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

Monday, August 27, 2012

Jeffrey Star, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

Your tech is indispensable--do you know where to get it fixed and/or replace it? Photo: torres21/flickr.

Let’s face it. We will live in a high-tech world and we aren’t going back. 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 are your go-to local spots that sell and/or fix high-tech electronics necessary for life at college, as well as what they're best for.

CompuStar

CompuStar is a smaller business than the rest of the companies that will appear on this list but it is still a must go for those who are having computer troubles. Services include scanning for viruses, jack repairs, hard drive backup and data recovery. Best for: Computer repairs. 1275 Grafton St, Worcester, 508-752-7001, compustarpc.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. Sign up online with your student email to receive 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. 7 Neponset St, Worcester, 508-852-1800, www.bestbuy.com

Radioshack

Radioshack 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. 895 Grafton St, Worcester, 508-753-2866, www.radioshack.com

Apple Retail Store

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 and wannabe Apple product users. 1245 Worcester St, Natick, 508-903-2800, www.apple.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. 77 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, 508-767-0900, www.verizonwireless.com

Target

Your mom loves Target, and for good reason. It seems like every day Target has a new sale advertised, and that's because it's true. Sales here include laptops and other electronic devices; 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. Best for: Convenience. 529 Lincoln St, Worcester, 508-852-3094, www.target.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. 453 Park Ave, Worcester, 508-791-1900, www.att.com

Sears

With Sears’ common red tag 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 televisions, home theaters, laptops, Netbooks and accessories can be found in the 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 parts shop next to it, in case you’re having car troubles. Best for: Emergency repairs. 385 Southbridge St, Auburn, 508-729-2200, www.sears.com

Aaron’s

If you choose to lease electronics or any other thing you may need for college life instead of buying them, 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. 120 Stafford St, Worcester, 508-753-9699, 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. Staples also stocks some of the most advanced calculators, which might 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. 541 Lincoln St, Worcester, 508-852-3771, www.staples.com

Wal-Mart Supercenter

Super Wal-Marts really have everything you will ever need, and this is especially good for college students because of the store's consistently cheap prices. This includes high-tech equipment. Laptops, tablet PCs, cell phones, iPods, digital cameras, and more can all be found at this gigantic 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. 25 Tobias Boland Way, Worcester, 774-314-3157, www.walmart.com

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