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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Engine on Fri, 04 March 2011, 23:31:55

Title: Cdw?
Post by: Engine on Fri, 04 March 2011, 23:31:55

Anyone know anything about this company?  A Cherry rep recommended them for Cherry boards.

Title: Cdw?
Post by: theferenc on Fri, 04 March 2011, 23:59:48

CDW does a lot of gov't contracts for hardware and such (technically it's CDW-G). I've ordered stuff from them in the past, and never had a problem with them.

Not sure if this matters, but many universities have special purchasing deals with them, so you're a uni student, you might be able to get a discount. Not sure how "upper midwest" is defined, but I know most of the Big 10 schools have such deals, many of which are in the midwest.

Title: Cdw?
Post by: heedpantsnow on Sat, 05 March 2011, 00:09:07

Computer Discount Warehouse.  Used to have MASSIVE ads in Computer Shopper, etc. back in the days before online ordering.  Been around a long time, have a massive product selection and long-term contracts with schools, gov't, and corporations.  Prices aren't always the absolute lowest, but they key in on their reliability, service, and relationships.  Might be worth your time to check them out.

Title: Cdw?
Post by: Engine on Sat, 05 March 2011, 00:18:06

Thanks for that.  Sounds good.  Just wondering if they only sell Cherry boards because it looks like it.  Also, the factory look keyboard seems to be their look in design.  The weird industrial upper keys and such.  I've seen that kind of board on youtube as well.  Do you like them or are they something I should consider?

Title: Cdw?
Post by: heedpantsnow on Sat, 05 March 2011, 02:23:25

I have no experience with Cherry-branded boards; I only have a Filco and a Noppoo.  I can only say that 14 years ago I was satisfied with a purchase from CDW. :-)

Title: Cdw?
Post by: iMav on Sat, 05 March 2011, 03:43:37

We have members here that work for CDW.  Perhaps one of them will chime in.

Title: Cdw?
Post by: ashort on Sat, 05 March 2011, 08:39:56

I work for CDW.  

CDW and CDW-G operate as two separate accounting organizations under a common executive management.  CDW is the commercial branch, CDW-G exists specifically to service the unique requirements of government, health-care and education.  You'd probably never deal with CDW-G as an individual purchaser.

I have great things to say about CDW, but the best is:  My longest tenure at any job before this was 4 years in the Air Force.  After that, 27 months.  I just passed my 7-year mark at CDW.  If you knew me, you'd know that's saying a lot.  I'm looking forward to years 8, 9, 10...

It's a quality company that you can trust.  We usually aren't the cheapest, but we also don't cater to the individual as much as we do to organizations, who need more of an experience in the form of order management, technology direction/roadmap, and maintenance of support contracts from manufacturers.

By all means, shop http://www.cdw.com for Cherry keyboards and prepare to be overwhelmed.  There are a lot of them there.

If you're looking for a technology job, go to http://www.cdw.com/careers and apply!

Title: Cdw?
Post by: BucklingSpring on Sat, 05 March 2011, 08:51:33

Quote from: ashort;305473

I work for CDW. (...) Bla Bla Bla (...)

Amen.

When a man write like that about his company. You know it must be good.

NOTE: This is not sarcasm. I mean it.

Title: Cdw?
Post by: Engine on Sat, 05 March 2011, 09:05:58

ashort,
Thanks for that.  I will check it out more.  A rep there, Ed, will be emailing me on when the new Blue and Brown boards arrive there.  What can you tell me about the difference between Cherry brand kbs and third party made kbs, like FIlco for example?  
Also, are the more "industrual" looking boards(for lack of a better description) that have the, I think "double row" upper deck of keys, for "industry" level companies?  I've seen those boards on youtube.  What BLUE spring board can you recommend for an indie?
Thanks,
Engine

Title: Cdw?
Post by: ashort on Sat, 05 March 2011, 09:21:55

It depends on the manufacturer.  I can only speak to the boards I've owned.  The Filco's are rock solid.  I love them.  My Cherry G84s are solid but a lot lighter, good thing because I use them as portables.  I've got severe lettering wear on them, though.  The Das has been much maligned here, with good cause, I'm sure.  All have Cherry switches of some sort.

For the most part, I'd say that a commitment to using Cherry switches tends to reflect a commitment to doing a quality board.

Title: Cdw?
Post by: Engine on Sat, 05 March 2011, 09:28:44

Ed from Cherry said the new additons would be "G80" series boards with Blue and Brown springs.  I'm looking for Blue, as he told me that they are closest to the IBM Model M in general.  I'll check it out more.
Thanks again,
Engine

Title: Cdw?
Post by: ashort on Sat, 05 March 2011, 09:33:08

I'm intrigued, what's new and exciting about the new G80's?