Korean Job Discussion Forums

Kim Cummings · Joined: 18 Jul 2007 Location: Timberlea, NS, Canada

I want to buy a laptop to use in Korea (probably Jeju), but I've received different advice; some say I should waiit until I get to Korea, others say definitely bring one with me.

I've heard laptops can be surprisingly more expensive in Korea, especially when getting all the English programs I might want.

On the other hand, if I bring one from Canada, it might be difficult getting it serviced. I guess it would depend on the make...

Any advice out there???? Confused

[/list]

mindmetoo · Joined: 02 Feb 2004

I would say buy your laptop in Canada, totally. It's cheaper, you're assured to get a genuine copy of Windows, and you'll get the English driver CD. If you need Korean characters on your keyboard, you can buy a USB keyboard and plug it in. Quite easy. Actually, I have a Korean keyboard on my laptop and and I prefer a full sized plug in keyboard when using it as a base station.

As always, bring all your install CDs with you when you come to Korea.

(If you don't want a plug in keyboard, you can also get a sheet of sticker for your keyboard with the Korean fonts. Runs about $2-$3.)

amo_jh · Joined: 21 Jul 2007

hagwonnewbie · Joined: 09 Feb 2007 Location: Asia

Don't buy a laptop in Korea. You will waste 200-500 dollars. That is the difference in price. Korea has a smaller selection of computers. Unless you plan on learning fluent Korean, and typing Korean regularlly, you don't need to buy here. I bought a cheap one on sale in US and saw a similar model for 400 dollars more here. I have no regrets.

PBEnglish · Joined: 24 Nov 2006 Location: Shanghai

I agree with everyone else...buy it in Canada. I bought my laptop at Future Shop just before I came here, and when I started checking out the prices of the same laptop here, I found a difference of about $300.00.
The biggest headache is repairs, which is a headache I am involved with right now. The LCD in my monitor cracked, which then spiderwebbed and has ruined the monitor overall. Trying to explain to Toshiba's repair center (in Gagnam) that my computer is indeed under warrenty has been a headache.
But if you're prepared for the fact that if something does indeed go wrong, you might run into a problem, then I would say buy it in Canada.

Paul

dogshed · Joined: 28 Apr 2006

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

Kim Cummings · Joined: 18 Jul 2007 Location: Timberlea, NS, Canada

Actually, a desk top would be fine. I guess I should consider that. I really just want something for e-mailing & googling...I'll probably look into skype...

I'm wondering what issues I might run into trying to get a desk top...wouldn't I need to come to Korea with all the programs I'd need (in English) & then find a decent computer? (I'm a total newbie as far as computer shopping goes. I've never actually purchased one myself.)

Thanks for all the advice, everyone!

zappadelta · Joined: 31 Aug 2004

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

denistron · Joined: 21 Oct 2006 Location: Busan

If you buy a notebook, buy it in Canada.
If you want a desktop that you will only use for a year, you can get a used one for 100 bucks in Korea. The downside...it might be a few years old. I did that and it lasted me a solid year with little problems. When I finally got a notebook here I overpaid by a lot.

Also, if you buy a Windows Vista machine here it can easily be switched to English as long as it is the high end version of Windows.

Macs can also be activated as English with no problems.