Offshoot from this thread

http://forums.windrivers.com/showthread.php?t=70120

Don’t you know that custom built PC’s from shops is coming to and end, and in that end, goes the shops? Back in the day, you could sell parts at 300 to 500% above cost, not to mention the profit from a PC sale. Those days are gone ever since they started showing up in large chain stores. I mean Christ, f’ing Fred Meyer sells computer parts! Shops cannot compete with chain stores. It’s the Wall Mart, and Home Depot effect. Some may be “loyal” with whom they do business with, but when it comes down to it, money talks. How many have bought parts online looking for a better deal? The market decides. I can see within five years, or less, if you want a computer, it’s going to be from “the big three” (Automotive reference). Oh yeah if I remember correctly shoe repair, for example, was a lucrative business, but where is it now? Case closed. I realize in these ever-changing times, that the economy will evolve. Just my $0.02