College & Spadina Computer Stores: The Real Deal

One of Toronto's shopping gems is a glimmering oasis of technology in the desert bounded by The Annex, St. George Campus, Kensington Market, and Little Italy. Along this small stretch of College St, between Spadina Ave and Bathurst St, there are almost 30 stores selling computer systems, parts, and related gear.

I first took notice of this clustered computer colony when wandering between lectures in search of food. Years later, I've saved a couple hundred dollars on computer-related purchases, and have successfully dodged the eye-popping price gouge of the Future Shop/Best Buy monstrosity.

The close proximity of two dozen computer stores creates a fierce price war, unlike the major chains that have uniform pricing throughout the city. Just by walking from store to store it's possible to compare and find the best deal for a specific part. However, it always helps to do some online research beforehand...

For that express purpose there's a handy web portal, appropriately called College & Spadina Computer Stores. It lists 21 computer stores in an interactive Google Maps mashup--with storefront pictures, addresses, phone numbers, store hours, and store website links. Using this site, it's possible to find the price and availability of parts before venturing into the area.

I spoke with the webmaster of the site, Kalle, who told me that it all started as a basic list of stores while buying a lot of parts from the area. From there, it became a useful forum post on a local board. After a few years, Kalle converted the list to the full-blown interactive map that exists today. The motivation behind the site has always been to get the word out, and to present thorough, practical information online. After all, "You don't have to travel out into the suburbs or order online to find the best computer shopping, and I think it's good to promote unknown things in the city core."

---

In my own recent experience, I decided to buy an ergonomic keyboard when I started a work-from-home gig that's heavy on email correspondence and writing. After some online research, I settled on the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 (MSRP is $59.95 USD). bestbuy.ca had an unappetizing price of $74.95. Using the aforementioned portal, I found the same keyboard for $25 at Filtech Computer. For a third of the price, the keyboard came in a non-descript brown box, but inside lay a brand new keyboard and the driver CD. The only tangible difference with the overpriced chain store version was the printed retail box.

Great pricing is one distinct advantage of shopping at College & Spadina computer stores. The other huge advantage is superior service. After connecting my new keyboard at home, I discovered that the 'i' key was sticky (thngs looked like ths when typed). Without checking my receipt, Filtech replaced the keyboard immediately. I was even allowed to connect the replacement keyboard to their computer so that I could test the keys before leaving.

Not all shopping experiences here are so smooth. In fact, the stores can vary from flawless to absolutely sketchy within a few footsteps. That's why it's extremely important to compare stores, talk to the people in there, and never settle for sub-par service. Shopping habits differ greatly, but the stores here vary enough in size, scope, and service that everyone can pick their own set of favourites after a few visits.

---

In that vein, here are my picks for the area:

My first choice to build a system, purchase software, or find individual parts: Filtech Computer (439 Spadina). Be prepared to wait because sometimes the place is rammed with customers. I built a barebones system for my mom there (around $350), and after 10 months the power supply stopped working. Filtech replaced the power supply free-of-charge (under a 1-year warranty) within a few hours of bringing it in for service, with very minimal paperwork.

I like to visit Canada Computers (366 College) because they have easy-to-browse display cases and probably the largest store in the whole stretch. Plus their stock is displayed online, which helps avoid disappointment. My recent purchases here included a wireless card and a sweet USB drive.

A-Plus Computers (280 College) has a colossal shelf of blank DVDs, sleeves, and cases. I grabbed 50 DVD-Rs and sleeves for around $20.

Alpha Plus Computers (287 College) is a good place to start looking for mice and USB drives.

InMax (322 College) is a small store that specializes in silent computing (quiet PSUs and CPU fans), but also has the cheapest no-name inkjet cartridges.

The place to bring desktops or laptops for repairs is OTA Service Centre (326 College). Its retail front, OTA Computer Centre, has many brand-name inkjet cartridges, lots of keyboards, and helpful service.

For rock-bottom prices, but poor reliability and a hideous return policy: Factory Direct (290 College).

Honourable mention: Sonnam Computer (457 Spadina) has solid all-around pricing and ease of product browsing.