Buying computer display via the Internet

Tomkitten - I checked out all the different models of LCD monitors in a number of computer stores. I found that the Samsung SyncMaster, and the ViewSonic were the clearest and sharpest.

If you buy over the internet at a decent dealer, there should be no problem if there is any difficulty with the monitor. Be careful of Joe Schmoe of whom you have never heard. I have bought a lot of stuff on the internet. Everything else being equal, I would rather pay a few bucks more, and buy in a place that has a good reputation.

Do you know about shopping bots?

Overall, I prefer to shop internet for just about anything. Some vendors will post an 800 number on their sites. I find this reassuring, as some of them can be hard to contact. Most of them have a "Contact Us" block, but it is just amazing how well hidden most of them are. You might check this out before ordering.

I do it on the net. It's almost always cheaper. On the internet purchases usually work like this, you get a break from the taxes but pay shipping. Thing is, buying something like that will almost always mean free shipping.

As to returns, yes, it can be a bit more of a pain (not that bad, depending on the company) but I have yet to have to return anything I bought online.

i bought all my computer parts over the internet EXCEPT for my monitor. many times the shipping will outweigh the savings for something as heavy as a monitor. and if you have to return it, that's even more money to ship it back.

Buying computer display
Thank you everybody.

I guess I can go the Internet route with confidence.

BTW, ye110man, as I read the specs, flat panels weigh a heck of a lot less than standard monitors - like 40+ pounds for the CRT kind vs 10-15 for flat panel. And I can tell you, 40 pounds is a lot to drop on your foot - that's what happened when I unpacked the monster I currently use (it's a real good monitor though, when it's not being aggressive. ).

Buying
Phoenix - No, I don't know about shopping bots. Sounds as though you find them handy. Could you give me details?Thanks!

Howdy Tom:

Every system I have or had, including monitors and printers (exception: new HP 2500L laser) was purchased online with great success..

Mind you, the majority was purchased via auction sites such as Auction4It.com and EBay !!

Murray

Buying computer display
I don't think I have the courage to buy at auction - I know of people who got badly burned buying large stuff on eBay (I've always had good luck with small non-computer stuff there, though). Perhaps someone should invent an Emoticon for cowardice. . .

BTW, Murray - weren't you an Abuzzer a while back? In any case, welcome to A2K!

Tom:

Yep, I was.. Still pop in every once in awhile to see what's happening !!

Murray

Tomkitten- Shopping bots are websites where you can compare prices of a certain item from different vendors. Here are a few popular ones:

http://www.bizrate.com

http://www.mysimon.com

As long as you know the make and model of what you want, you can use these sites to get a sense of what is the range of prices that the item is selling in the market.

TomKitten, as long as you stick with a reputable, well-established vendor, read enough equipment reviews to satisfy yourself of good odds for satisfactory performance and/or service, and use only secure payment methods, you'll be fine. Any good vendor will have relatively simple means available to facillitate the return and exchange or refund of most hardware items ... just be sure to have all related paperwork, including invoices, and intact packaging. The lowest price all too often fails to be the best deal. If you're just starting out, stick to big stores with lots of good reviews and buy product that has lots of good reviews ... particularly regarding frequency and quality of service. Known quantities provide the least risk all around. Buying "Cutting Edge", or shopping for price alone, whether from a brick-and-mortar store or an e-tailer is a crapshoot anyway, and most folks don't much care for that sort of aggravation (though some seem to )

Buying computer display via the Internet
MySimon I knew, but didn't realize it's a "shopping bot". I was hoping to buy via A2K portal linkage, but this model is OS at both sources, unfortunately.

Buying computer display via the Internet
MySimon I knew, but didn't realize it's a "shopping bot". I was hoping to buy via A2K portal linkage, but this model is OS at both sources, unfortunately.

Buying computer display via the Internet
Oo ps

Buying computer display via the Internet
Well, I've made my decision, and ordered via Amazon. I hope A2K benefits; Amazon itself passes the order on to a third party, so I'm not sure about the mechanics of the Amazon/A2K arrangement there.

Tomkitten- Enjoy, and use it in good health!

Buying
Well! After run-arounds and lack of response from an Amazon-listed Marketplace seller named Redzuco I cancelled my mid-October ViewSonic order with them, and just a week ago I placed an order for the VP191b with Global Computer, (listed by PriceGrabber). It arrived today, and I am eagerly looking forward to installing it, hopefully, tomorrow. I'm really excited!

Buyng computer
To everyone who made helpful suggestions and gave me advice - Thank You!

I have now installed my new ordered-via-Internet display and it"s everything I hoped for.

You know, I tried to buy some tools from an Amazon-listed Marketplace seller. Their catalog was so garbled and near illegible that I found what I wanted from another vendor. I think Amazon is following a bad scent, lately.