Replies to post #14740 on Advanced Micro Devices Inc (AMD)

[sgolds]

KeithDust, Costco and Staples chains - these are bargain stores.

Costco is known mostly for its consumer-oriented food, clothing and small appliance sales; they do get consumer electronics and computers, generally surplus lots and low-cost made to order. (I am not thrilled to see Athlon64 in a Costco offering, it cheapens the brand.) The stores are warehouse-style, no customer service.

Staples is an office supply store that specializes in paper goods, filing, office furniture and electronics (cell phones, faxes, computers). They target small businesses as their primary customers. This is a more respectible outlet and does offer some sales help to customers, on par with chain electronics stores. However, premium product is not to be found here either.

I would avoid Northgate brand based on the outlets they are targetting - they have to really cut cost on components. Sounds like they are filling the niche that eMachines abandoned when they decided to actually make computers that work.

[j3pflynn]

Keith, Staples is one of the 3 big nationwide office supply stores, along with Office Depot and Office Max.
Paul

[Petz]

We spend about $4,000 a year at Costco, its definitely not a low-class bargain store, but not many people buy big-ticket items there because of its warehouse style. They don't advertise at all and there is an annual membership fee.

I don't think it cheapens the Athlon 64 brand. Actually, the store mostly sells name-brand electronics and computers - HP, Sony, Toshiba, etc.

Petz