Computer Shows...are they worth it?

I haven't been to a computer show in years, and I know they used to be worth the cost of admission (about $6 a person) because of what you saved over buying from compusa or other retail stores... but back in those days, sites like newegg didn't exist (or I didn't know they existed at least). Anyway, what I'm trying to figure out is, is it worth the $12 for myself and my girlfriend to go to the computer show, or are the prices going to be pretty much comparable to what is available online? Anyone have an opinion or two on this?

It really depends. If you are looking for the latest games --- not really. If you compare to regular prices, yes it is better, but usually sale prices at retail stores are better. Now the plus side is you may be able to find rare games at these shows, sometimes at great prices. I usually mainly go for hardware (constantly upgrading my pc equipment). Games rarely. However, if you are looking for Windows or productivity software, prices are great.
By the way, I am speaking of So. California shows. Lately I get my computer games mainly from places like Best Buy or GoGAmer. Console game deals are rare at computer shows.

Scooby, thanks for the info. Yeah, sorry I forgot to mention, I'm really just looking for hardware (I guess that probably shouldve been in the post)...do you think you can save enough over the online stores to make it worthwhile?

$12 Dollars?! Wow! That's alot of money. The shows they have here in the DC area are only $7.

I have two perspectives on this. Computer shows are hit or miss depending on where you live and how technologically advanced your city is. For example, computer shows died out in Silicon Valley around the mid-nineties. The only one I know of that still goes on in Northern CA is in Vallejo (which is generally a poorer part of N. CA). I think the main reason they died out in N. CA is because of places like Fry's Electronics. No one can beat their prices. You can get just about anything computer related at that store from the lowest to the highest of quality and cost. IMO, Computer shows just couldn't compete.

Now lets take the DC area. This place SUCKS technology wise. The best thing we have here is a MicroCenter which isn't saying much. CompUSA isn't much either. They are the BestBuy of computer stores in my opinion. Since the options here are very limited, computer shows thrive. They have them monthly out here and even allow you to buy an annual pass for $45.

So your best bet is to judge the availability of technology in your area. If your options are limited (meaning you consider Best Buy a good place to get computer parts) then a computer show is probably the right place for you.

EDIT: As for comparing to online deals, NOTHING BEATS FREE SHIPPING AND NO TAX! www.newegg.com is AWESOME for that.

[quote name='daphatty']$12 Dollars?! Wow! That's alot of money. The shows they have here in the DC area are only $7.

I have two perspectives on this. Computer shows are hit or miss depending on where you live and how technologically advanced your city is. For example, computer shows died out in Silicon Valley around the mid-nineties. The only one I know of that still goes on in Northern CA is in Vallejo (which is generally a poorer part of N. CA). I think the main reason they died out in N. CA is because of places like Fry's Electronics. No one can beat their prices. You can get just about anything computer related at that store from the lowest to the highest of quality and cost. IMO, Computer shows just couldn't compete.

Now lets take the DC area. This place SUCKS technology wise. The best thing we have here is a MicroCenter which isn't saying much. CompUSA isn't much either. They are the BestBuy of computer stores in my opinion. Since the options here are very limited, computer shows thrive. They have them monthly out here and even allow you to buy an annual pass for $45.

So your best bet is to judge the availability of technology in your area. If your options are limited (meaning you consider Best Buy a good place to get computer parts) then a computer show is probably the right place for you.

EDIT: As for comparing to online deals, NOTHING BEATS FREE SHIPPING AND NO TAX! www.newegg.com is AWESOME for that.[/quote]

DaPhatty, thanks, and by any chance are they MarketPro shows that they usually have in DC (because I live only a couple hours north of there, and that's what we have here). The show only costs $6 (I was figuring 12 since I'll probably be paying for my gf's admission as well)...anyway, if they are MarketPro, we're they any good, or am I better just going with NewEgg?

Regarding hardware, I personally have not found many deals at a computer show that have not been beaten by using either pricewatch.com of pricegrabber.com. If you are looking for one item that you want to inspect before you by, a computer show might be a good idea. If you are buying several items, like you would to need to build a pc, online is the way to go.

[quote name='zzl365']
DaPhatty, thanks, and by any chance are they MarketPro shows that they usually have in DC (because I live only a couple hours north of there, and that's what we have here). The show only costs $6 (I was figuring 12 since I'll probably be paying for my gf's admission as well)...anyway, if they are MarketPro, we're they any good, or am I better just going with NewEgg?[/quote]

Actually, yes they are MarketPro. I haven't been to one yet (i'm still very anti-east coast at the moment) but I hear they are the best place to get computer hardware on this side of the country.

Usually the MarketPro shows I go to (Secaucus, NJ if you're wondering) have DVDs and gadgets and cheap fans/wires that normally I wouldn't pick up. Last time I went I picked up a Ninja Gaiden branded ninja star. This thing is crazy, I almost cut off my finger with it!

The prices on hardware aren't great, but if you're lucky you'll find a store with lower than online prices. Its important you do your research! I hate losing out on a few bucks due to an impulse buy.

If you go with someone else its a worthwhile experience, as there's a lot to see and do. If you haven't been, I suggest checking it out.

PS. Check out Marketpro.com for a coupon for $1 off entrance fee for more cheapassness....

I've never been to a computer show that was worth the entrance fee...

Ditto to the above. I've never found any deals that couldn't be found at a regular retail store or specialty computer store. $7-8 just to get in the door is an insult, especially when there are no real 'super' deals. Occasionally you;ll find a vendor with some rare old stuff he found in his garage or storage room. Once I found 10 copies of Lethal Enforcers for Sega CD in sealed boxes for $3.00 each (yes, I bought them). That was probably the best thing I've ever found.

Thanks, everyone for your input, combined with the opinions I've seen and this deal for a motherboard/AMD Barton and I think I'll be skipping the show this weekend, thanks again.

I have been to several computer/electronic type shows. The prices are about the same as pricewatch the last few times I went. So if you calculate what you pay in door. That is about the shipping cost. The only benefit is you get your item right there, or if you buy a lot of items you save by off setting the enterence fee a little more.