Korean Job Discussion Forums

Thunndarr · Joined: 30 Sep 2003

So, I finally took that computer shopping trip I mentioned a couple months ago to get a friend of mine a computer.

First off, his requirements were fairly simple. He wanted a 19 inch lcd monitor first and foremost, after that, his needs were pretty simple; he wanted to do web-surfing and watch movies. Oh, and he wanted to spend less than 600,000 won.

Not an impossible task by any means. However, I also had to consider the kind of computer I would consider recommending to a friend, which basically meant it needed to have a dedicated graphics card, a dvd burner, a name brand motherboard, an acceptable power supply, and a larger than 80 gb hard drive.

So, with this list of requirements, along with a 19 inch LCD, and my work was definitely cut out for me. To be honest, I didn't think it was possible to get a machine that I personally would consider using as well as the monitor for that price, but I figured I'd give it a shot.

I spent a few days searching online, scoping out the various deals and getting a feel for the market before deciding on some stats. Here's what the final spec looked like.

CPU: AMD 64 3000+ (Retail)
Ram: DDRII 512 MB (Samsung)
M/B: ASRock something or other
Video: Geforce 7300 GS
HD: Seagate 160 gb SATAII
DVD: LG Multi DVD burner
Case: Generic ATX
Power: Generic 350W
Speakers: El Cheapo desktop stereo speakers and subwoofer.
Monitor: 19 inch (Widescreen!) 1440x900 LCD. Pretty generic, 700:1 contrast, 8ms response time.

Total price: 590,000 won, assembly included but no Windows.

Not bad. I'm sure others on here could have done better, but still, I figure this, overall, is a fairly decent machine, considering the budget and system requirements.

Oh, and what I meant by the title of this post. I definitely thought this deal was too good to be true, and I was pretty much convinced that something was fishy, like the parts were hot or something. However, everything (except the mouse) worked like a charm right out of the box. Windows installation went perfectly, and as of a couple hours after setting it up, everything was running smoothly.

Demophobe · Joined: 17 May 2004

Good work mate! A good machine and a great price. You friend is lucky to have you looking out for him.

Success! Cool

eamo · Joined: 08 Mar 2003 Location: Shepherd's Bush, 1964.

600,000 including a decent 19'' LCD is a great score. The other specs look like just what your friends needs.

It's nice to see a story of someone shopping for, and getting, just what they need.

Dodgy Al · Joined: 15 May 2004 Location: Seoul

Hey Thundarr. I'm curious as to where you got such a good deal. My gf wants to get a computer, but she's convinced the best option is to spend one million won on one of those home shopping channels! Rolling Eyes

Any links to prove her wrong would be great. Thanks.

rocklee · Joined: 04 Oct 2005 Location: Seoul

I think you did well, but considering the smallish hard disk and the fairly standard 19" monitor, the price would be about right if not a little expensive.

Thunndarr · Joined: 30 Sep 2003

Thunndarr · Joined: 30 Sep 2003

Dodgy Al · Joined: 15 May 2004 Location: Seoul

I get the feeling Samsung et al, are able to charge more at certain outlets, by taking advantage of comsumers' lazy ignorance. More fool them! Very Happy

I checked out Danawa and it seems to be a price comaprison website, with vendors selling pretty much everything. As an example, I searched for the Samsung CLP 300 Laser printer. I found one which was being sold for 280k. In Lotte Mart it was 340k! This bodes well for when I eventually get round to looking for a computer. But with the gf being a technophobe, and me being rather crap at Korean, this could be long process!

Thanks for your help Thundarr.