Korean Job Discussion Forums

[tombirner]

Hey guys,

Computer moron here... I've never had good luck with laptops, so I think I'm going to buy a desktop. I hear they're dirt cheap right now- is this true??

I really don't need much. I'm not a 'gamer' and barely download anything. I download movies but delete them when I'm finished. I have about 30 Gs in music, a bunch of long MS Word documents (that don't really amount to anything memory-wise), maybe a hundred pictures. I really only want to use the internet and type on it.

So I'd like to keep it simple (read: cheap). As long as it doesn't break in a year and isn't an over piece of crap. I hear I can get decent desktops for like 300,000W right now. Anyone have any advice about this?? I've heard that price often doesn't include everything integral to using the computer... again, don't do anything fancy on it- as long as it has a DVD player and all the basics, I'm fine.

[RufusW]

I've been advised by someone on this board to just check out the systems at computer shops. I would think the main thing you're looking for is actually just the DVD drive. Most of the computers they sell are going to do anything you want - maybe check for at least 2.5G processor or something, and then a harddrive as big as you want. Download/Find Eng XP cheap. You might struggle with a flat screen and computer for 300,000. Bring along a Korean speaker so you can bargain and get a 6 month guarantee..... I hope someone comes along with some more detailed advice :)

[eamo]

Just go to Sun-in Plaza in Yongsan and pick the PC you like and can afford from the range of suggested systems. They'll then make it for you on the spot.

The main store located in the center of Sun-in Plaza, ground floor, offer competitive prices for full systems. Last time I was there it was from around 450,000 to 900,000.

[ChinaBoy]

yeah, if all you're doing is the internet and typing, you can choose any one of them.. the English XP is a good choice..

I think I read once you could find legit copies of it here, but I don't remember where.. I bought it on Ebay for $90 and had it shipped

[tombirner]

Wait, so I have to purchase a separate Windows system after buying a computer in Korea?? So if I don't, I turn on the computer and nothing happens??

What's the total cost for a desktop that won't break in a year and isn't a really obvious piece of junk whose parts work?

[RufusW]

[eamo]

[tombirner]

Is this Windows issue only for a desktop? Because I bought a laptop in Korea a few months ago and it took them like ten minutes to set it up- I don't know what they did, but as far as I know nothing they did cost extra, and Windows and everything worked fine...

[Juregen]

If you really scrounge you could make one for 300k, I was capable of making one for 330k last year, sans software.

[Ukon]

Forget building, just check the used websites and buy and sell forums here.....plenty of expats will sell you a desktop CHEAP.

[bassexpander]

There are lots of used systems for sale in the Sun-in Building at Yongsan as well. In my opinion, for what you want, just get one with on-board graphics. Less to go wrong.

[madoka]