[Hidden-tech] Local PC building resources for kids?

[Robert Heller]

Rather then build a x86 PC flavored machine, you might want to steer him
towards a Raspberry Pi. Not only will the Raspberry Pi be well within his
budget -- the base P4 w/2G is $35, and a complete (except for monitor) P400
kit (the P400 is a P4 inside a keyboard, and the kit includes a mouse, power
supply, and uSD card) is $100, it will come with far more learning tools than
a standard MS-Windows machine -- a Raspberry Pi will include a C compiler,
Python, Scratch, and Sonic Pi (and yes, it will also have LibreOffice and
Minecraft). Oh, P400 kit includes an actual *book*, the ultimate learning
tool.

I don't know if there are any local resources for any sort of computer parts,
other than things like keyboards, monitors, and mice ("locally" available from
Walmart or Target, etc.). The OEMs and Amazon, NewEgg, eBay, and big box
stores have pretty much killed any sort of mom-n-pop PC parts vendors and eBay
has probably killed any sort of local technology flea market. And least here
in the local area. I don't know about Springfield or Boston.  Even Radio Shack 
died off and the Radio Shack clone/replacements died off.

At Mon, 21 Jun 2021 10:57:39 -0400 Noah Paessel <knowuh at gmail.com> wrote:

> 
> Hello Hidden Tech,
> 

> My son, age 12, has expressed interest in assembling his own PC this summer.
> Instead of buying new parts from Amazon or NewEgg, I want to persuade him to
> purchase used components or new parts from a local vendor.
> 
> Is there a technology flea market or swap that happens in the valley?
> Barring that, are there any mom-n-pop PC part vendors in the area that you
> like?
> 
> His goal is to have a machine he can play games on, but I hope to use that
> as the bait for an authentic learning experience. I welcome any tips on how
> to enrichen this summer project for him.
> 
> Thanks!
> 
> — Noah
> 
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