Helpful Resource List
At tonight's executive board meeting, some of us were talking about useful resources for computer parts, components, cables, boards, etc.
The following is a list which I put together about two years ago. I believe that most of these vendors are still doing business but I have not verified all of them. Please note that this is my own list of useful suppliers and in not anything officially endorsed by BNUG.
I am sure that there are many, many more -- and would appreciate folks appending comments with proposed additions to this list.
Dalco Electronics
Accessories, Bulk Cable, Cables, Cable Adapters, Cameras, Computer Cases, Computer Systems, Connectors, CPUs, Drives, Drive Controllers, Input Devices, I/O Cards, Media, Memory Modules, Modems, Monitors, Motherboards, Multimedia, Networking, Network Hardware, Power Protection, Power Supplies, Printers, Printer Supplies, Scanners, Sharing Switches, Software, Sound Products, Telephone Products, Testers, Tools, USB, Video Cards.
(If you run a data center or maintain a network, this is a place to keep book-marked in your web browser.)
http://www.dalco.com
425 South Pioneer Blvd.
PO Box 550
Springboro, OH 45066
800.489.0075
Computer Geeks
Cables, Cases, Power Supplies, CD-R/CD-RW Drives, CD-ROM Drives, Consumer Electronics, Controllers, Cooling Fans, CPU's, Digital Cameras, DVD Drives, Hard Disk Drives, Joysticks, Keyboards/Mice, Media, Memory (RAM), Modems, Monitors, Motherboards, MP3 Gear, Multimedia Kits, Networking, Notebooks/PDAs, Power Protection (UPS), Printers, Removable Storage, Scanners, Software, Sound Cards, Speakers, Microphones, Systems/Servers, Video Cards.
(These folks set a standard of coolness for a computer-related vendor. You'll find everything here from neon-lighted plexiglass computer cases to ultra-high-caffeine soft drinks for video gamers and over-stressed late-night programmers.)
http://www.compgeeks.com
1890 Ord Way
Oceanside, CA 92056
760.726.7700
Cyberguys
Cables & Adapters, Cases & Components, Cleaning Products, Consumables, CPU Coolers, Desk Accessories, Digital/Multimedia, Hard Drives & Accessories, Hardware, Educational Products, I/O & Video Cards, Input Devices & Accessories, Keyboards, Media, Mobile/PDA Products, Mother Boards, Memory, Networking, Patch Cables, Rack Products, Switchboxes & Hubs, Test Equipment, Tools, UPS/Surge Protection, USB Products.
(This outfit also sends out a paper catalog which is fun to leaf through -- for everything from purple Cat5 patch cords to uber-geek gadgets.)
http://www.cyberguys.com
11345 Sunrise Park Drive
Rancho Cordova, CA 95742
800.892.1010
P-Link Computers
Rack Mount Chassis, Aluminum IPC, Aluminum Cases, Medium Tower Cases, Full Tower Server Cases, Accessories, Power Supplies, Cabinets, Enclosed Racks, Rack Mount Network Patch Panels.
(Impress your friends by disguising that old 486 machine as a rack-mounted server!)
http://www.plinkusa.net
1142 S. Diamond Bar Blvd. - #198
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
206.339.2605
9th Tee Enterprises
Keystone Jacks, RJ45 Plugs, Patch Cables, Heat Shrink Tubing, Tools, Network Cable Testers, Crimpers, Cable Strippers, Punch-Down Tools, Wall Plates, Surface Mount Jacks, Coaxial Connectors, BNC, RJ-ll, 110- and 66-blocks, Other Electronics.
(This is an odd little venture which is a great source for network wiring devices and tools. They stock the most commonly used items at great prices and with fast service.)
http://www.9thtee.com
2950 9th Tee Drive
Newton, NC 28658
828.322.1100
Building 13
Tested used and manufacturers' surplus computer parts including RAID Arrays, Audio, Batteries, Brackets, Cables, CD-ROMS, CPUs, Disk Drives, DVD Drives, Fans, Floppy Drives, Motherboards, Keyboards, Mice, Memory, Monitors, Networking, Power Supplies, Printers, Tape Drives, Video Cards. Specializes in Sun Microsystems products.
(This is where great old hardware goes on its way to a continued useful life.)
http://www.building13.com
753 Forest Street
Marlborough, MA 01752
508.804.0539
Mouser Electronics
Semiconductors, ICs, LEDs, LCDs, Capacitors, Resistors, Inductors, Transformers, Potentiometers, Connectors, Relays, Switches, Power Supplies, Converters, Test Equipment.
(These folks mail out a phonebook-sized catalog four times each year! They are primarily an industrial source but will handle small orders for individuals.)
Mouser Electronics
1000 North Main Street
Mansfield, TX 76063-1514
http://www.mouser.com
800.346.6873
Thinkstuff
Cables, Adapters/Converters, Hardware, Media, Software, Mice, Computer Systems, USB, Switchboxes, Input/Output, CPU/Case/Fans, Inkjet Cartridges, Custom Cables, Networking Accessories.
(This company seems to come and go. They used to be regulars at the local computer shows and flea markets with lots of good stuff at low prices. I have not heard much from them lately and do not know the status of their business.)
http://www.thinkstuff.com
1191 Hooksett Road
Hooksett, NH 03431
603.626.0332
Cables N Mor, Inc
Bulk Cable, Cables, Cable Adapters, Cable Connectors, Switches -- and more.
(The web site has excellent diagrams of cables and connectors.)
http://www.cablesnmor.com
22650 Executive Dr.
Ste. 122
Sterling, VA 20166
(703) 925-9530
Fax (703) 925-9231
PCs For Everyone
Accessories, Bulk Cable, Cables, Cable Adapters, Computer Cases, Computer Systems, Connectors, CPUs, Drives, Drive Controllers, Input Devices, I/O Cards, Media, Memory Modules, Modems, Monitors, Motherboards, Multimedia, Networking, Network Hardware, Power Protection, Power Supplies, Printers, Printer Supplies, Scanners, Sharing Switches, Software, Sound Products, USB, Video Cards.
(Maybe it's the location in East Cambridge not too far from M.I.T., this place is geared to customers who want technically knowledgeable sales staff who love what they do. If you want to buy an entire PC system assembled to your specific needs or just want a particular board, drive or other component, this is one of the best places to go in the Boston metro area. Not always the least expensive, but always good quality and no B.S.)
http://www.PCsForEveryone.com
24 Charles Street
Cambridge, MA 02141
617-395-7200
Fax: 617-868-4450
You-Do-It Electronics Center
Described as "Radio Shack on steroids", YDI's second floor is devoted to consumer electronics and entertainment products. But it's the first floor which has all manner of electronic components, made-up and bulk cable, connectors, industrial quality tools, telephone and network wiring devices, UPS systems and replacement UPS batteries, test equipment, audio and RF equipment and components, etc.
(If you haven't been to Y.D.I., you must be living somewhere other than New England. Need a DB-25 connector, a particular IC chip, a 1000-foot spool of RG-8/U coax, or a marine radio for your boat? This is the place to go.)
http://www.youdoitelectronics.com/
40 Franklin Street
Needham, MA 02494
781-449-1005 or
Fax: 781-449-1009
Also, here are two online sources of essential computer hardware information. When you need to know how many heads, tracks and cylinders for a particular disk drive or the type of memory needed for any given motherboard, these two places may be of help:
PC Guide
http://www.PCGuide.com
Tom's Hardware
http://www.TomsHardware.com
[This list was last updated on 6-15-03]