Korean Job Discussion Forums

[UKKOR]

I heard rumours that having a Mac (Apple laptops) is a hassle in Korea because you have to use Internet Explorer for some websites and sometimes you cannot connect to wifi.

Has anyone had any problems with Macs?
In your opinion what is the best laptop to buy in Korea?

Thanks

[ThingsComeAround]

IE issue is true, especially if you want to do internet banking.
Biggest hassle. You can try virtualization software (VMWare / Parallels) and install Windows that way.

Other than that, I have used Macbooks my entire time and loved it. Connecting to wifi is the same as if you had an iPhone.

[duhweecher]

Yep, it says 2015....but for some reason I felt like this question was written in 2002.

First, does anyone still use Internet Explorer?

Second, there's no significant hassle anymore. Even internet banking isn't a problem. I use Standard Chartered, Woori Bank, and Nonghyup; they have all upgraded to mac OS compatibility. Pretty much ALL Korean sites are now compatible, so, no you won't need VMware anymore.

[cj1976]

I use a Macbook and I simply used Bootcamp to install Windows7. Mainly because I use PCs at work, and the Mac version of Office isn't 100% compatible with the PC version. I find if I make Powerpoint files on Mac, the format is often incompatible or looks different on PC.
Also, stuff like internet shopping is harder on Mac.

[ThingsComeAround]

I still enjoy the convenience virtualization software offers as Korean add-ons bloat your machine fast. They are also tough to remove.

IE makes things easier, and they are still run on 95% of Korean machines.

[young_clinton]

Samsung is the best. LG's are not as good and don't last as long. We had some guy teaching in the locality that had an LG, but he was from Canada, a little bit ignorant of normal things, and the children would complain that he smelled.

[Yaya]

I have a Toshiba laptop that I bought in 2010 for around 650,000 won plus bonuses, and have never had a problem with it. I'm not sure about Samsung models but they are pricey and I don't know their reliability stats.

I picked my Toshiba because it has a great track record for reliability along with Asus, though I might get a Lenovo next time.

[cj1976]

The biggest advantage of buying Samsung is that it easy relatively easy to find service centres should you have any problems.

[Underwaterbob]

Hansungs. They're re-branded Clevos available in a ridiculous number of configurations and dirt cheap for what you get. At least compared to similarly specced, brand name laptops. In the end, all the components come from China anyway. Might as well get em as cheap as possible.

http://www.monsterlabs.co.kr/

[Yaya]

[duhweecher]

I've got a 27 inch 2010 iMac and a 2011 Mac book Pro...and if this helps...I've never ever had a problem with either. This includes program issues that led to a need to force reboot or to re-download anything. Neither have I ever had a hardware issue with either.

My view: who cares about the 5 min inconvenience of any specific issue i've ever had with any website that isn't mac friendly.

Get a Mac.

[young_clinton]

[wooden nickels]

I have two Mac book pro notes, two years, and they have ran without a flaw. Never a reboot. Never a glitch. Operate as crisp as the day of purchase. Remarkable.

I have a Samsung notebook, two years, and it has been to After Service twice. Cosmetics wearing down and seems a little spongy from use.

I have two LG desktops, 4 and 5 years, and both have been problematic. Often need rebooting. Monitor issues. Reinstall windows and the list goes on.

Two Apple iPhone 6s, no problems.
Two Apple iPhone 4s, no problems.
One Apple iPhone 3, no problem.

One Samsung iPhone, Cracked screen.
One LG flip phone, died around 10th month.
One LG flip phone, broken hinge.
One Samsung phone, bad battery return.
One LG flip phone, Screen stopped working.

Samsung and LG have great After Service but ……………..

[Underwaterbob]

^^

This is just blind devotion to Apple. Comparing broken hinges and cracked screens. Tell it to my friend's thrice smashed iPhone 3 screen that cost over twice as much to replace as a comparable Samsung. Anecdotal evidence beats anecdotal evidence!

[Captain Corea]