| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
daveeslcafe888
Joined: 09 Apr 2011
|
 Posted: Sun Nov 20, 2011 4:05 am Post subject: Need to Buy a Computer, Any Advice? |
 |
|
Hi Guys,
I think my old netbook is getting too old to be used. I was wondering if you guys could give me some advice, based on your experiences;
1. Would you guys recommend buying in Korea or in the US?
2. Would you shop at big stores like Costco or small stores around?
3. Have you guys ever bought a computer and have it have trouble? How's the warranty?
(P.S. I know that I've been asking a lot of questions on the forum, I just want to make sure I'm not making any big mistakes, and being as thorough as I can before making big decisions about work, travel, etc.). |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
ttompatz
Joined: 05 Sep 2005
Location: Kwangju, South Korea
|
| Posted: Sun Nov 20, 2011 4:26 am Post subject: Re: Need to Buy a Computer, Any Advice? |
|
|
| daveeslcafe888 wrote: |
Hi Guys,
I think my old netbook is getting too old to be used. I was wondering if you guys could give me some advice, based on your experiences;
1. Would you guys recommend buying in Korea or in the US?
2. Would you shop at big stores like Costco or small stores around?
3. Have you guys ever bought a computer and have it have trouble? How's the warranty?
(P.S. I know that I've been asking a lot of questions on the forum, I just want to make sure I'm not making any big mistakes, and being as thorough as I can before making big decisions about work, travel, etc.). |
best advice I can give... look in the Technology Forum:
http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewforum.php?f=8
and buy it in the states before you come if you want a laptop.
It will be cheaper and in English.
. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Swampfox10mm
Joined: 24 Mar 2011
|
| Posted: Sun Nov 20, 2011 6:37 am Post subject: |
|
|
If you have the opportunity, most certainly purchase in the USA.
If something mid-level will do everything you need, then get it. Prices in this area are still competitive.
I've seen too many of the newest/greatest/fastest laptops suffer from heating issues. If you want to game, then get a desktop. That's just my opinion.
I like HP computers, and they are easily found and warranty work is easy to have done here. I know others don't like them, but I've had good luck with the ones I've helped other people get.
One last thing... I can't say enough about two free programs:
1. Avast Antivirus Free Edition
2. Malwarebytes anti-malware
Don't bother signing-up for any anti-virus deal the maker gives you. Just remove it and go with Avast Free. And run Malwarebytes every 2 weeks to a month, depending on your surfing habits. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
young_clinton
Joined: 09 Sep 2009
|
| Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2011 7:54 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Everyday that I scan my computer with my Panda antivirus program it takes out about 9 spyware programs. Go ahead and use Malwarebytes but for 24 dollars just buy the full program and be safer |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
eamo
Joined: 08 Mar 2003
Location: Shepherd's Bush, 1964.
|
| Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2011 8:23 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| young_clinton wrote: |
| Everyday that I scan my computer with my Panda antivirus program it takes out about 9 spyware programs. Go ahead and use Malwarebytes but for 24 dollars just buy the full program and be safer |
Gawd......you must spend hours everyday in the worst parts of the internet! Yuck!
And anyway, a paid-for spyware scanner doesn't actually scan for spyware differently than a free spyware scanner. They'll just have different extra (usually useless) features.
Paid-for anti-virus and spyware scanners are a waste of money. The free ones do the job. I know because I haven't had a virus in about 4 years.
Also, it's far more important to not use XP or IE than to pay for an anti-virus. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
sojusucks
Joined: 31 May 2008
|
| Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2011 8:57 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| I had a positive experience with Costco plus they have a good return policy if you have any problems. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Triban
Joined: 14 Jul 2009
Location: Suwon Station
|
| Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2011 9:10 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Best Advice:
Build your own. Easy and averages 20% cheaper. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
lizzylo
Joined: 08 Jun 2009
Location: Seoul
|
| Posted: Tue Nov 22, 2011 6:19 am Post subject: |
|
|
I just had to buy one here a few weeks ago which was really tricky because I needed a fairly powerful laptop for work since I'm a Designer and have to run a bunch of software, but could not get a desktop because it had to be portable for travel :/
I ended up getting an OK deal (just OK), but I would have gotten this same thing for a bit less if I had bought it back in the USA. If you have a choice, just buy it at home because it is cheaper for laptops. For a desktop, I'm not sure... you could build a pretty awesome-looking and/or powerful one here for a LOT less, but if its just a computer for internet and not working/gaming its not worth the trouble.
I had a month to return the laptop I bought and exchange if for something else, and I think (have to check) I have about 5 months that I can bring it in for repairs for free if something happens. They switched the system to English windows for me for free, but its nice because I still can access the Korean keyboard if I want.
I ended up needing more Ram for this thing, I checked online and was quoted at about $60 for the supplies needed to DIY~ went back to the shop and they quoted me at $50/ 50,000 and did it right in the shop for me for free while I waited which was nice.
If you do buy here, bring cash. They will not really haggle with you unless its cash... but even with cash I only got maybe $80 off my price and a free laptop bag. Not a bad exp, but it was a bit tedious. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
suwonsi
Joined: 25 Oct 2010
Location: SUWON
|
| Posted: Tue Nov 22, 2011 6:24 am Post subject: |
|
|
The language issue is redundant with Windows 7. I bght a laptop with korean windows 7 and changed the language within minutes using a free software. I had Windows 7 Home Premium in Ktorean.
I cannot comment on the price & config factor between US & Korea.
Good luck |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
jc1257
Joined: 22 Aug 2010
|
| Posted: Tue Nov 22, 2011 6:38 am Post subject: |
|
|
One advantage of buying a laptop in Korea is that it will usually have a keyboard with Korean keys labeled (everything will be the right place for an English speaker though). This has come in helpful many times typing words into Google translate or whatnot. It's a nice feature to have.
That being said, if you can, it will be cheaper to get one from the States, as long as you don't ship it here. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Triban
Joined: 14 Jul 2009
Location: Suwon Station
|
| Posted: Tue Nov 22, 2011 3:28 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| lizzylo wrote: |
I just had to buy one here a few weeks ago which was really tricky because I needed a fairly powerful laptop for work since I'm a Designer and have to run a bunch of software, but could not get a desktop because it had to be portable for travel :/
I ended up getting an OK deal (just OK), but I would have gotten this same thing for a bit less if I had bought it back in the USA. If you have a choice, just buy it at home because it is cheaper for laptops. For a desktop, I'm not sure... you could build a pretty awesome-looking and/or powerful one here for a LOT less, but if its just a computer for internet and not working/gaming its not worth the trouble.
I had a month to return the laptop I bought and exchange if for something else, and I think (have to check) I have about 5 months that I can bring it in for repairs for free if something happens. They switched the system to English windows for me for free, but its nice because I still can access the Korean keyboard if I want.
I ended up needing more Ram for this thing, I checked online and was quoted at about $60 for the supplies needed to DIY~ went back to the shop and they quoted me at $50/ 50,000 and did it right in the shop for me for free while I waited which was nice.
If you do buy here, bring cash. They will not really haggle with you unless its cash... but even with cash I only got maybe $80 off my price and a free laptop bag. Not a bad exp, but it was a bit tedious. |
Lizzy is you want deals on computer parts you have to search the Korean sites. I built a desktop with i5 2500k processor, 16 GB Corsair RAM, Gold Rated 1000-watt Corsair PSU and a MSi GTX560ti.
What would have cost me well over $2,000 anywhere else cost me $1,400 to put together myself. The trick is spending more than 10 minutes looking for what you want. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Swampfox10mm
Joined: 24 Mar 2011
|
| Posted: Tue Nov 22, 2011 3:32 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| eamo wrote: |
| young_clinton wrote: |
| Everyday that I scan my computer with my Panda antivirus program it takes out about 9 spyware programs. Go ahead and use Malwarebytes but for 24 dollars just buy the full program and be safer |
Gawd......you must spend hours everyday in the worst parts of the internet! Yuck!
And anyway, a paid-for spyware scanner doesn't actually scan for spyware differently than a free spyware scanner. They'll just have different extra (usually useless) features.
Paid-for anti-virus and spyware scanners are a waste of money. The free ones do the job. I know because I haven't had a virus in about 4 years.
Also, it's far more important to not use XP or IE than to pay for an anti-virus. |
Yep... it's your money, Clinton.
Malwarebytes is just a free second program I use along with something like Avast Antivirus.
And Panda doesn't have anywhere near the number of malware signatures Malwarebytes does. In fact, it's probably labeling your cookies as malware and making you think it's cleaning something important. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
lizzylo
Joined: 08 Jun 2009
Location: Seoul
|
| Posted: Wed Nov 23, 2011 4:10 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Triban wrote: |
| lizzylo wrote: |
I just had to buy one here a few weeks ago which was really tricky because I needed a fairly powerful laptop for work since I'm a Designer and have to run a bunch of software, but could not get a desktop because it had to be portable for travel :/
I ended up getting an OK deal (just OK), but I would have gotten this same thing for a bit less if I had bought it back in the USA. If you have a choice, just buy it at home because it is cheaper for laptops. For a desktop, I'm not sure... you could build a pretty awesome-looking and/or powerful one here for a LOT less, but if its just a computer for internet and not working/gaming its not worth the trouble.
I had a month to return the laptop I bought and exchange if for something else, and I think (have to check) I have about 5 months that I can bring it in for repairs for free if something happens. They switched the system to English windows for me for free, but its nice because I still can access the Korean keyboard if I want.
I ended up needing more Ram for this thing, I checked online and was quoted at about $60 for the supplies needed to DIY~ went back to the shop and they quoted me at $50/ 50,000 and did it right in the shop for me for free while I waited which was nice.
If you do buy here, bring cash. They will not really haggle with you unless its cash... but even with cash I only got maybe $80 off my price and a free laptop bag. Not a bad exp, but it was a bit tedious. |
Lizzy is you want deals on computer parts you have to search the Korean sites. I built a desktop with i5 2500k processor, 16 GB Corsair RAM, Gold Rated 1000-watt Corsair PSU and a MSi GTX560ti.
What would have cost me well over $2,000 anywhere else cost me $1,400 to put together myself. The trick is spending more than 10 minutes looking for what you want. |
I'm sure its all cheaper online (isn't everything) assuming he wants a $1400 computer though. Most people just want something they turn on and check e-mails with, so getting something custom made is a little tedious for them. In my case the added RAM was actually cheaper to just go to a shop guy here and have him snap it in for me VS ordering it online and having to fiddle with it myself. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
rgil627il
Joined: 31 Oct 2011
|
| Posted: Wed Nov 23, 2011 9:52 pm Post subject: Re: Need to Buy a Computer, Any Advice? |
|
|
| ttompatz wrote: |
| daveeslcafe888 wrote: |
Hi Guys,
I think my old netbook is getting too old to be used. I was wondering if you guys could give me some advice, based on your experiences;
1. Would you guys recommend buying in Korea or in the US?
2. Would you shop at big stores like Costco or small stores around?
3. Have you guys ever bought a computer and have it have trouble? How's the warranty?
(P.S. I know that I've been asking a lot of questions on the forum, I just want to make sure I'm not making any big mistakes, and being as thorough as I can before making big decisions about work, travel, etc.). |
best advice I can give... look in the Technology Forum:
http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewforum.php?f=8
and buy it in the states before you come if you want a laptop.
It will be cheaper and in English.
. |
^this |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
