Filling The High-Tech Void

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By Steve Jusseaume

Hampton Union, Friday, August 2, 2002

David Longo is president and general manager of Hampton Computer.
[Staff photo by Jackie Riccardi]

HAMPTON - Responding to a growing market in the area of computer training, the owner of Hampton Computer recently opened the Seacoast's first full-service training center at its location on Route 1.

"There is a whole generation of computer owners who want to learn how to maximize their use of the compute, but, until now, had no place to go to learn," said Hampton Computer founder David T. Longo this week, during a tour of the new facility.

Hampton Computer was founded in April 1997 by Longo, president and general manager. A long-time Hampton resident, Longo started out as a telecommunications consultant, founding DTL Group Communications. With 13 years of broadcast and cable television experience, Longo transformed the company into a full-service computer-based retail operation in April 2000.

"I was first in the consulting business, but people would call me asking for repairs. I used to work out of my home, then rented a room, and gradually ended up here," Longo recalled.

Headquartered at 821 Lafayette Road in downtown Hampton, Hampton Computer offers sales, service and repair on all makes of desktop and laptop computers. With more than 200 desktop computers and more than 30 laptops in stock, Hampton Computer offers a selection of new and pre-owned computers on the Seacoast, all backed by up to a 90-day warranty on pre-owned computers, and a one-year warranty on new systems.

Since opening the business, Longo's operation has expanded to include web design. Hampton Computer's clients include the Hampton Rotary and a local pilot who is developing a Web site that highlights his worldwide travels. Paul Poisson is in charge of the Web site design.

"We've been working with clients to customize their own sites. We specialize in custom design, and at a fraction of the price that larger companies charge," Poisson said.

Recognizing the need for training, in May Longo opened the company's computer training center. The company offers group training or individual one-on-one training. Classes are tailored to the customer and conducted during the day, evenings or on weekends.

"We have an eight-station training room with TV output capability, as well as a smaller room for private training, and we customize our classes to fit the client's needs," bongo said.

"I've found that with so many people purchasing computers, there is a real need for training. The marketplace is expanding so fast. New computer owners have virtually nowhere to go. People can go the (Lane Memorial) library, but there are not too many opportunities for people to go to learn even the basics of computer operation. We are trying to fill that void."

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