Korean Job Discussion Forums

[crazy teacher]

I certainly dont need, but really want a new mac laptop, I hope to go to a few places in asia so could pick one up on route. Where is the cheapset place in asia to buy them and how do the prices compare to the rest of the world?

And before you mac haters pipe in that a pc is way cheaper and are better for x, y and z reasons- Ok I belive you its just that I am a sucker and love everything to do with a mac!

[Eunoia]

Apple seems to keep their prices pretty well-regulated. Here in HK there are a few stores that sell Apples, and the prices are always the same as the main "Apple Store". (Which, for some reason, ALWAYS give a 10% discount off everything.)

Anyway.

Check Apple's website. Go to "store", then click "International" (on the right). Check the prices there, then use your favorite on-line currency calculator. You'll see they're pretty much the same price wherever you go.

(And if any Apple dealer in Korea tries to charge you more than what the website is asking, let Apple know.)



Now, finding Mac software and accessories in Korea - that's going to be a whole different can of cannoli!

[jaebea]

As Eunoia said, within countries, the pricing of Apple gear will be very standardised, with very little difference between hardware vendors.

I've found that Apple gear was a fair bit cheaper in Japan (for some odd reason) than many places, including Korea.

Apple also offer educational and research discounts in certain countries (Australia for one), so it might be worth checking out if you're eligible, or if they even offer the program in Korea. :)

Example.

Apple Korea Store

The 15" 1.5 Ghz Powerbook is 2,550,000 won.

Apple Japan Store

The 15" 1.5Ghz Powerbook is 230,790 yen.

At current exchange, that's 2,133,749.50 won.

So you're spending 400K won extra in Korea than Japan. It's across the board, with iPods etc.

The percentage difference can be from 10 to about 20% depending on the item.

The 17" Powerbook has a 500K won price difference, about 16%. That's decent money, enough for a ticket. I don't know the tax rules in Japan for travellers, but that includes tax. You *may* be eligible for a tax free purchase, which knocks down the difference to almost 700K.

HK has prices comparable to Japan. Korea seems to be oddly more expensive than surrounding countries.

jae.

[Demophobe]

Better buy one soon....Apple are going Intel.

[mindmetoo]

[mishlert]

From WinXP News: Want to Install XP on your Macintosh?
Tue, Jun 14, 2005 (Vol. 5, 24 - Issue 180)

[rumpolestitskin]