I would like to add some info and/or ask futher explaination to Joe's advice as I me be going to Detroit in Sept and want to 'hit' a show
"Here is a quick idea of what you will need when you go to those shows, and what to do and what not to do:
1. Rubber gloves, since most of the geeks there are ... umm the most icky kind. "
Like Pee Wee Herman icky or wring their shirt and get some McDonalds greese icky?
"2. you will need an Asian translator since it seems all these folks just got off the boat for the show. "
Korean, Japaneese, Chineese (which dialect?), Phillippene (sp), tiawaneese, all of the above?
"3. Dont talk about warranty.. cause there aint none, infact the place you bought it from prolly doesnt exist after the show closes. "
i'll probably void it anyhow, but that's probably wise.
"4. Ask for EXACT batches of CPU's if you are there looking for them, if you dont they will sell you some re-marked POS chip "
This sound like it would irritate the hell out of the vendor. I'm all for that.
"5. Keep all reciepts and make sure you get some rock solid info about the company if you are buying something you cant test before you leave with it. "
Like find out where their boat is docked. How sea worthey it is, and how far to international waters.
"6. if you are buying software like Windows XP Pro for 30$, its prolly a pirate or stolen copy "
both being securiy risks of diferent natures.