Computer Fair....?

dogbert · 29 Jan 2013 at 11:24

I used to make regular visits to a local computer fair in Salisbury, but now I can't find any listings.

Does anyone know of any computer fairs held in Wiltshire, Hampshire or Dorset; south central england?

When was the last time anyone visited a Computer fair?

tom_e · 29 Jan 2013 at 11:24

Probably about 11 years ago and even then there was very little point unless you wanted some cables or pirate software.

BuToNz · 29 Jan 2013 at 13:16

I actually got my first PC from a computer fair, worked out a decent amount cheaper than anywhere else. Back then warranty wasn't really something people cared about.

This must have been umm 12 years ago? I remember seeing 3DMark 2000 running with a Geforce3 Titanium and immediately picked myself one up, best card I've ever owned. Morrowind pixel shading was the bomb

DaleTheWhale · 29 Jan 2013 at 16:06

BuToNz said:
I actually got my first PC from a computer fair, worked out a decent amount cheaper than anywhere else. Back then warranty wasn't really something people cared about.

This must have been umm 12 years ago? I remember seeing 3DMark 2000 running with a Geforce3 Titanium and immediately picked myself one up, best card I've ever owned. Morrowind pixel shading was the bomb

Would love to see that! Shame I was still a wee boy.

But as far as computer fairs go, I've never seen one run anywhere! Would love one here in Birmingham.

HecFam · 29 Jan 2013 at 16:08

I think there is one in Stratford every saturday.

I've never been there myself, but a colleague used to go. I sure there isn't much hype compared to what they used to be like, but i know you can pick up accessories for a decent amount.

snips86x · 29 Jan 2013 at 17:24

There is also one at Aston Gate, Bristol in May!

Might actually try and make it this time.

2Drunk2Funk · 6 Dec 2019 at 20:59

There is a computer fair on tomorrow in Salisbury (sat 7th Dec 2019) 10:30. Just built new pc but will go along for a look. Sceptical whether there is anything worth getting though.

RedMogg · 8 Dec 2019 at 20:17

There's a frequent computer fair at a local sports centre here in Portsmouth - only been the once, back in the early days when a few nerds selling a full perspex case with Cold Cathode lights was the epitome of "Xtreme Modding"...

Things are a bit more organised and a local retailer who shall not be named (both because they're a competitor and because they're a bunch of yoghurts) quite often use the event to flog excess gear at a bargain price...

I think everything's organised through Facebonk - have a shufti:
http//m.facebook.com/pg/PortsmouthComputerFairs/events/?ref=page_internal&mt_nav=0

t31os · 15 Dec 2019 at 17:58

They have them at Bracknell leisure centre (not sure how suited that is distance wise for you), last one was yesterday.

https://www.facebook.com/BracknellComputerFair/

Not had the chance to go to one yet, but they seem to have them fairly regularly.

Avalon · 19 Dec 2019 at 04:03

The last time I visited a computer fair was well over 10 years ago. In the 90’s, computer fairs were the only way to get hardware that wasn’t via mail order or shops with an often crappy and over priced selection, the internet largely killed computer fair, online auctions and same/next day delivery services finished the job.

Justintime · 19 Dec 2019 at 13:27

Avalon said:
The last time I visited a computer fair was well over 10 years ago. In the 90’s, computer fairs were the only way to get hardware that wasn’t via mail order or shops with an often crappy and over priced selection, the internet largely killed computer fair, online auctions and same/next day delivery services finished the job.

Used to got to Tottenham court road back in the 90s as a teen. Wonderful times.

Terminal_Boy · 19 Dec 2019 at 13:33

Justintime said:
Used to got to Tottenham court road back in the 90s as a teen. Wonderful times.

If you want to keep those cherished memories untarnished, don’t visit TCR again.

Justintime · 19 Dec 2019 at 13:35

That bad eh lol.

Squid Vicious · 20 Dec 2019 at 19:30

Justintime said:
That bad eh lol.

Definitely - I regularly walk through TCR on my way to work and it's terrible.

I visited Akhibara in Tokyo recently and was amazed - literally a neon lit heaven full of gaming stores loaded out with decent kit amongst all the other manga and anime the Japanese love.

pandem0nium · 23 Dec 2019 at 12:25

Definitely a waste of time and money these days.

Overpriced pre-builts. components about the same price as e-tailers or higher. Tat from ebay.

It might be all right if you don't know what you're doing and want to talk to someone.

£5 a person to get in, even for your wife who has no interest whatsoever.

varkanoid · 23 Dec 2019 at 17:24

They were okay and useful years ago when you were building or upgrading your PC at the weekend and you realise you need an IDE cable or a molex converter and the PC shops were shut you could just pop along and get one, sometimes pick up a bargain.

Oggy · 25 Dec 2019 at 13:34

Used to love going to iseries Lan just for all the vendors!