Shopping Fry’s: A Day Trip
by Dan Birlew
Thanks to the rough economy there are few brick-and-mortar stores remaining where a guy can run to pick up the odd PC internal power cable adapter or a cheap SATA cable on the fly. With CompUSA closing all locations and becoming solely an Internet retailer, West Coast techies are relegated to one major franchise for same-day computer needs: Fry’s. While you can find a few (very few) PC components at Radio Shack and can probably find cheaper deals at NewEgg.com or CompUSA.com, there really is no alternative for immediate-need items.
On New Year’s Day I found myself in just such a predicament. I needed to install a 1TB hard drive into my PC. I got a great deal on a Western Digital from Best Buy, but failed to read the packaging where it clearly stated that no cables were included. After examining my PC’s innards, I also realized all my SATA device power cables were taken, servicing other devices such as the DVD-RW and three other hard drives. I needed to convert a four-prong power cable into a SATA line. So I needed a SATA cable and a power cable adapter, roughly $8 worth of stuff. My plan was to run in to Fry’s and run out.
Yet since the Las Vegas Fry’s is located at the intersection of The Strip and the 215, there is no such thing as “a quick run to Fry’s.” With a front façade designed like a giant slot machine, turns out the Las Vegas Fry’s is a major tourist destination in town. On any given day of the week it’s crowded, it’s hectic, but it’s also worth the trip.
The sheer spectacle of giant televisions, computers and video games in action makes for an entertaining half-hour to hour, which is the minimum amount of time you can expect to be in the store anyway. The great thing about Fry’s Las Vegas is that you can try out whatever’s on sale. And if the gizmo or game you want to try isn’t available, you can probably talk a sales executive into setting up a demonstration for you.
So on your next trip to Vegas plan to take a cab from your hotel just a few miles south to the Fry’s near the 215. The slot machine outside is worth photographing, and there are hours of fun to be had just trying the latest gadgets, games and hardware. Even if you don’t buy anything, Fry’s Las Vegas is worth a stop for the techies in your group. Plan for crowds, and plan to be there for a minimum of an hour or more. Relax and enjoy the rush
Fry’s Electronics
6845 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV 89119
(702) 932-1400
