Computer Store
Comp USA
The past year has not been kind to Dallas-based CompUSA. Stiff online competition and falling prices have forced "America's Largest Computer Superstore" to close its local Highland location and lay off several hundred employees. But the newly streamlined CompUSA has a much more efficient customer service setup and a burgeoning Web presence. And their gargantuan sales volume still means that they can offer highly competitive rates on all major brands of both hardware and software.
9503 Research, Ste. 300, 502-6800
http://www.compusa.com/
Computer Repair
Computer Nerdz
With a reputation as one of the most computer-dense cities in the world, it's no wonder Austin technicians -- especially the mobile kind -- are at a premium. Our readers' endorsement of those lovable nerds proves that they are fast, efficient, friendly, and professional. When your PC or Mac is ailing, that's comfort indeed.
4201 S. Congress, 441-6373
Internet Provider
Illuminati Online
Ten years ago, Illuminati was just a piddling little bulletin board system. Now it's one of the most popular ISPs in Central Texas. Their deep roots in the community are appreciated, their packages and rates are still attractive, and their equipment is top-of-the-line. But their best feature is their customer service -- phone calls to their help line are usually answered by the second ring whether you're calling at four in the afternoon or four in the morning.
2800 S. I-35, Ste. 220, 462-0999
http://www.illuminati.com/
Commerce Site
eBay
We went back and forth on our decision to run this category in our ballot. Our goal is to create categories that encourage votes cast for locals. But really, when you're talking the World Wide Web, you're talking about horizons expanding and the entire planet as your back yard. The San Jose-based eBay has all but defined the worldwide realm of online auctions and blows away all other contenders in this category. And with just a little bit of surfing, we realized that many, many Austinites participate in eBay's dizzying world of "high bidders" and "positive feedback." Go ahead, log on, pick a handle, and commence to bidding. You might start by doing a search for "Austin Texas."
408/558-7400
http://www.ebay.com
Austin Web Site
www.auschron.com
We swear we didn't rig it.
We swear we didn't rig it.
We swear we didn't rig it.
We swear we didn't rig it.
We swear we didn't rig it.
Yes, we really won again. Karen Rheudasil, the Chronicle's online/production manager, along with Webmaster Matt Williams, have set our lovely site on an ambitious path for the next millennium. Auschron's leap forward in design and user friendliness is in response to our readers' support and loyalty in the recent past. And boy, it sure looks purdy, too. Watch as our movie database and search capabilities get even snazzier. Congrats, kids, you earned it. Thank you, Austin!
4000 N. I-35, 454-5766
http://www.auschron.com
Online Guide to Austin
austin360
Austin360 is a one-stop portal for all your local news, information, and entertainment needs. They have it all -- detailed maps and driving directions, exhaustive restaurant/movie/music listings, up-to-the-minute weather reports, interviews and chat, travel and recreation tips, terrific local and national sports coverage, searchable databases of employment opportunities and classified ads, and great technology and real estate sections. New features are being added all the time -- even the complete contents of the day's Austin American-Statesman.
912-2500
http://www.austin360.com@cutline:
