Computer Stuff

In case you need to run out and get some odd computer cable you forgot, here are a few places sort of nearby.

• Peregrine Systems, 6133 N. Riber Rd, Rosemont, IL (847)954-8100.
• Circuit City, 5701 Touhy Ave, Niles, IL (847)647-1440.
• Best Buy, 4100 N. Harlem Ave, Chicago, IL (708)583-1839.

and far, but fun.

• Fry's, 3300 Finley Rd, Downers Grove, IL (630) 390-2100

Geek-related

The Apple Store: Located on the Magnificent Mile (Michigan Avenue from the river to Watertower Place, around 900 N.). Its an easy taxi ride from anywhere downtown; if you're already on Michigan Avenue near the river, its a reasonable walk (from the river probably 10 minutes). There is also an Apple Store in Schaumburg's Woodfield Mall in the NW suburbs.

Microcenter: This is a great store with lower than average prices (for Chicago at least). But, its a goodly cab ride and not near an EL stop. If you take a cab, ask them to wait for you - you're unlikely to find an empty cab on the street Microcenter is on. Its about a 10 minute drive out from downtown.

American Science & Surplus: A cool source of scientific, educational, and entertaining items, often at well below retail prices. There's a store at 5316 N. Milwaukee Avenue, about 5 miles (8 km) from the hotel, near the Jefferson Park El station on the Blue line (3 stops away).

Bibliomania

Quimby's: Specialists in the importation, distribution, and sale of unusual publications , aberrant periodicals, saucy comic booklets and assorted fancies as well as a comprehensive miscellany of the latest independent 'zines' that all the kids have been talking about.

Myopic Books

Women & Children First

Centuries & Sleuths

General Shopping

A fairly nifty map of Magnificent Mile shopping