There are two different companies that do computer shows in the New England area. I go to many of their shows, and find that as long as you know what you are looking for, and how to spot a crook, you can get the best prices on computers and computer stuff anywhere.
The computer show that has mostly Western Mass and CT shows is Cogan Computer Fairs
The Biggest shows around are generally in the Boston area, and are held by PC Shows, Inc.
Let the Buyer Beware... The computer shows do a good job of keeping out the rip-off artists and the bootleggers, but there are a lot of gray market items and there are some slick dealers who will not play 100% by the rules. A common tactic is to sell Original Equipment Manufacturer parts and software. These are items that have been purchased by a computer manufacturer to bundle with systems, and are often deeply discounted to them. Some dealers will buy the overstock from them and sell them separately at computer shows. While this practice is not outright illegal, it is pushing the edge more than a little. Many times the manufacturer will not honor the warranty, or will give you a runaround before doing so. Technical support is often unavailable, as part of the deal that allowed the discount to the reseller is that support was their problem.
Still, I think the savvy computer shopper can do very well with these shows.
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