The last system I built was from components all ordered through NewEgg. I was impressed by their site and their prices and had no problem. I will use them the next time I need to buy some stuff.

I bought (or actually had my m-i-l buy) a ATI card from NewEgg. No problems, quick delivery, product worked (8500DV is somewhat quirky) as advertised (within the norms of the reviews I had read).

I don’t buy anything online. I’m just funny that way. It’s three things.

First, I like supporting the local economy. Even if it costs a little bit more, I’ll buy from the local guy.

Second, I like holding the item and handing over cash. I like the interaction of going in to a store to buy something. I like knowing there is a face to go along with the purchase.’

Third, returns are easier when you buy something from a brick and mortar store. It’s harder for them to give you a hard time. And you can just walk in and deal with it, rather than mailing something back and hoping they take care of you.

I do have one exception to this rule. I buy nearly all my books from Amazon. I don’t know what’s so special about that. I think it’s a combination of their prices being amazingly better in some cases, that books rarely have to be returned, and that they have such amazing selection all in one place. I never have to worry about whether I’ll find what I’m looking for.

I do still shop a local used bookstore quite a bit, though.

So. Back to newegg. I haven’t bought anything there, personally. I do have some friends who buy all their computer parts through them and are quite happy.

Thanks Sophorist, Gator and Kevin! I think I’ll definitely be getting some stuff through them (it all has to do with a review I’m working on). Hmm one big decision: DVD-ROM or CD-RW drive? I’m trying to spend less than $40 on that component, so the DVD/CD-RW combo is out of the question, I think.

Kevin: I like buying at the store too, although a lot of times it seems like they don’t have what I want (or in the the case of the stuff I’m looking at now, NewEgg is over $100 cheaper than some of the local shops, not including the savings of sales tax even). Amazon is definitely great! Occasionally, I’ll buy from Borders, but I much prefer Amazon or Publisher’s Warehouse (at the outlet mall, they have all kinds of great books in small quantities — I’ve gotten some excellent books there I never would have run into otherwise).