Korean Job Discussion Forums

Missile Command Kid · Joined: 17 Jul 2006 Location: Daegu

I should mention that you cannot import Apple products. Let me repeat that: if you're in Korea, the only way you can buy an Apple computer is from Apple Korea (or from a family member ordering one to you and shipping it to you, which will result in some tax when it's shipped into the country). Just thought you'd like to know.

I ordered a 17" 2.0GHz iMac on Wednesday, and it arrived yesterday. Beautiful machine!

AbbeFaria · Joined: 17 May 2005 Location: Gangnam

denistron · Joined: 21 Oct 2006 Location: Busan

Anyone know when the Macbook pro core 2 duo will be out in Korea? It's out in Canada and the States already, but not available on the Korean Apple site. What gives?? I really want to get this thing. Will it be available here at all?

CBP · Joined: 15 May 2006 Location: Korea

Ohtay. So no Macs from outside Korea. This is a government regulation? Is there a Mac mafia? I've got way too much reading to do on the technology forum. Ugh.

Young FRANKenstein · Posted: Sat Oct 28, 2006 9:43 pm Post subject:

denistron · Joined: 21 Oct 2006 Location: Busan

Did you order directly from apple america and have it shipped or did you buy from a third party?

By the way, teachers and students can get a 5% disscount when buying a mac. I tried to order one, but they wouldn't allow me to use my Canadian credit card for some reason. They said their policy doesn't allow it. So I'm thinking of just paying cash when Korean money when I have the amount saved up. My first thought was to order from America or Canada, but after crunching the numbers and taking into account shipping, it looked more expensive to do it that way. Can you explain how you got such a good deal?

Young FRANKenstein · Posted: Sun Oct 29, 2006 5:18 am Post subject:

Missile Command Kid · Joined: 17 Jul 2006 Location: Daegu

jen_the_great · Joined: 09 Sep 2006 Location: Gangnam, Seoul

I thought I'd add my opinion if you're still thinking about it.

I'm so glad I have my macbook in Korea. The aiport card is amazing. I know a lot of people with laptops who can't pick up the signals that I can. Seoul is a wired place, but there aren't many open wifi signals, but I was able to get one in my apartment so I could use the internet right away. Skype <i>just</i> released a new version for mac with video, so you can use your built in webcam to chat with friends and family at home for free. The remote is also neat because you can watch movies or put your computer to sleep without having to get up, although the screen is pretty small. I got used to it fast and now using anything bigger than this seems gigantic. Your apartment will probably be small enough that everything seems big.

If it's your first time on a mac, there are some downfalls that I'm sure you're aware of. On the macbook, I don't like the glossy screen as it's hard to read in sunlight and smudges easily. Also, nothing stays white in Seoul, so be aware of that. You can get Office easily, so having compatible files isn't really an issue.

I don't know if there are any deals now, but in the summer in Canada all students (or people who knew someone with a student card) got a free ipod nano along with their student discount with mac laptop purchase. If you can get the discount, I'd buy it in North America. The applecare warrenty, which you'll probably want because it's international, is heavily discounted with a student card in Canada at least. I think the sticker price is $299 and you get it for $210 or something. Definitely get it before you go.

denistron · Joined: 21 Oct 2006 Location: Busan

Young FRANKenstein...

20% for desktops, 10% for laptops? When I called the customs they assured me their was no tarrifs for importing computers. It also says this on their website. And I got a korean to call and confirm this fact. There is a 10% transportaion fee on all imported products. Who exactly did you buy it from so I can try to get taht same deal?

Missile Command Kid...

I wasn't trying to buy a macbook from AppleUSA, but rather from Apple Korea using a Canadian credit card, and was denied. Same difference I guess. They told me they didn't allow me using an outside credit card because the computer is meant to be bought and used in korea. Sounds a bit hokie, but that's what they told me. They said "it's our policie to not accept foreigner credit cards". They wouldn't budge on it at all.

CBP · Joined: 15 May 2006 Location: Korea

I've noticed that my university always seems to offer great deals on Macs, so when I'm ready to buy I'll try ordering from them and have them ship it for me. I'd love to get a free i-thing (whatever it is; I'm so un-hip it's ridiculous), and that's a great point about being wireless. Macs make too many cute squeaky sounds. Eep! Beep! Veep! But the spyware/virus thing is my main concern. Also, there's this Mac clique that PC users don't really have. A Mac would make me feel ... somehow ... special. And loved. And PART of something ... meaningful.

Cool

Missile Command Kid · Joined: 17 Jul 2006 Location: Daegu

CBP · Joined: 15 May 2006 Location: Korea

Well, I'm sold on a Mac, especially with my interest in website design. The eeps! and zweeps! ... no problem. Thanks for all of your help.