[Coco] More poor news for Radio Shack

[Allen Huffman]

> On Dec 13, 2014, at 1:28 PM, Joel Ewy <jcewy at swbell.net> wrote:
> 
> How many of us owe a debt to "Getting Started with Color BASIC"? What RS could do is put more effort into teaching people how to use the stuff they want to sell.  Remember all those Mims books?

Sure do! I was surprised to see they STILL sell them in my local RadioShack, though they are repackaged and look much nicer on the outside (but still the same classic drawings on the insider).

Catalog number 62-0104, $14.95 (volume IV) showed up in a search… I wonder if they actually have the other volumes as well.

http://www.radioshack.com/engineers-mini-notebook-volume-iv/6200104.html#q=electronics%2Bbook&simplesearch=Go&start=2

They also have some Arduino and Raspberry Pi books — look for a small bookstand on top of the shelves where all the electronic kits, Arduinos, etc. are. Amazing how that tech remains the same decades later.

>  Don't just sell an overpriced Arduino anybody could order for less, but commission "Getting Started" quality manuals and bundle them with an Arduino, a power supply, a proto-shield with solderless breadboard, tinned jumper wires, and an assortment of components.  Don't just cater to those few who are already into it and know they don't have to pay Shack prices, but expand the customer base by doing what they did with the CoCo:  giving rank beginners everything they need to get up and running from zero.


They do have some of that. You can’t just buy a Raspberry Pi, but you get a kit which comes with the Pi, breadboard, parts, etc. and some book, all ready to go.

http://www.radioshack.com/make-raspberry-pi-starter-kit/2770196.html#.VIyVNMaQUUU <http://www.radioshack.com/make-raspberry-pi-starter-kit/2770196.html#.VIyVNMaQUUU>

It is the MakerShed bundle RadioShack sells it for $129.99. MakerShed sells it directly for $129.99 also but has it on sale right no on their site for $109:

http://www.makershed.com/products/raspberry-pi-starter-kit-includes-512mb-raspberry-pi <http://www.makershed.com/products/raspberry-pi-starter-kit-includes-512mb-raspberry-pi>

Since they do free shipping on orders over $50, it’s cheaper to order direct, but when it is not on sale, I guess it’s a matter of paying tax (which we are all supposed to pay on our own when we mail order out of state items) versus not, and having it immediately versus waiting a week (or paying more for 2nd day - $14 USPS.)

But yes, I agree — more like this. But I wonder, since they already do alot of things like this, often at the same prices the sources are selling it for, if no one buys it, should they expand?

		— A
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