COLLEGE GUIDE: Where to Buy (and Fix) Your High-Tech Gear

Tuesday, September 04, 2012

Jeffrey Star, GoLocalProv Contributor

 

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You're here with all your technology, but where do you go when things go wrong? Or when you need an upgrade? Photo: torres21/flickr.

Let’s face it. We will live in a high-tech world and we aren’t going back. Colleges and universities have adjusted to these ever changing state affairs and therefore college students must as well. But with so many advances

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in technology seemingly every day it is hard to keep up. Cell phones, laptops, camera, televisions, etc. have become necessities in college life. But where should you go to get the best and most modern piece of gadgetry? And, what happens if one of your hopelessly complicated appliances breaks? Then what to you do? Here is a list of businesses that sell and/or fix high-tech electronics necessary for life at college.

Sears

With Sears’ common red tags sales on electronics, you would be crazy not to look into it to fulfill your many high-tech needs. The most state of the art televisons, home theaters, laptops, Netbooks and accessories can be found in the vaunted Sears electronic section. Also, the staff is  on hand to help with any repairs on electronics you might need, even if you bought the product from another store. Also, the location in Auburn has a Sears auto part shop next to it, in case you’re having car troubles. Best for: Emergency repairs. 650 Bald Hill Rd, Warwick, 401-767-8400; 1500 Diamond Hill Rd, Woonsocket, 401-827-4800. www.sears.com

Wal-Mart

Wal-Marts really have everything you will ever need and this is especially good for college students because of the stores’ consistently cheap prices. This includes high-tech equipment. Laptops, tablet PCs, cell phones, IPods, digital cameras, and so on and so forth can all be found at this establishment. Wal-Mart’s website even offers guidance on how to use a particular piece of electronic equipment and what you should look for based on your specific needs. Best for: Bargain hunters. 51 Silver Spring St, Providence, 401-272-5047; 199 Connell Hwy, Newport, 401-848-5167; 1031 Ten Rod Rd, North Kingstown, 401-294-0025. www.walmart.com

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Aaron’s

If you choose to lease electronics or any other thing you may need for college life instead of buying then, than Aaron’s should be your number one choice. Plenty of PCs, televisions, and high tech appliances are available for lease at a great price. And if you want, lease some furniture for the apartment as well. There are plenty of bargains available. Best for: Leasing. 66 Newport Ave, East Providence, 401-435-5222. www.aarons.com

Staples

Staples is convenient for all college supplies and this includes electronic equipment. The store offers terrific deals on digital cameras, recorders and transcribers which can always be handy when working on a multimedia school project. The most advanced calculators available for purchase. They can always come in handy for that pesky math course. And don’t forget Staples also offers tech services from certified experts for any number of issues that may arise. Best for: School supplies. 555 North Main St, Providence, 401-272-2828; 1007 Ten Rod Rd, North Kingstown, 401-295-5505; 160 Old Tower Hill Rd, Wakefield, 401-783-8127; 371 Putnam Pike, Smithfield, 401-232-3533. www.staples.com

AT&T

If AT&T is your cell phone service provider and you are having trouble with your phone or just want an update or a new brand entirely, go to the local AT&T store to quench your desire. Best for: AT&T users. 117 Sherman Rd, Wakefield, 401-782-6485; 6670 Post Rd, North Kingstown, 401-541-7261; 1 Providence Place, Providence, 401-270-4903. www.att.com

Target

It seems every day Target has a new sale advertised. It seems that way because it’s true. These sales include laptops and other electronic devices, no matter what brand you are looking for. Make sure you check online every day to make sure you are not missing out.  Their website makes sure you can find exactly what you’re looking for. 371 Putnam Pk, Smithfield, 401-232-1699. www.target.com

Best Buy

Best Buy is devoted entirely to various electronic devices; so much so, that they have the Geek Squad available to fix any high-tech problems you may encounter or to help you install a new product. Best Buy also offers weekly deals geared towards college students and their particular needs. If they sign up online with their student email, students can be made aware of a wide array of offers. One of these, for instance, is a free XBOX 360 with the purchase of a Windows laptop worth $699 or more. Best For: Special college deals. 24 Universal Boulevard, Warwick, 401-826-7007. www.bestbuy.com.

Verizon Wireless

If Verizon is your cell provider and you want to repair your phone, update it, or get a new one head down to the local Verizon store and they will help you out with whatever you may need. Best for: Verizon users. 117 Providence Pl, Providence, 401-270-4330; 1310 Ten Rod Rd, North Kingstown, 401-267-0053. www.verizonwireless.com

Apple Retail Store

Apple is one of the most acclaimed and cutting edge companies in the world. It seems everyone already has an IPhone or is thinking about getting one. A new IPad seems to come out every week and each one is more incredible than the last. And don’t forget Mac Computers, still battling with PCs for superiority. If you have chosen to be a Mac user or have any other product, knowing your nearest Apple store is a necessity. And don’t forget, the stores themselves are beautiful to look at. Best for: Apple product users. 20 Providence Pl, Providence, 401-533-9400. www.apple.com

Radioshack

Radioshack is a small electronics store with numerous locations. The store offers excellent deals on cell phones with a mobile phone low price guarantee. In addition they offer free expert help with in-store phone purchases. Of course, there are numerous other high-tech electronics available for purchase. Truly, one stop shopping. Best for: General cell phone services/deals. 84 Providence Pl, Providence, 401-270-4315; 601 Metacom Ave, Warren, 401-245-5891. www.radioshack.com

 

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