One last Vancouver question
 

So I am ready to leave for Vancouver next Tuesday. I have asked
for everything from Supermarkets to back bacon, beer and pickles.
My last question is : Is there a cheap electronics super store in the
Vancouver area? In the states they have Fry's, huge selction of
electronic parts, computers, software, etc. I get everything here
in Japan of course, but sinfully expensive. Thanks to all.

Nothing like Fry's (nearest is in Renton E of SEA) up here.

For computer parts, try ncix.ca/com or maybe anitec.ca/com. The former is order online, p/u in person (they hardly display anything but I think end up with better selection of components than Fry's). Quite a good selection and good prices. Latter has much less stock but can be cheaper. Not too many s/w stores left (I guess d/l - legal or otherwise - is how it's distributed these days). You could try Future Shop or Best Buy for that (former owned by the latter but with slightly different stock). Not sure where to go for electronic parts (what exactly?) other than a couple of small shops for the basics (transistors, resistors and all) on Main around 28-30th (Lee's Electronics is one of them).

I just needed computer parts, HDD, printer cartridges, things like this. Nothing urgent, maybe try Best Buy. And again, many thanks for your
endless efforts to help out. ^

Then take a look at NCIX.com. They had 500 GB Hitachi SATA drives for $90 the other week. You'd be disappointed with Best Buy's selection by comparison.

http://www.ncix.com/index.php

I second NCIX. Blows away Fry's and Best Buy, for prices. You just have to know what you want.

You guys are right on target. I checked the site. It's fantastic.
YVR mentioned order online, p/u in person. I could not find
any p/u location, but they mention a Richmond warehouse.
Is p/u available with them or do I have to go with Anitec and
p/u at their Vancouver location?

NCIX has the following order p/u locations.

5068-B Kingsway Burnaby, BC, V5H 2E7, CANADA
#1063 - 8300 Capstan Way Richmond, BC, V6X 4B7, CANADA
#104- 20125 64TH Avenue, Langley, BC, V2Y 1M9, CANADA
1711 West Broadway Vancouver, BC, V6J 1Y2, CANADA

Richmond is the most convenient followed by Vancouver.

You can pick your items at Anitec. The closest may be Kingsway/Gladstone (just down the road from my house).

Also, Anitec has more of a showroom and you can pick and choose what you want like a normal store. However, prices are generally a little higher than NCIX.

NCIX stores have almost nothing on display.

The Kingsway (Burnaby) NCIX location is just 1 block past Metrotown Mall.

I built my desktop system a few years back getting parts bought from NCIX and Anitec. 80% of the parts were cheaper at NCIX.

A couple of pointers if buying from NCIX:
- Use the Check Stock button.
- They seem pretty rigorous/paranoid about security of online purchases & pickup (at least at the Burnaby store). If they go through the hassle of calling up your credit card company, it might take a few days before pickup is ready. (Though, I usually can pick it up next day.)
- Plus, remember to bring picture id and the credit card used to make the online purchase. I forgot my wallet one day when trying to pick something up at lunch and only had my employee card and it was definitely not enough. :o

Unless it's a weekly special with limited quantities, I usually just check stock and go in and purchase it directly.

Electronics in Canada?
 

When you are in Canada, can you shop online (such as Fry's website) and have them deliver items to Canada? or would it cause you to pay import tax etc?

Imports not only subject to GST and PST and duty but shipping and exorbitant custom brokerage fees (especially UPS).

You know, I am not so desperate about this, that I would engage in something as elaborate as such. I am checking the Canadian sites and should I find something I think I will pick it up locally as suggested. If I go ANITEC I hope I can pm the YVR COCKROACH and we can meet up for a cup of java. Seems you are not in disguise anymore:)
I am off to Australia tomorrow and see you in Canada next week. Happy Landings to all and thanks a million for all your feedback.