Job Discussion Forums

[Lister100]

Hello everyone,

Sorry to flog a dead horse here but I really don't know squat when it comes to computers and a lot of the former posts didn't clear things up for me.

Here's the situation:
1. I am financially constrained.
2. Cannot speak or write Japanese but wish to use the internet in Japan.
3. Still in Canada and willing to bring a laptop overseas.
4. Have traditionally used PC's and have no experience with Apple computers at all.
5. Not very qualified at repairing or troubleshooting my computer.
6. Overall power is not essential so long as the computer can perform effectively.

What will cause me the least headaches and be the most conducive to my simple computer needs? Advice Please

[Celeste]

My husband and I went to a used computer shop and bought a laptop for about $500 CAD before we came to Japan two and a half years ago. Once we had saved some money, we bought a second one that had a better video card in it so that my husband could play violent video games. I would definitely look into getting a used laptop if you only need it for the internet. Make sure that it is "net ready" before you leave. (modem or ethernet card already installed)

When youe get here, either get in touch with asahi net or yahoo BB or any of the other service providers out there and you're away (getting accounts set up can take a long time but there are people who can help you do this in English.)

[Lister100]

Thanks Celeste,
How's the weather in Fukuoka?

I like the idea of saving some cash through a second hand shop, but I'm always a bit concerned that old computers bring problems with them.

Also, I'm a bit of a video game nerd myself. I don't need the newest games but I would like my computer to be able run a few games along with DVD's just to get through that initial loneliness and culture shock. Not that I'm planning to spend a lot of time in my room, but the transition should hit me fast. I'm going to Japan alone and will be the only English teacher at my school. Games and movies have always been a good stress reliever for me.

My price limit reaches to about $1500 Canadian. I just don't want to spend it on a computer that can't connect to the internet or has a meltdown within a month or something.

Thanks again for your help.

Will any Ethernet card or modem work in Japan?

[nawlinsgurl]

Your card will work fine in Japan. I have one from the States and it is fine. I cannot stress how important it is to have an 2-prong cord adaptor with you when you come. Being from the States, I have a 3-prong cord and when my battery died I had to plug the comp up to recharge. I live in a small town so when I finally got a chance to go to Yamada the electronics store, they didn't even have an adaptor for my cord. I was without my comp and net for three weeks (crazy for me) til I could go to a travel store and pay 2200 yen for one. (About $21 US) so make sure you pick one up in case you move to some rice paddy in Japan.

[Celeste]

$1500 will get you quite a decent computer at this time of year. GO to future shop or any big electronics place. They will probably have quite a few acceptable new models on sale right now. (THe weather in Fukuoka is cold, indoors and out!!!)

[shmooj]

[Lister100]

Thanks again to everyone that has responded,

I gather from your comments that the whole laptop problem isn't really as big a concern as I thought it might be.

I was worried that the internet worked on a different code or something(like the phones) and laptops bought in Canada wouldn't necessarily work unless they had the bilingual function Macs' offer. The whole debate about Japanese OS's and English OS's really had me confused because I really don't see how it benefits an English speaker to have their computer operate in Japanese(I still don't?)

Is it a software compatibility problem with upgrades, downloads, and new drivers for new harware? You're stuck with your computer as it is once you get there? If that's what it is I can live with that (excepting problems with the internet and downloads).

If make an assignment on my computer can I bring it on a disk to the school computer a print it off there? Do most schools carry word processors such as MS Word and WordPerefect?

[Gordon]

Regarding DVDs, you may or may not be aware there are different regions, so Japanese DVDs won't work on a NA player and vice versa and same goes with computers unless you get a region-free DVD player or program on your computer.

Most schools have compatible WORD so you won't have any porblems.

[shmooj]

[t.d.]

You can just break off the 3rd prong on the cord. It is only a ground plug, so no worries there. It pops off easy. I did it on my laptop. Laptops are great, but really, if you want, just grab a desktop. They are WAY cheaper and easier to get parts for if something goes awry. Plus, you can get the pc here, toss on an OS from the USA then snag a US keyboard (shops in major cities have them) then you are all set. The hardest part would be getting a US keyboard, and to be honest, it isnt too terribly difficult I think. Maybe just get the OS and Office Suite CD`s before you get here, and even ship yourself a keyboard (just to cover your butt).

[Nismo]

[Sody]

T.D and Nismo, thanks very much for the info. I was sorta fussing over the idea of buying a laptop before coming to Japan. Then I thought of bringing my OS disks to Japan and buying a laptop there, but the idea of buying a desktop is so much more appealing now that I know that prices there are cheap.

Sody

[Sody]

Found a place in Japan that sells "English" PCs. Not sure if this is any good or not though, perhaps someone in Japan can comment on the reputation of the company:

http://www.primepc.jp/goods_pc/goods_pc.php

I'm still a little unsure of whether to bring a laptop or not. I have a friend in Japan who told me that getting a clone here in Japan would not be that hard but selling it when you leave might be a problem. A laptop, however, you can take with you. Plus there is always the possibility that your desktop may be stolen from your apartment when you are working, although there is so little crime in Japan I doubt that this would happen. Still, if you move apartments a laptop would be convenient as well.

Sody

[Lister100]

I decided to pick up the Toshiba Satellite A70-KL1 laptop yesterday. I figured that the only thing it could hurt is my bank account (yikes). Worst case scenario it means that I can pack an electronic dictionary for home use, some video games and a few of my favorite movies. Also, I will be able to use my digital camera more conveniently. It guarantees that I will bring a little bit of home with me, which may be that extra incentive I need to go the distance.

[shmooj]