[phatskat]

The ability to have those parts was lost without the access and distribution enabled by widespread internet.

I would walk to to my local radio shack at least once a week for different parts for a few years as my friend and I were constantly modding our consoles, breaking our computers, and making little gadgets.

I’d love a place I could walk into now and get a breadboard kit or a potentiometer, and it’s just not there.

[hellotheretoday]

Microcenter still does but it costs 50% more for worse quality parts and the selection is still not great. Handy if you need flux or solder in a pinch though

[phatskat]

My nearest Microcenter is about 200 miles away, but maps did return a similar local shop I’ll have to check out!