Well, I had some serious problems with this. I had barely had this thing a week but all systems were working great prior to the following catastrophe. I DJ, so I was using this for work. Given, the programs I run use less than 1/4 G of ram. Well, all was well until I'm playing my first of 3 shows in a day and the laptop crashes. After a reboot, I check the task manager, and with no programs running, the usage was at 100%. I had to cancel in the middle of my first gig and I lost that pay. I called tech support, and they told me to go to the round rock location since it was closest to my next gig. I get to the round round rock store, and first, they tell me it's going to be 24 hours. I explain my situation. Then they say they can't help me at all and send me 17 minutes back down to the Anderson mill location. I was livid at this point, but remained calm. I get to Anderson mill and the tech opens my pc up to find that the reason for the crash was that it got stuck in an update while I was trying to run my programs and used up all the ram and crashed. This shouldn't have happened, and upon further examination he found that only 2gb of ram had been installed when it was advertised as 4gb. He quickly replaced the ram and with minutes left, I rushed out and made my 2nd gig. After the tech fixed it, it ran great for the next two shows that day. While I'm happy that they fixed it, I'm mostly unhappy with this experience. This company's error caused me to lose a lot of money, time, and even lunch(no time to eat inbetween shows because I was rushing back and forth across town to their different locations). I've been a discount electronics customer for years, but this has me severely dissatisfied and dissapointed. work. Given, the programs I run use less than 1/4 G of ram. Well, all was well until I'm playing my first of 3 shows in a day and the laptop crashes. After a reboot, I check the task manager, and with no programs running, the usage was at 100%. I had to cancel in the middle of my first gig and I lost that pay. I called tech support, and they told me to go to the round rock location since it was closest to my next gig. I get to the round round rock store, and first, they tell me it's going to be 24 hours. I explain my situation. Then they say they can't help me at all and send me 17 minutes back down to the Anderson mill location. I was livid at this point, but remained calm. I get to Anderson mill and the tech opens my pc up to find that the reason for the crash was that it got stuck in an update while I was trying to run my programs and used up all the ram and crashed. This shouldn't have happened, and upon further examination he found that only 2gb of ram had been installed when it was advertised as 4gb. He quickly replaced the ram and with minutes left, I rushed out and made my 2nd gig. After the tech fixed it, it ran great for the next two shows that day. While I'm happy that they fixed it, I'm mostly unhappy with this experience. This company's error caused me to lose a lot of money, time, and even lunch(no time to eat inbetween shows because I was rushing back and forth across town to their different locations). I've been a discount electronics customer for years, but this has me severely dissatisfied and dissapointed. all and send me 17 minutes back down to the Anderson mill location. I was livid at this point, but remained calm. I get to Anderson mill and the tech opens my pc up to find that the reason for the crash was that it got stuck in an update while I was trying to run my programs and used up all the ram and crashed. This shouldn't have happened, and upon further examination he found that only 2gb of ram had been installed when it was advertised as 4gb. He quickly replaced the ram and with minutes left, I rushed out and made my 2nd gig. After the tech fixed it, it ran great for the next two shows that day. While I'm happy that they fixed it, I'm mostly unhappy with this experience. This company's error caused me to lose a lot of money, time, and even lunch(no time to eat inbetween shows because I was rushing back and forth across town to their different locations). I've been a discount electronics customer for years, but this has me severely dissatisfied and dissapointed. read more

This review is a long time coming. I have received great service from the people at Discount Electronics (the North Store) on multiple occasions and have neglected to recognize their courtesy, commitment and quality service too many times, well not anymore. My computer had a fan that was grinding away for weeks and I knew it was only a matter of time before it failed completely. I had planned to take the computer to Discount Electronics eventually, but when I got a nasty piece of malware that I couldn't get off my system, well eventually became immediately. As usual their store was hopping busy and the service/repair desk had a line of folks with sick computers. I was next in line and had been waiting about ten-fifteen minutes when the store manager noticed and directed me to the check out area so he could personally write up the repair ticket. When I described the slowness of the processor and the lengthy amount of time it was taking my computer to connect to the internet or retrieve emails he agreed that it was likely a virus, but rather than assuming it was a virus, quoting a price and leaving it at that, he hooked the computer up and with the help of a technician did a more thorough diagnosis. This is one of the things I like about the people at Discount Electronics. They always give me their time. While the technician checked a few of the computers processes and zeroed in on the problem, he explained what he was doing and what he was looking for. This is another thing I like about their service, if you are interested and pay attention you can actually learn something from the men and women who work there. And so far, they have never overwhelmed me with the computer/technical lingo that can leave me feeling like an inferior knuckle dragging dunderhead. Their turn around time is good, I was without my computer for about five days, but to their credit they called me after only four days it just took me until the weekend to pick it up. I consider their pricing very competitive especially considering my computer has been out of warranty for about three years and the manufacturer would profit greatly if I ever shipped my computer back for service. Their computer service is excellent, but it is their customer service that keeps me coming back. read more

During a recent visit to Austin, I was looking for a laptop to replace our old Mac PowerBook G4 (vintage 2001) which had died. Although I had visited Discount Electronics in previous years to window-shop, until now I'd never purchased anything from them. The staff who helped me were friendly and knowledgeable about the laptop models on display. I would particularly like to mention Josh and Abbie. Josh helped me initially, and didn't hesitate to allow me to boot up a couple of Linux Live CDs on the two models that were in my price range. He answered all my questions; after talking with him, I was almost certain which model I wanted (a Dell Latitude E4300) but I waited another day before deciding. Abbie sold us the laptop, and she was nice enough to bring out all three of the blue E4300s that were in stock, so that we could pick which unit we wanted. The laptop has a 1-year warranty; I was pleasantly surprised how liberal it is. I was told that you can completely wipe the hard drive and install an alternative operating system (such as Linux), or dual-boot with Linux, without voiding the warranty. You're also free to add extra RAM, if you wish. The warranty would be void if you physically damage the PC (such as dropping it or spilling liquid on it). Although this model came with Windows Vista Business installed, it was a nice touch that DE had also installed the current version of LibreOffice and the VLC Media Player. (I don't know whether they typically include some open-source Windows programs with their other refurbished computers). I successfully set up a dual boot with Mint 13 LTS (Cinnamon ed.) -- even the WiFi connection was easy to configure. I also appreciate that selling refurbished, older computers is a gentle way of recycling. Most of us don't need the "latest and greatest" for general computing, and it's great that these PCs can still be used productively rather than going into a landfill. The laptop is running well so far, and we haven't had any problems. If something crops up later, I'll try to edit this review and mention it ... read more

A friend gave me his used Dell Computer. It wouldn't connect to the internet and we couldn't figure out why so I took it to Discount Electronics at 1011 W. Anderson Lane to have it checked out. I was hoping for an inexpensive fix. A nice fellow at the counter carried my computer back to the repair department. This was on a Saturday and the repair department was quite busy...several people in line ahead of me. There were two very busy men behind the fix it desk helping customers so I sat (there are some stools to sit on while you wait) to wait my turn. I had waited ten minutes or so when a third person, CONNOR O., arrived on the fix it scene. He asked what I needed and I told him what little I knew and that I was a computer nincompoop. He did a lot of checking, then ran a diagnostic check on the hard drive, which he said was fine, and then checked out I don't even know what else. The whole time he was helping me he was also helping other folks as they arrived with their broken or sick computers. He discovered that my problem was that the "drivers" needed to be reinstalled. He did that. He vacuumed and cleaned the inside. He also installed a free anti virus thing. The whole time explaining stuff patiently to me. Cut to the price....$29.00 plus tax for ALL that checking and hard work! I hope that CONNOR O. (a very nice man) gets a big raise. One more thing: Even though lots of people were waiting to be helped, ALL of the people in the repair department greeted each customer with a smile. A really good feeling place. Thank you Discount Electronics! read more

I have shopped at Discount Electronics for years. I am an independent software and hardware consultant and am always in need of good deals on computers and related devices for my many projects. I have had good luck with their refurbished Dell computers. Some come complete with a copy of a Microsoft operating system. Some of the systems often cost little more than if the cost of Microsoft Windows, if you were to buy it alone. D.E. now has 4 stores in the Austin area which is handy. But as with many things, it is the people you work with that really make the difference. I always try to work with Stephanie when possible. She is usually at the Lakeline Mall Store which is not the closest store for me to usually visit, but I will go out of my way to work with her in that it saves me time and money in the long run for the following reasons: 1. Always pleasant to work with. 2. Knows quite a bit about the store merchandise. (They sell lots of gadgets besides computers.) 3. Does not give me bull shit answers to technical questions. If she knows the answer she tells me, if not she finds a correct answer, one way or another. This saves time and money in the long run. I hope D.E. does well with there expansion during such tough economic times. And there as some people you run across that are simply a pleasure to know. Stephanie is one of these. -Glenn R. Currie Round Rock, TX. KD5MFW read more

I have been buying parts to build, repair or upgrade my computers, at discount electronics for years. I have been told that problems with ram are common, but I had never had a problem till the other day. I brought one stick back to them and they said if the replacement one gave me problems just bring my computer up there. Sure enough the next ram stick didn't work in my computer. When I brought the computer up they had to try so many to find one that my computer would except. The guy that was working on it (Conor) was running back and forth between work he was taking care of in the back and my computer in the front. He never missed a beat. While he was doing this he also held a friendly conversation that led to me asking about an issue I was having with my childrens computer. Conor told me if I grabbed it from my house he would stay late and take a look at it while he was working on my ram. He made sure all my ram sticks worked together (including the one I bought on the spot knowing he was there to check its compatability) and helped me with the childrens computer. I asked what I owed and he made it clear that he was just happy that they could find the ram that worked for me and assist with the kids computer. He even helped me carry everything out to the car. Conor ROCKS and so does discount electronics! I will be a customer for life!!!!! read more

As a professional reviewer and respected marketing authority and critic, I am proud to report a new reining champion in the dumbest individuals in all marketing competition. Discount electronics believe that irritating and torturing clients with badgering emails will eventually lead to profit. Yes, that's what I said. Ridiculous? No. You see,I am presently receiving several emails a day in a little game they like to play to spam me because I reported them for excessive email abuse. Sure, I can block them and settle the issue, but the more important point to understand, is the child like, imbecilic mind of an individual that would do such a chicken crap thing on a daily basis because he believes is is irritating the customer. What he has really achieved, is the loss of a customer, plus the wrath of the customer that, through word of mouth, and loss a future business, will induce. I thank them for this spam, please keep it up. I will also keep up my retaliation, and monetarily, I will cost them tens of thousands of dollars in revenue by exposing who and what they are... disgusting, unintelligent, vengeful looses, with no common sense. Would you risk your livelihood by purchasing anything from people like this who may be needed for service after the sale? Not a chance. Keep 'em coming boys, I like a good war. See you around. read more

Well Zippity Doo ! This Place just keeps getting better and better! Thanks to the awesome customer service of Matt, Josh, and the rest of the Electronic freedom fighters, I have built system after system with old/new/used/refurbished/cheap Dells and Dell parts! These people have gotten some really good folks working for them lately! SERIOUSLY! If you recall the days of old , like the time a few years ago I went in there to get a power supply but ended up waiting for the counter guy to stop flirting with the soccer mom long enough to pay attention to my waving dollar bills? It's ALL different now! They finally got some true electronauts on board and they seem to really give a damn about who? YOU! Check it : I went there to get some Ram sticks, but when i got home it turned out one was only one Gig instead of two, so i went back. When I got there I was expecting the same old retail attitude, but no! When I pulled out my reciept to show proof old Josh uttered the words I havent heard from any sales persons mouth for years and years, he said, " I trust you ! " WOW! I was blown away! Plus they have hilarious T-shirts, cheap Lap tops, and just tons of Groovy Nerd gadgets! So yeah bros and Gals I'll see ya there ! We got more robots to build and they got more smiles to share! Rock on D. I. ! ;) read more

We got a power supply from Discount Electronics on their website and it was backed by the BBB, so we thought nothing of the fact that all you could get was a store credit for a return--backed by the BBB! I've delt with website sellers for years and never ran into a store credit policy ever! We had a problem with our computer and "Dell" told us it was the power supply--they were wrong! It ended up being the mother board which Discount Electronics wanted over a hundred dollars for--they say the board is reconditioned--which is just a fancy way of saying it is dusted off and tested to work(no one repairs printed circut boards)--I found one on ebay for $40 including shipping--problem fixed! But after telling Discount Electronics that "Dell" made a mistake they would not give us our money back, I'm disabled and have a newborn and on a limited income, I let them know this but I still had to eat $38 plus $12 shipping. The best part is that you have 90 days to spend the store credit minus 15% restocking fee or you lose it--go fig?! There are so many sites on the net that are respcectable and look out for the customer--this is not one of them. Store credit was astablished to protect sellers from theives--I have a valid receipt--Discount Electronics is the only thief I see here." read more

I went there looking for speakers for my computer as they managed to die at the worst time. (After being laid off at Dell) So I don't have a lot of money to spend on them and unfortunately computers are like my car... I know how to turn them on and that is pretty much all! I had been to Frys and even though I told them that money was an issue but I wanted the best bank for my buck they kept showing me these 200.00 and 300.00 speakers! The good thing is they told me about Discount electronics! I walked in and a guy named Tim greeted me with a big smile. I explained my situation and he took me to the speaker area and took the time to explain the pros and cons to each speaker. Even though I was spending less than 50.00 he did not judge me or blow me off. He took the time and was very understanding that I had no idea what I was looking at or for. I did purchase a pair of Logitech speakers that came with a sub woofer! I spent a little less than my budget and they are now installed and working beautiful! I dont know if it was an accident getting Tim to help me or if this is the type of help that is common for this business. If this is the norm I sure wish it was everywhere else! Thanks from a non techie computer user! read more

I've been shopping for computer accessories, supplies and whole computers (for friends who were seeking value and for myself) since this company had only one store in the center across Koenig Ln from the DPS HQ on Lamar Blvd (no longer there). I have almost never come away disappointed, as the knowledgeable staff lets me know if they have what I am seeking very quickly. As far as going the extra mile on customer service, my mainstay sales person for the last few years has been Michael Rains. He has consistently been friendly and can almost always find just the thing I need within a minute or so. He's saved my bacon several times since I've moved away: I've been in town for a quick trip to Austin and forgotten something almost 200 miles away. A short trip to Discount Electronics and a question to Michael and I go away happy and productive. I've bought computer speakers, two printers, lots of CDs and DVDs, external drive cases, PCMCIA cards, additional laptop batteries, plug adapters, Dell repair parts, power supplies and cords, optical mice, RAM to max out the memory on many computers, and even three or four screwdrivers! If you need it, they probably have it waiting for you. Three thumbs up for Discount Electronics! read more

I have been very much skeptical about computer stores and the like for a while, my attitude changed the day I ordered my laptop from these guys(for reference guys equals women and men). Will not bore you with the details, but the point is I have found my computer store. They care about their jobs. It's more than just a pay check to them. They treat you as a person not another buck. Tammy, Megan, Jeff, Scott all have renewed my faith in the word customer service. Thank you for making us feel like we matter, and that you do understand our pain. Now I will tell ya I might pay a dollar or two more to someone that I consider a friend, cause somewhere down the line(that free checkup that ,oh go ahead no charge for that bracket.; oh if you get that one you will save ...) it will all work itself out. I respect a great deal the attitude you sense in the Anderson Lane location. Make you feel good to know your patronage helps these guys stay employed. And you know they will straight shoot you on their advice,they would much rather get you what you need as opposed to making a sale. And the customer is not always right, but they tell you in a very nice way ;}! Bless you all. Thank you DE for being there for us! read more

I have to tell you, my 4 year old Dell Inspiron laptop went south on me a few days ago and while in Discount Electronics looking for a new power cable for my laptop, that I lost somewhere in a airport between Austin and South Dakota I asked if they repaired laptop computers. I might add that the guy behind the counter gave me the missing cable I was looking for. Anyway I was directed to the far left corner of the store where I met Michael Flower. Well Michael took a look at my computer and said no problem we can have you up and running by the end of the day. Well I figured it would take longer but I gave him my Dell and went home and sure enough before the end of the day Michael caled and said it was ready for pickup. I went the next day and picked my old age Dell up and to my very supprise the thing was running just as good as new. I might add that Michael had to totally restore my computer to factory specs, operating system and all. This thing really runs good now, It is faster than I ever remember it running. I am totally satisfied with the work that Michael did to my Dell and would recommend the Discount Electronics repair folks and Michael to anyone that has a Dell computer. Thanks Michael. read more

I had an expensive all-in-one PC that kept going to blue screen. My past tech looked at it, re-installed Windows, and it failed again. After looking at it again, he said it must be the mother board or hard drive--even though it passed a test of those--and suggested I replace it. It was clear he really didn't know what else to do. I called Discount Electronics and talked to Patrick, the manager of the service department. I found his dry wit amusing, and after he encountered some of the same failures that the prior tech encountered, he made it his mission to fix it. Despite my bringing it back a couple times, he never made me feel like it was my fault, and through a lot of perseverance, he forensically found a conflict that was causing the issue. I've now been 60 days without another issue, and I am now confident that this issue is 100% resolved. Patrick could have easily told me to buy a new computer, but knew that there had to be a solution and found it. I am now a Discount Electronics repair customer for life, and am convinced the revenue they will make long term from my family will far exceed what would have happened had he not been honest and persistent. Thanks!!!! read more