Job Discussion Forums

TCK · Joined: 10 Apr 2012 Posts: 3

Hey all!
My Macbook (limping along in year #5) sorta survived HaNoi last year and needs to be replaced before I return to Vietnam in a few months. I am not a committed Mac user; I definitely appreciated what seemed to be good virus protection, but other than that, am indifferent to OS. What are your experiences? Do I drop a wad and go Mac, or save a few $$ and "go back?"

Jbhughes · Joined: 01 Jul 2010 Posts: 254

When it comes to laptops, most people I've seen with laptops in VN seem to be fairly avid windows users. Basically all software here is pirated, too. You may find a lack of support as a Mac user. Did you find that when you were here before?

What brings you back to VN, out of interest?

skarper · Joined: 12 Oct 2006 Posts: 477

I'm in a similar boat - but am set on getting an iMac later this year.

I'm just holding out for the new version with USB 3.0 and any other improvements.

There is much more Mac Support available now in Vietnam. 3 shops in Danang and there must be more in HCMC and Hanoi. Futureworld in HCMC did a good job on mine when it needed some work. (and didn't charge for me anything).

My take on the Mac v PC thing is that a good quality PC costs nearly as much as a Mac anyway.... Add in the better virus protection and so and it's no contest.

mark_in_saigon · Joined: 20 Sep 2009 Posts: 837

My very good friend has one, the primary issue we find is the lack of compatibility with the rest of the world. He is not a highly skilled user, my skills are with the Windows related hardware/software. We find he has a lot of issues with interfacing with everyone else. If you are really good with your software, or do not have to constantly mess with files from Windows users, it is probably not as big an issue. Maybe analogous to my love for the old Honda 67. Great bike if you can find someone who knows how to fix the clutch. Otherwise, better to stick with the generic, modern bikes.

I'm With Stupid · Joined: 03 Sep 2010 Posts: 432

TCK · Joined: 10 Apr 2012 Posts: 3

Thanks! I appreciate the insights.

VietCanada · Joined: 30 Nov 2010 Posts: 590

Don't forget Linux OS. It's free, light and has hundreds, maybe thousands of free apps aka software. Much of it for educators. Put it on your Assus.

One example http://www.ubuntu.com/ but there are other distros that have become quite popular.

Incredible forums for help if you need it. I use it on my Pressario and a PC I built. I hook up my laptop to the LCD TVs I find in public schools to enhance my lessons.

OliverN · Joined: 10 Apr 2012 Posts: 41

Old Surrender · Posted: Sat May 12, 2012 10:39 am Post subject:

I second VietCanada. Ubuntu is the way to go. My wife's Powerbook (yes, POWERBOOK) died two years ago when we were in China and ended up buying a cheap netbook with pirated windows and word. It would stay online for five minutes and then quit.

I loaded ubuntu, and it still works perfectly today.