I bought a system a few weeks ago from a computer fair, an XP1600 on an ECS K7S5A with 256Mb ram, a 64mb ATI Radeon VE graphics card, 56k modem, keyboard and mouse, speakers, case with 300w power supply, a Seagate 40Gb hard drive, an 8x8x8x32 DVD/Rewrite Combi, and an AOC 17" monitor, all for £610. Apart from the lack of software, which I don't mind, and upgrading the bios via software from ECS website, it is quick and works fine. So I go looking on the internet for information and possibly to buy extras, and working through the Micromart adverts I visit almost every site listed. Am I pleased with what I find? No. All the sites lack one very important thing as far as I am concerned. Accurate photos of what I might like to buy. Cases are an example. I am amazed at the sheer ineptitude of the characters who have put these websites together. Some are pitifully slow, some have links that don't work, and many have the apology that they are working on their sites. I am not talking about the small firms here. It is the larger firms who should have no excuse. One site even invited me to provide a feedback. Needless to say, I did. Come on folks - get it together or you will lose customers!

Hi John,
I know zilch about website construction, (perhaps next year ? ? ?) but perhaps the reason that they don't have as many illustrations as we would like, is because of the file size of graphics , (mind you, they do say that a picture is worth a thousand words)
Do these commercial sites have to pay for server space, --- by the megabyte, --- Gigabyte ? I suppose as far as the larger companies are concerned, it has been difficult for them to embrace the new technology, and have put it in the hands of a couple of young hot-shots, with a small budget, to try it out ?
As far as some of the companies who have made a largish investment in a decent website, they may think that after their initial investment, that the site will need little or no maintanance, and will run for ever, with just the odd update of products/prices.
I am making educated guesses of course, but as you say John, we will vote with our feet.
Nice system for a nice price, but wasn't your heart in your mouth buying from a computer fair. Were you able to power it up before you bought it ? Was it new ? Was the seller a regular ?
There is one held monthly at Llanduddno, about 20 miles from my home, but I haven't had a go at it yet. Are many people ripped of at these fairs, I mean things like PCI cards, (Firewire ect) which may look OK, but may well be faulty.
You are becoming as bad as Gsteve with the bargains. Ever since I let him know how much I paid for my P3800 system, he gets a real buzz from posting his latest, ridiculously cheap bargain. I think that you AMD guys are ganging up on me !
(only joking guys)
Have a great Christmas, --- Alan

Thanks Alan
Your'e right of course about the risk...I asked a few questions like do you accept credit cards, are you local, and was satisfied with their answers. Yes, it is a risk, but I bought the equipent on the basis that at such a cheap price, I was reasonably lkely to be able to fix it. No software provided except the bare minimum, for motherboard, videocard, modem, and no operating system. I have 5 copies of win95 and one win98se(legitimate) which I installed. I went on the internet to download a flashbios utility and the correct file, and flashed the bios, bit nervy, but it worked. These fellas are making a living selling their stuff at these fairs, and yes, my friends have been ripped off in the past, but you take your chance. I didn't actually see this system in use as I had the reponsibility of installing it all, but the specification of the machine, and talking to the guy who sold it, I was reasonably satisfied that he knew what he was talking about. The shop is local, and I will visit it soon to see what they're like. Many thanks for your reply, it is great to find sensible people out there, I did read the editor's rebuke about silliness too, but it does enlighten the scene sometimes. Have a nice Christmas all of you.
John Watson(johncherrywood)