Job Discussion Forums

[shoeboy]

Hey,

Im thinking of moving to Jeddah soon and need to know about internet speeds. I need to be able to stream NBA basketball games into my computer at up to 1.5 MBPS to get acceptable quality. Do internet connections in Jeddah get that high?

Thanks

[johnslat]

Dear shoeboy,
I'd say trap's (trapezius) your man on this one - Jeddah-based and technologically very literate (as his avatar illustrates.)
Regards,
John

[trapezius]

^ Thanks... hahahah!

Internet through cellular towers is available, speed is 7.2 Mbps. This will set you back SR. 200/month for a 5 GB bandwidth package and SR. 350/month for unlimited bandwidth.

DSL is available from 128 Kbps all the way to 20 Mbps. The higher speeds are not available in all areas. But I am sure speeds of 4 Mbps and 8 Mbps are available in most areas.

Of course, you will have to pay dearly for such high DSL speeds. 4 Mbps and 8 Mbps will cost anywhere between SR. 400 and SR. 600 per month, depending on the provider.

You are better off with the mobile internet.

[dareva]

What about laptops? are they cheaper or same compared to price you'd expect to pay in Europe? also, is the quality, authentic software and guarntees reliable there? I have a laptop, so I can bring mine - but it's in need of updating so I'm wonderign whether I should buy a new one before coming to KSA or get one there? I 'm looking to buy an Apple mac. Any advice?

[trapezius]

I don't know about Europe, but they are definitely more expensive than what you would find in the US, about 25% to 50% more expensive depending on the model and depending on whether you buy from a store in the US or from a web retailer. There are no web retailers, so the prices are a bit high, but they aren't that high.

Yes, you can rely on the software and the warranties.

Now Macs are another story.... they are quite pricey here, as they aren't very popular here, and aren't sold everywhere. The laptop you already have, is it a Mac? If so, I would suggest taking it to a tech place and letting them delete everything (after backup!) and reformatting the laptop. If you have to buy another one, get one before coming.

If you can go shop around a bit and get me the prices of a few models and their specs, then I can go and look for the prices of the same models here.

OK, I did some research online and Macs seem are quite expensive in Europe compared to their prices in the US. Click here:

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/shop_mac/family/macbook_pro/
http://store.apple.com/uk/browse/home/shop_mac/family/macbook_pro/
http://store.apple.com/de/browse/home/shop_mac/family/macbook_pro/

13 inch 2.26 GHz MacBook Pro:

US: $1,200
UK: $1,500 (GBP 900)
DE: $1,675 (Euro 1,150)

13 inch 2.13 GHz MacBook:

US: $1,000
UK: $1,250 (GBP 750)
DE: $1,385 (Euro 950)

Fully spec'ed out 17 inch 3.06 GHz MacBook Pro, just for giggles:

US: $6,655
UK: $7,960 (GBP 4,770)
DE: $8,450 (Euro 5,788)



Looking at the 2 'normal' ones, it is clear prices in the UK are 25% more than US prices, and prices in Germany are 40% more than US prices.

In that case, you can get your Mac laptop here, as the prices here are comparable to the UK prices. Just slightly more perhaps, but well below the German prices.

However, if you are buying a Windows laptop, then it would be cheaper to buy it from Europe I think, as the prices in Europe should be comparable to US prices.

[Stephen Jones]

The problem with DSL through telephone wires is if you can get a connection or not. You've also got to remember that maximum speed varies according to how far you are from the exchange. I'd read the contract carefully for mobile broadband. If it says speeds up to 7.2Mbps then you know you're been offered a vague promise and nothing else.

[shoeboy]

Thanks much

[dareva]

Hey Trapezius,
thanks for all the information - vey useful. I did some price researches myself, but I just wasn't able to get a comparison with KSA prices. Currently, I'' either bring a Toshiba or IBM with me and I'll buy a MAc there. I used to have a MAc before my Toshiba and I prefer them. I know, that they are generallly more expensive than the PC types (yes, the 17" prices gave a giggle too - I larfed so much, my wallet fell out of my pocket!)..I'm just curious, why are you suggesting I get my computer (most likey, IBM, reconfigured?)

[trapezius]

Laptops become very slow as they get old. Just a couple of years after buying brand new, they could be as much as 50% as fast (it used to take 10-15 sec for a folder to open on my old laptop!!!). If you back up all your data and have the hard disk reformatted, they become like new as far as speed goes, just as they were when they were purchased.

[Linda467]

Trap, you are absolutely right on laptop configurations. For some years I have been checking prices on both sides of the Atlantic and found the States cheaper and carrying a lot more options for every single item than anywhere else, even on line. I bought from compusa and was very happy with it.

Rule of thumb USA 50% cheaper than continental Europe, UK around 25% cheaper, depending on the stores and Germany you have to look for shops, Media Markt has really good special offers sometimes if you have one in your city - German franchise all over Europe.

I�m bringing my cheepy Acer and hope I can watch some movies online like I do now as I�m not bringing any CDs or DVD for that matter

[veiledsentiments]

[Linda467]

VS

I have an Aspire as well, a bit older model than yours 5633 WLMi with Vista. I had 5 but given away two laptops to friends and just keep the old fashioned HP Desktop, my travelling Sony Vaio and this one which I am happy with except that Vista has so many problems with software compatibility.

Not an expert as Trap, just a humble user that have learned by trial and error along the way

[veiledsentiments]

Yes, Vista can be a pain, but it hasn't been as bad as I expected... and I have already ordered my update to Windows 7 when they put it out on a pre-order sale for $49.

My computer guru (who is actually a Mac guy) swears it will cure most of my minor ills.

VS