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1,000 to lose jobs in Massachusetts as Circuit City liquidates
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My favorite computer store
My favorite computer store is Microcenter so Im hoping all is good over in their little world.
Of the big three I liked Compusa the most, then I liked Circuit City, with both of them gone it makes me kind of sad. Best Buy does not have a place in my heart, and I will only go there if all other options fail.
Local Computer Stores
My favorite computer store is Newegg.com.
I used to have not-great things to say about MicroCenter, but recently I wanted to return a computer I bought there, due to buyer's remorse, and I had to *insist* that I pay a restocking penalty. They guy at the customer service counter was trying to give me all my money back, "No, that's OK."
MicroCenter is great when you need small items that are too expensive to ship, things you need the same day, and for occasional sale items. I've learned to avoid the mail-in rebates, since you end up paying more than the item is *worth* when the rebate never arrives.
My favorite computer store in-town for PC components has been PCs For Everyone, near the CambridgeSide Galleria. I haven't been there too recently, but they have tended to have quality components at reasonable prices.
PCs for Everyone moved out
PCs for Everyone moved out to Norwood several years ago.
Kill the Messenger
Good thing I didn't run over to the old Cambridge industrial location of PCs for Everyone for my next dead-disk emergency, or I'd be stuck with Best Buy.
I guess I'd go to MicroCenter if they have a good make and series of drive in stock at the time, and otherwise overnight from Newegg.com.
One thing about MicroCenter, though:
Since they seem to be chronically short on help, it can be really tough to get service when one comes into the store, has a question about something and/or needs some advice, at least the MicroCenter on Cambridge's Memorial Drive.
I usually don't have trouble
I usually don't have trouble getting someone to help me at Microcenter when I want it, and often when I don't.
Maybe it's the times of day I go, or maybe I look like I'm gonna steal something. :)
The times I have gotten help, they have usually put a barcode sticker on the item we pick out, which I imagine is for salesperson commissions or performance metrics.
Its a commission based
Its a commission based store, the barcode is unique to each employee. When its really busy you find that you may end up being "adopted" by an employee who will run over to you and "claim" you so when you do end up buying something they will sticker it. The problem with that is some employees will do that to multiple people so you may end up waiting for help and some other employees will avoid you knowing you were already claimed. It happened to me once, Im not sure if its common but its weird.
Weekends they tend to be way understaffed in relation to the numbers of people in the store. Although on weekdays I find it to be a nice ratio.
microcenter is an outpost
The Cambridge location is the only one in New England. http://www.microcenter.com/at_the_stores/index.html The closest other one is in New Jersey, and there are only 21 nationwide.
That's good, in a way, because they didn't massively overexpand like circuit city and best buy.