SXM Electronics

[TopGunner]

I was going to get an Uninterrupted Power Supply, a printer, and a DVD player today at Best Buy, but realized that they would take up a lot of space to bring down there. Just wanted to know if any good brand name stuff is available in SXM, and whether the prices are reasonable?

Or maybe I should ship it through 4 Star Cargo/Fed Ex/The Mailbox? Who has cheapest prices vs. best service? With electronics I don't mind paying a little more if it means they'll arrive in one piece.

I tried to email them (Mailbox) a few days ago to set up an account, but I got no response. Is there a better way to reach them (phone #) or a specific person I should talk to?

[wifeofDr2b]

All the major brands of electronics can be found down here. On Frontstreet in Phillipsburg there are several store you can go to and you can haggle the price as well. Off season is the best time to haggle and also if you are planning on going, check the local paper to see how many cruise ships are in town that day b/c the fewer the ships = the better price you can get.

The only thing to be aware of is that this isn't the states: if something breaks, etc...you are usually SOL as I have never heard of any electronic store taking back an item or issuing a refund. As far as I know, they don't do returns or exchanges if something goes wrong. I have heard one story where someone had a bad experience and ended up losing their money b/c the store would not do an exchange or refund, etc.

[Ditch Doctor]

I went through the same issue and instead of a UPS, I just got a laptop. That's easier than bringing down a computer, monitor, keyboard, blah, blah... Besides a UPS that lasts for 15-30 minutes so you can save your work. A good laptop will last for 2-8 hours, depending the brand, so you can finish your work. Also, it's easier to get down here. And most laptops are comparable to desktops these days. Even if you're a gamer, and if you are a gamer, you're not going to have any time to play anyways.

[ckbuffalo]

I'm bringing down a laptop with me, do I still need the UPS?
Will anything happen to my laptop when it's recharching if the power "jumps" around (a surge or when it dips too low) ?
Thanks

[wifeofDr2b]

It is really up to you. I know people here who brought the UPS w/ them, others who bought them here, and people who don't have them and their computers/laptops are doing fine. I do know of one case where a laptop was ruined and they did not have a UPS.

[teratos]

You should be OK with a laptop not on a UPS. Just get yourself a decent surge suppressor. SHould be pretty cheap.

When shopping on Front Street, make sure you know the model number you want and look up prices on the web. There are good deals to be had, but a lot of the vendors keep a large stock of KY and use it whenever they can. G

[grace]

Or maybe I should ship it through 4 Star Cargo/Fed Ex/The Mailbox? Who has cheapest prices vs. best service? With electronics I don't mind paying a little more if it means they'll arrive in one piece.

If you do decide to ship items, I would recommend 4 Star Cargo. Not only are they cheaper, but you receive an e-mail telling you when the package arrives and sometimes a phone call as well. Their office is located alongside the airport so it's close to school. You can check out their website at www.4-star.com, e-mail them at info@safe.an OR info@4-star.com, or call 011-599-545-2952, or fax them at 011-599-545-2951.

[grace]

I had a laptop shipped through 4Star and got it quickly and in one piece! :D

[TopGunner]

Will a UPS will prevent the wandering time phenomenon? I would think so, but just wanted to make sure...

[anencephalic]

Sorry, but I wouldn't trust UPS if I had another alternative...I've shipped fragile goods with FedEx and have had no problems (I also had a friend that worked for UPS and said he wouldn't ship anything fragile with them! :shock: ).

Oh. You meant a UPS. Hmmm. Well. *Ahem*

Aloha,

[Ditch Doctor]

Will a UPS will prevent the wandering time phenomenon? I would think so, but just wanted to make sure...

Actually, if you get a cable box most have the little clock that's tied into central headquarters or whatever to keep the "official" time. Same with cell phones. Or the clock on your computer should stay pretty accurate. Or a watch... or a PDA... I mean, it's not like you are going to wake up with your clock 5 hours off everyday... I mean unless the power goes out...