonable for a shop (I guess the very large corporate sales they do has something to do with that)

[Matski]

I have been in the ACT for a few months now and I must admit I have not found a computer store I’m happy with. Computer Fairs are very popular here and probably the reason its hard to find a real computer store. Most Sat and Sun you will find a fair on somewhere (check local media).

In Melbs or WA its not uncommon to find stores where you purchase through the front counter, then collect your goods from some massive where house out the back. Something I am yet to find in Canberra (help wanted).

HT in Fyshwick carries a range of stuff in stock. It’s pretty basic and pricy. Harvey Norman and Domain have big computer / technology sections. Stay away from HiMicro in Fyshwick tho. They have all but one blank CD in stock (let alone pc parts) and will charge you for the privilege of listening to them dribble rubbish.

My number 1 for PC stuff nowadays is EBay. If you do your research (like any good purchase) you can make some real savings. To be honest I very rarely use anything else. I try to choose Sydney based vendors for expensive (warranty) type stuff and international for everything else. I could go on for hours about the savings. Time and time again I have browsed the retail stores, playing them off against each other for a lower price. Then I check eBay and find the same item $50 cheaper - delivered to your door.

[Viper_r32]

ive worked for at least half the computer stores in canberra take my advice do not by anything proprietary e.g. hp, packard bell, or anything you would normaly by from a store like harvey norman. get somthing custome. for price i do recomend the computer fair but you have to know what your doing, research your items and the retail price then compair, and try to find stalls that are run by peolple who have there own computer buisness in canberra, many stalls at the fair are mainly asians who run buissneses in sydney who I whouldnt trust them as far as i could throw them. also i pays to go to the fair for a few weeks befor you buy anything that way you can get to know who are the regulers, so you know who will be there if you have to take something back e.g. the fault part they sold you

hop this is of some help

[harold]

I have purchased a lot of stuff from APA Tech ( Opposite the casino ) and they have always had very good service.