Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Qinella]

Okay, here's the situation. I need a computer. I'm sick of PC bangs and the piece of crap at my school being my only options. My first question is this:

Should I get a laptop or a desktop?

I'm planning to stay in Korea at least another two or three years, desktops are typically more bang for the buck, and I can't maneuver as easily on a laptop keyboard. In addition, I have my hard drive from home, which would make having a tower to plug it into handy.

However, a laptop would be more portable. That's about the only plus I can think of.

Back home, I worked briefly for my father assembling computers part time. I've probably put together sixty or more PCs, so I'm capable of getting my own. However... the BIOS setup and Windows installation were all in English. If I buy the components here in Korea, am I going to have to deal with Korean BIOS? Would it be easier for me to just go out and buy a new or used computer that's already built?

And, if I do take the DIY route, what can someone recommend as a good place for parts shopping? While in Seoul one time, I went to a rather large outdoor market where people sold all kinds of computer equipment. I don't remember the name of it, but I'm sure some folks know what I'm talking about. Is that a good place to find bargains?

Any suggestions or considerations I haven't mentioned?

Thanks,
Q~

[keithinkorea]

If you put together 60 comps why are you asking us? I've made 5 or 6 and it is easy peasey!

Just go down to Yongsan, pick up the bits and build your own.

Not flaming or anything but. Go and get your bits at Yongsan, take them home and put it together. It only takes a few hours to do the lot.

If you install an operating system in English, the lot of it is in English.

How did you build these computers?

[Bulsajo]

I think you already know the answer, Q.
In 2-3 years you'll be ready to sell any laptop you buy now anyway, whereas you could still upgrade, sell or strip your desktop.
More options. Less initial cost.

I'll be that there will be someone reading this thread who would be more than happy to show you the ins and outs of Yongsan some.

[Qinella]

[Qinella]

Oh, one more question for the Yongsan veterans. How much money can I expect to spend if I buy all the components, minus a monitor and hard drive?* I'm not looking for exactly top of the line, but somewhere in the ballpark of 2ghz processor, 1g of RAM, and good video and sound cards. Also, do the vendors there tend to accept foreign cards, or will I need a big wad of cash?

Thanks for the help.


*I already have a 100gb hard drive that I brought from home and I'd prefer to buy the monitor a little closer to where I live (Sintanjin) since they're so heavy.

[Demophobe]

BIOS is in English.

For "good" stuff, expect to pay 1.2 ~ 1.5 million...much more if you want.

Cash. You will get a better deal with cash. Besides, they may not beable to use your card. I have had trouble there before with a card.

Yongsan online: (it's not outdoor)

http://www.danawa.co.kr

[keninseoul]

[keithinkorea]

[Demophobe]

[keithinkorea]