Job Discussion Forums

Griff-James · Posted: Sat Aug 30, 2008 4:40 pm Post subject: Second hand PCs

How much would a decent second hand PC cost in Saudi?

trapezius · Posted: Sat Aug 30, 2008 6:57 pm Post subject:

Why are you looking for a second hand PC? And where exactly where would you buy one?

PCs have become very cheap here. Heck, even laptops have come down to SR. 2,500 and under for a basic one. DO NOT get a second hand PC, even if you find one. It will be terribly slow, and might be plagued. Pick up a new one including monitor for under SR. 2,000. If that's still too much, get a new CPU and second hand monitor (again, there are not many avenues to buy used electronic and computer equipment in SA).

If you can get one from the US, they are even cheaper there. You can get a basic laptop for $400, which is SR. 1,500. (yes, a laptop)

sheikh radlinrol · Joined: 30 Jan 2007 Posts: 1222 Location: Spain

brasscat · Posted: Sat Aug 30, 2008 11:27 pm Post subject: Why buy a problem?

Viruses and Worms are common in second hand PCs, especially in Saudi.

Even when you buy a new one in KSA a good per centage have unlicensed software installed. Micro-sloth is a real pain for checking software legality.

You can buy excellant laptops in the USA. The Dell Inspiron 1525 is perfect for use in the Sand Box.
brasscat

mistral · Joined: 17 Feb 2007 Posts: 93 Location: Herat Afghanistan

Nowadays, many colleges will provide you with a laptop. Third County Nationals used to do a roaring trade in used PCs. Even they can afford new ones now.

trapezius · Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2008 9:12 am Post subject: Re: Second hand PCs

Griff-James · Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2008 12:23 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the advice.

I don't want a new PC as I don't want to lug it back at the end of the contract and already have a Quad Core PC at home.

I just need one to prepare lesson plans and exercises.

brasscat · Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2008 1:38 pm Post subject: On Compound Market

The on compound market for used PCs at PMU is hot. Most end of contract people sell them fast. The school kids are always needing a PC.

PMU does provide all faculty with a University Laptop. It has all the programs you will need for lessons and grades. A wireless set-up is included.

Jarrir in Al-Khobar has some very nice PCs, no interest. Good software support too.
brasscat

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

My advice is to wait to see what your employer provides and if you still need one, get a laptop. You can sell it when you leave, but it is useful anyway to have a desktop and a laptop.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

You can economise on clothes too. There is a place in downtown Dammam that sells recycled clothes.

And don't forget the free Iftar breakfast at some of the larger mosques during Ramadan.

johnslat · Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2008 4:11 pm Post subject:

Dear scot47,
Fascinating tips on thriftiness in the Kingdom. Have you ever thought of compiling a book of such information?
Maybe it could be entitled "Saudi Arabia on 500 Riyals a Month."

The only problem is that its target audience would most likely be highly reluctant to pay the purchase price.

Regards,
John

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

I am not now, and never have been, a member of the 500 Club.

johnslat · Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2008 5:26 pm Post subject:

Dear scot47

Hmm, what does that reply remind me of?

Ah, I recall:

"HUAC achieved its greatest fame and notoriety with its investigation into the Hollywood film industry. In October 1947, the Committee began to subpoena screenwriters, directors, and other movie industry professionals to testify about their known or suspected membership in the Communist Party, association with its members, or support of its beliefs. It was at these testimonies that what became known as the "$64 question" was asked: "Are you now or have you ever been a member of the Communist Party of the United States?"

Regards,
John

007 · Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2008 10:33 pm Post subject:

Of course, Uncle Scot is not a member of 500 Club or 300 Club!
Uncle Scot is a member of the underground Scottish brigade known as SSP (Scottish-Saudi Party), which changed its name from SSP (Scottish Socialist Party (SSP) in 2007)! Laughing

BTW, the SSP is banned in the magic kingdom!

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

The real SSP was active in the anti-Poll-Tax campaign. It was discredited when its leader, Tommy Sheridan, was involved in some hanky-panky.

The main player in Scottish Independence is still the SNP - of which I am a member. We are heading for a referendum on Independence in 2010. Speed the Day !