Hello all,

My father is currently in Boston for a convention. He doesn't have much free time, but I'd like him to buy me an mp3-player (iPod, Creative Zen, or Toshiba Gigabeat) as they are much cheaper in the USA than here in Europe (same amount, except that the $ becomes a € ...).

Could you please tell me the name/address/phone of some shops in downtown Boston which have a wide selection and good service so he can go and buy this quick and easy?

I'm especially curious about the Toshiba Gigabeat, as this one is not for sale yet in Europe.

Thanks a lot.

Michele

A lot of different stores carry iPods.

Big electronics stores like Best Buy and Circuit City carry a wide range. I'm presently looking at the BestBuy flyer in the newspaper and they have the 8GB Creative Zen for $199, 2GB iPOD nano for $199. Office supply stores like Staples, OfficeMax and Office Depot also have electronics departments, and the prices don't vary too much from store to store.

Boston is a big place. Where specifically is the conference? That will help pinpoint retailers nearby.

Hi J62,

Thanks for your help.
He's staying at the Langham hotel and the convention is at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.

The Gigabeat website says that it should be for sale in a Best Buy (Kenmore Square, 401 Park Drive - Suite 4 - Fenway Park), but I couldn't find it on the Gigabeat website, so I have no idea if the real shops have more than the online shop?

Little mistake, I meant that I couldn't find it on the Best Buy website.

Any idea if they are for sale in Boston airport, just in case he doesn't have time to go shopping?

I don't know that area very well. Online maps show 2 Staples stores very close to the hotel - within a few blocks. I believe they generally carry Creative, but no sure about Apple iPod.

Selection is always better online vs at local stores - both selection and stock. With many retailers offering free shipping for any order over $50 (i.e. Amazon), I buy items like this online myself, and get them within just a few days.

Maybe a local Boston resident can give you more info.

iPods are rarely discounted - the price at one store is likely to be the same at any store. Neither of my older teenagers has ever heard of the Toshiba thing you refer to - and they are very current on electronic stuff.

I might ask at the hotel desk for nearest store.

Try Ritz Camera. They always have good prices online and there are three stores in Boston. Their website is www.ritzcamera.com and it shows that they carry the Toshiba Gigabeat. If you use Google Map you can find out which location is closest to your dad's hotel.

Good luck!

J62: Thanks for helping. I have no idea what the names of the big electronic stores in the US are, so you're a great help.

The problem with online shops is that you need a US issued credit card and billing address if you want it delivered in the US. And if you have it delivered in Europe, you pay import taxes etc so you don't really save any money.

gail: I saw an excellent review on Cnet while looking for a player, it's only been out for about a month or 2 it seems. So maybe they're only available online for now and not in the shops yet. They have 30 and 60 Gb versions. See www.gigabeat.com.

I know that these players have fixed prices, but that fixed price in the US is about 20-25% less than the one in Europe.

AustinTraveler: Great! I was just writing my reply to the others as you posted. Thanks a lot !