Re: [PLUG] ENU,Inc R.I.P.

2017-08-14 Thread Rich Shepard 
On Mon, 14 Aug 2017, Paul Heinlein wrote:

> I had similar thoughts that I codified a year or so ago when Pacific
> Solutions was closing:

Paul, Mike, et al.:

   Very insightful, both of you. There is a dichotomy among computer users:
those who use them primarily for communications (including web browsing) and
those who use them for business (document creation, data analyses). Each
type has a different type of user (although there may well be overlap) and
different needs.

   Hardware has become much more capable and stable, and OSes such as linux
now support almost everything, so there is a smaller market for new
hardware. So the demise of the local computer retailer who specialized in
making things work, as Paul pointed out, matches market changes in other
aspects of our life.

   Most prominantly, IMO, is the loss of the local green grocer, butcher
shop, and bakery and their replacement by the supermarket. That's gone to
the extreme with Walmart driving the local Thriftway out of business, and
now the order-on-line-and-have-it-delivered looks to the the Next Big Thing.

   Change is constant. And while all progress involves change, not all change
involves progress.

Rich

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Re: [PLUG] ENU,Inc R.I.P.

2017-08-14 Thread Paul Heinlein 
On Mon, 14 Aug 2017, Mike C. wrote:

> In today's world, most people use computational devices more for
> communication and all the things one can do on the Wonderful World of
> the Web. There's a gluttony of inexpensive good quality used/refurbished
> computers to be had that will easily meet most people's needs. I think
> the Internet and Software has become far more interesting for most
> people than hardware even though the hardware is very technologically
> advanced now, especially for virtualization purposes.

I had similar thoughts that I codified a year or so ago when Pacific 
Solutions was closing:

https://www.madboa.com/blog/2016/05/10/indy-retailers/

tl;dr -- computers are more ubiquitous and reliable, computer 
enthusiats are a dying breed, online retail outlets provide a broader 
range of knowledge for making purchasing choices compared to most
brick+mortar stores.

-- 
Paul Heinlein <> heinl...@madboa.com <> https://www.madboa.com/
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Re: [PLUG] ENU,Inc R.I.P.

2017-08-14 Thread Mike C. 
On 8/14/17 12:00 PM, plug-requ...@lists.pdxlinux.org wrote:
>I've had occasion to visit a couple of these places. The one's I visited
> were totally Windows-centric and had no idea how to diagnose potential
> hardware issues. I still see some of these shops, but many fewer.
>
> Perhaps this is the result of the focus of industry drivers assuming
> everyone will do all their computing on a smart phone rather than a desktop,
> laptop, or tablet.
>
> Rich
Interesting topic worth discussing a bit especially after some random 
thoughts running through my mind following this thread.

In today's world, most people use computational devices more for 
communication and all the things one can do on the Wonderful World of 
the Web. There's a gluttony of inexpensive good quality used/refurbished 
computers to be had that will easily meet most people's needs. I think 
the Internet and Software has become far more interesting for most 
people than hardware even though the hardware is very technologically 
advanced now, especially for virtualization purposes.

It took decades of an unfathomable number of hours of human mental and 
physical labor, not too mention the metric tonnage of natural resources 
to arrive at the point where computer hardware, software and the 
Internet just works like any other appliance for most people. If you've 
never been to the American Computer & Robotics Museum in Bozeman, MT, I 
highly recommend it. It'll make your head spin.

How many hours have I myself spent just getting my Linux boxes to just 
work like a Win or Mac w/o feeling like some mad scientist who's just 
trying to get the *#*@& WiFi to work! I couldn't tell you the last time 
I had to use the CLI to troubleshoot my Linux box. I kinda miss it, but 
I've also enjoyed getting a bit of my life and my sanity back. =)
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Re: [PLUG] ENU,Inc R.I.P.

2017-08-14 Thread Rich Shepard 
On Sun, 13 Aug 2017, Tom wrote:

> I had an interesting experience while visiting local CenturyLink store a
> few weeks ago - there are so many people without basic networking and
> computer knowledge - not even a clue.

Tom,

   As common as dandelions.

> One would think that there would be tons of small time IT guys/shops
> around to solve people's networking/computing issues ... I really wonder
> where are we heading and why.

   I've had occasion to visit a couple of these places. The one's I visited
were totally Windows-centric and had no idea how to diagnose potential
hardware issues. I still see some of these shops, but many fewer.

   Perhaps this is the result of the focus of industry drivers assuming
everyone will do all their computing on a smart phone rather than a desktop,
laptop, or tablet.

Rich
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Re: [PLUG] ENU,Inc R.I.P.

2017-08-13 Thread John Jason Jordan 
On Sun, 13 Aug 2017 19:07:55 -0700
Larry Brigman  dijo:

>There are some places still around.
>Iguana Micro for those on the west side. http://www.iguanamicro.com/
>Also for bits and pieces - surplus gizmos -
>http://www.surplusgizmos.com/

Iguana Micro looks good. 
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Re: [PLUG] ENU,Inc R.I.P.

2017-08-13 Thread Larry Brigman 
There are some places still around.
Iguana Micro for those on the west side. http://www.iguanamicro.com/
Also for bits and pieces - surplus gizmos - http://www.surplusgizmos.com/



On Sun, Aug 13, 2017 at 3:41 PM, Pete Lancashire 
wrote:

> Portland Oregon .. the Black Hole of technology
>
> On Sun, Aug 13, 2017 at 2:59 PM, Chuck Hast  wrote:
>
> > I was over in Honolulu abt this time last year, needed some parts was
> > directed to a place not too far from the seafood plant where I was,
> walked
> > in and found one of those type of emporiums. Had some in the Tampa Bay
> area
> > and Orlando (cape surplus stuff) sure miss that.
> >
> > On Aug 13, 2017 13:57, "Rich Shepard"  wrote:
> >
> > > On Sun, 13 Aug 2017, Edward Koenig wrote:
> > >
> > > > I really do miss the days browsing the local shops for part to build
> my
> > > > own boxes.
> > >
> > >When I had my ham radio license and built my own transmitters and
> > > receivers I used to go down to Canal St (NYC) and rummage in the bins
> for
> > > the resistors, capacitors, switches, vacuum tubes, etc. I needed. No
> > > blister
> > > packs; buy only what you need. Those days are gone. To a large extent,
> I
> > > miss them.
> > >
> > > Rich
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Re: [PLUG] ENU,Inc R.I.P.

2017-08-13 Thread Tom 
You could still do this "rummage in the bins for " in surplus
gizmos in Hillsboro
Just a RIP thought:
I had an interesting experience while visiting local CenturyLink store
a few weeks ago - there are so many people without basic networking and
computer knowledge - not even a clue.
In the past they would probably go to their local PC shop for advice.
Now they get hopelessly upset at ISP shop and just buy smartphone with
$60+ per month to fix their internet needs.
One would think that there would be tons of small time IT guys/shops
around to solve people's networking/computing issues ... I really
wonder where are we heading and why.
On Sun, 2017-08-13 at 11:54 -0700, Rich Shepard wrote:
> On Sun, 13 Aug 2017, Edward Koenig wrote:
> 
> > I really do miss the days browsing the local shops for part to
> > build my
> > own boxes.
> 
>When I had my ham radio license and built my own transmitters and
> receivers I used to go down to Canal St (NYC) and rummage in the bins
> for
> the resistors, capacitors, switches, vacuum tubes, etc. I needed. No
> blister
> packs; buy only what you need. Those days are gone. To a large
> extent, I
> miss them.
> 
> Rich
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Re: [PLUG] ENU,Inc R.I.P.

2017-08-13 Thread Pete Lancashire 
Portland Oregon .. the Black Hole of technology

On Sun, Aug 13, 2017 at 2:59 PM, Chuck Hast  wrote:

> I was over in Honolulu abt this time last year, needed some parts was
> directed to a place not too far from the seafood plant where I was, walked
> in and found one of those type of emporiums. Had some in the Tampa Bay area
> and Orlando (cape surplus stuff) sure miss that.
>
> On Aug 13, 2017 13:57, "Rich Shepard"  wrote:
>
> > On Sun, 13 Aug 2017, Edward Koenig wrote:
> >
> > > I really do miss the days browsing the local shops for part to build my
> > > own boxes.
> >
> >When I had my ham radio license and built my own transmitters and
> > receivers I used to go down to Canal St (NYC) and rummage in the bins for
> > the resistors, capacitors, switches, vacuum tubes, etc. I needed. No
> > blister
> > packs; buy only what you need. Those days are gone. To a large extent, I
> > miss them.
> >
> > Rich
> > ___
> > PLUG mailing list
> > PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org
> > http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug
> >
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Re: [PLUG] ENU,Inc R.I.P.

2017-08-13 Thread Chuck Hast 
I was over in Honolulu abt this time last year, needed some parts was
directed to a place not too far from the seafood plant where I was, walked
in and found one of those type of emporiums. Had some in the Tampa Bay area
and Orlando (cape surplus stuff) sure miss that.

On Aug 13, 2017 13:57, "Rich Shepard"  wrote:

> On Sun, 13 Aug 2017, Edward Koenig wrote:
>
> > I really do miss the days browsing the local shops for part to build my
> > own boxes.
>
>When I had my ham radio license and built my own transmitters and
> receivers I used to go down to Canal St (NYC) and rummage in the bins for
> the resistors, capacitors, switches, vacuum tubes, etc. I needed. No
> blister
> packs; buy only what you need. Those days are gone. To a large extent, I
> miss them.
>
> Rich
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Re: [PLUG] ENU,Inc R.I.P.

2017-08-13 Thread Rich Shepard 
On Sun, 13 Aug 2017, Edward Koenig wrote:

> I really do miss the days browsing the local shops for part to build my
> own boxes.

   When I had my ham radio license and built my own transmitters and
receivers I used to go down to Canal St (NYC) and rummage in the bins for
the resistors, capacitors, switches, vacuum tubes, etc. I needed. No blister
packs; buy only what you need. Those days are gone. To a large extent, I
miss them.

Rich
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Re: [PLUG] ENU,Inc R.I.P.

2017-08-13 Thread Edward Koenig 
On Aug 12, 2017, at 7:43 PM, Russell Senior  wrote:
> 
> 
> After noticing a disturbing lack of stock on the ENU,Inc website a few
> weeks ago, I happened to be in the neighborhood of the 122nd store
> (while dropping off plastic at the Far West Fiber), and stopped to
> check.  There was a sign on the door saying their last day is August 18,
> and a short note:
> 
>  GOING OUT OF BUSINESS
> 
>  ENU is sad to announce that we are going out of business.

Sigh.  Another one bites the dust.  I've bought a few bits and pieces there in 
the 10 yrs since I moved to the area. 10-15 min drive a damn sight better than 
to fry's. 

> 
> ENU, while still an annoying 15-20 minute drive from my house, has been
> my go-to source for emergency computer parts (particularly hard disks)
> for the last couple decades.  I am sad to see them go.
> 
> Does anyone have favorite, local alternatives that aren't Fry's and Best Buy?
> 

I think we are doomed. Fry's is ok if I happen t be driving by and need a 
stretch o' the legs (work entails quite a few trips down I-5), and I really 
don't like Best Buy that much anymore. Although many of us (in PLUG) shop at 
the smaller local shops, there are just not enough of us left to keep them in 
business.  Online with same day shipping (often free) is just too tempting.

I really do miss the days browsing the local shops for part to build my own 
boxes.  

-Ed
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Re: [PLUG] ENU,Inc R.I.P.

2017-08-13 Thread Rich Shepard 
On Sat, 12 Aug 2017, Russell Senior wrote:

> ENU, while still an annoying 15-20 minute drive from my house, has been
> my go-to source for emergency computer parts (particularly hard disks)
> for the last couple decades.  I am sad to see them go.

   I, too, have driven a distance (from Troutdale) to their store for
components since about the time they opened. I built a few desktops with
parts purchased from them and they always had excellent advice about which
to use and which to avoid for a linux box.

> Does anyone have favorite, local alternatives that aren't Fry's and Best Buy?

   No, but I'm also interested in learning if there is one. Amazon and Newegg
are good, but if there's a local vendor that's my first choice.

Rich
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Re: [PLUG] ENU,Inc R.I.P.

2017-08-13 Thread John Jason Jordan 
On Sat, 12 Aug 2017 22:09:02 -0700
Neal  dijo:

>What was the big-time computer parts store across from their 122nd Ave
>site years ago? 

I don't remember the name of the store, but I was a regular customer.
Once I bought a computer from them because its motherboard could hold
16 Mb of RAM, an unheard of amount back then. The techs watched as it
booted and the POST went through all the RAM. None of them had ever
worked on a PC with that much RAM. It was shortly after that when I
started buying parts and building my own computers. 

And yeah, ENU will be missed, mostly because there is no good
alternative. It costs around $18 to drive from my house to Fry's and
back, which makes the prices at Amazon and Newegg look good.
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Re: [PLUG] ENU,Inc R.I.P.

2017-08-12 Thread Neal 
Dang.

What was the big-time computer parts store across from their 122nd Ave site
years ago? I want to say Egghead, but that was in Beaverton by Freddy's on
Canyon / 217. I got my first 1GB drive there. Oh! My! A Whole Gigglybyte!
IDE and everything!

Good times.

May ENU RIP,

NealS
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[PLUG] ENU,Inc R.I.P.

2017-08-12 Thread Russell Senior 

After noticing a disturbing lack of stock on the ENU,Inc website a few
weeks ago, I happened to be in the neighborhood of the 122nd store
(while dropping off plastic at the Far West Fiber), and stopped to
check.  There was a sign on the door saying their last day is August 18,
and a short note:

  GOING OUT OF BUSINESS

  ENU is sad to announce that we are going out of business.  We would
  like to thank our loyal customers for shopping with us for the last 23
  years.  Our doors will remain open until current stock is depleted.
  Please check our website for the items we still have in stock.  Please
  note that stock is limited, so call or e-mail before you come in.
  Again, thank you for your loyal patronage.

ENU, while still an annoying 15-20 minute drive from my house, has been
my go-to source for emergency computer parts (particularly hard disks)
for the last couple decades.  I am sad to see them go.

Does anyone have favorite, local alternatives that aren't Fry's and Best Buy?

Thanks!


-- 
Russell Senior, President
russ...@personaltelco.net
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