TRIP REPORT: Back in the Groove – The Wonder of Micro Center

The *WONDER* of Micro Center
Back in the Groove

• Something a little different? Maybe… 
• Off to the Land of Milk and Honey. I mean Heathrow Terminal 5
• British Airways Galleries Lounge (South Lounge Complex) 
• British Airways BA295 – London Heathrow to Chicago O’Hare (Club World)
• Into the USA, Crowne Plaza O’Hare
• Hyatt Regency O’Hare
• The Wonder of Micro Center
• More Food Adventures in Chicago
• Exploring China Town in Chicago
• Returning to the wonderful Chicago O’Hare Terminal 5
  
• British Airways Terraces Lounge, Chicago O’Hare T5
• British Airways BA296 – Chicago O’Hare to London Heathrow T5 (World Traveller Plus)
• Welcome back to the United Kingdom
• Well, that’s a bit different

The wonder of Micro Center!

And no, this isn’t sponsored. Although the way I’m waxing lyrical, I should really reconsider my sponsorships…

I did mean to cover this last time, as was in need of an iPad when I arrived in Chicago.

Last time on Economy Class and Beyond… 

But this time, I was more hunting for this last trip – but now I had time to shoot as I went, I had a stop to make – and it’s called “Micro Center”.  

For those outside the USA, we’ve had a mixture of high-price computer stores… or stores that describe themselves as “Computer stores”, but without the section (eg Currys PC World… or the last stop of desperation as I’ve called it more than once) – or you’re going to speciality stores that have no chain presence (e.g.  Ebuyer, Overclockers UK and Scan Computers), but are… not the easiest to get to, especially if you need a part “at that moment”.

And don’t get me started on the retailers on Tottenham Court Road in London… 

Or you’re relying on mail order, without wanting to be price-gouged (or not supporting Amazon –  an oddity, I’m sure). 

Micro Center has two branches in the Chicagoland area – we’re looking at the one off the Kennedy Expressway, within a bit of a distance of Western Station on the Blue Line and bus if you’re mad enough to do that… like me last time. 

I cheated – as I was on a bit of a deadline, and took a Uber over. 

Once outside, you just make your way in. 

And again -It’s nerd heaven. Just have your credit card nearby. Your lust for tech will be taking hits left right and centre. 

Now for those of you thinking “it’s just a big computer store”, I found it to be a lot more than that. 

Choose your case. I was tempted to get the parts for a PC and assemble it, there and then. 

With an iFixit toolkit of course (if you want to use a Linus Screwdriver, be my guest). 

I mean, I can build one of these. I just can’t fit it aboard my luggage sadly. 

Wireless kit? Check. 

Or wired. 

For example, do need keyboard switches for your mechanical keyboard? They got you covered. 

Your Anime Mouse? Easy.

The oddest cable or adaptor? Sorted. USB Sticks at a price that makes you feel that Staples is price-gouging you? For sure. 

Need a fleet of Boring Dell Business Machines? Sorted. 

I did say they were boring. Heck. There are devices in this lot I’ve given out in that lot. 

Hello Kitty Headsets? Check.

Or the Kraken Kitty if you’re so inclined. Just check a review or two. 

3D printers? There is a dedicated maker space. Good luck finding that in Currys. 

I’m going to be honest – it can be overwhelming, and if you’re not focused, you can lose hours in the place.

I had to be – I had some deadlines to hit with my trip. I wound up buying some SD Cards (always helpful to have, some USB Sticks and a spare USB Hub).

With the core things I needed, I was ready to explore a bit of Chicago. 

Overall. Do you need IT Kit? Do you need it at a crunch point? Micro Center has you covered.

Just make sure your credit limit is on the credit card. You might need it.

Next: Fooding around Chicago, Spring 2023.

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