Buying new laptop recommendations

Kassie

Hello everyone, Im just wondering if someone is able to help me out in regards to buying a laptop in bali. Where are some good places to check out? Basically im not after the best thing out but just something reliable, and that i can get wireless connection on. Also can anyone tell me a few places where i could use it and connect to the internet with the wireless? I am moving to bali on wednesday at this stage for a year and will be studying at uni. So i think it will come in handy. I do have an offer for a second hand laptop here in australia and was going to connect to wireless here but then realised it will be a different network in bali correct? I dont really no a whole lot about it so if any one can off any advice on a good laptop, prices, extras to get with the laptop, where to buy it and wireless connection it would be greatly appreciated! thanks kassie :)

Sanurian

[b]RE: Buying laptop and wireless[/b] Hi [b]Kassie[/b] You will find [b]many[/b] laptops to choose from, suiting all budgets, at a place called [b]RIMO[/b] (Jalan Diponegoro, Denpasar). It's a 3-4 storey building full of computers, pirated software/DVDs and hand-phones. Having said that, and if you go there, it's easy to get confused...especially if you're not sure exactly what you want. I know of another computer place in Denpasar. It's a small store but I've used its services for many years, bought lots of equipment there (even cheaper than the various outlets in RIMO). What I'm saying is that I have complete faith in them and have never been ripped-off. If you feel like you're starting to lose your mind in RIMO, please feel free to send me a PM (Personal Message). I'd be more than happy to help you find what you want. :D

Dasha

[b]RE: Buying laptop and wireless[/b] Sanurian is quite right Kassie. This Toshiba Portege notebokk I am using right now retails $1200 USD in Java March 2007. The same unit retails for $3200 AUD over here Give Phil a buzz when you get to Indo :D :D

FreoGirl

[b]RE: Buying laptop and wireless[/b] Oh bugger I just realised you said you are going to Bali on Wednesday, so no time to research etc as I said above. Well I'd still try to do some research before you go - but looks like you don't have time to do much.

FreoGirl

[b]Re: RE: Buying laptop and wireless[/b] [quote=Allan] International warranties are limited if you try to claim on them in a country other than where you purchased the item. Also Dell does not have a service centre in Indonesia.[/quote] Dell used to have a service centre in Indonesia - I've dealt with them, but that was 3 years ago. Maybe they closed it? Do you know which brands do have an international warranty AND a service centre in Indonesia these days?

FreoGirl

[b]RE: Buying laptop and wireless[/b] Hi Kassie Hope I don't confuse the issue too much, but my advice is you should do your research as to what you need and buy in Australia. There are some excellent deals for student type laptops in Australia these days. Also - buy new not second hand, and if possible with a 3 year warranty. Sounds like you are not too clear on the technology, so probably better to start looking around here and educate yourself a bit - being assisted by people who speak English well - rather than try to do it in Bali or on-line from Jakarta. If I was you, I'd go somewhere like Harvey Norman as a starting point. Work out the difference between a 'student' type laptop, and a 'gaming' type laptop (other categories are lightweight/traveller, and business). [i]Also take a look at the recent Choice article (read for free in your local library) on exactly this subject.[/i] I only suggest Harvey Norman as a place to start learning what you want. Once you've narrowed down your choice, then search around on the internet in Australia for the best price. You can save a lot of money buying laptops on-line rather than retail - unless the retailer has a particularly good deal going on. Most laptops will have wireless LAN. All that does is make the laptop compatible to receive signals from a wireless modem. Wireless modems are generally only used with either LANS (like in an office or maybe a university), or at home if you've got broadband. In Bali you might only have good old slow dial-up so you won't be wireless anyway, at home at least. Also remember to look at the warranty. Some only offer a warranty for the country you are buying in. I recommend you stay away from the cheap Toshibas - they are not good quality and often need trips back to the repairers which is highly inconvenient when you are in Bali. I would recommend you look at a Dell - something like an Inspiron 1420 - Dells have an international warranty. Some additional advice on configuration: If it has Windows Vista you really need a minimum of 1GB of RAM, ideally 2 GB. See if you have the option for Windows XP and upgrade to Vista later when it's not so troublesome. Make sure you have plenty of HDD space so you can download/store music etc. When you are operating the laptop in Bali, make sure you use a voltametre to stop your laptop being fried by power spikes sorry this has turned into a mini-novel! Hope you get something out of it.

InAdelaide

[b]RE: Buying laptop and wireless[/b] I just bought a new Toshiba laptop from Rimo for about $850 AUD, best to buy with wireless and original software, I bought a local brand 12 months ago from the same guys and there service is good, just had initial problems as if you have copy sofware and use the internet you can have problems . Toshiba is the most reliable laptop, and robust you can use wireless free if you buy a drink or eat at many places in bali, if you want Indosat has 3G is very good service and the service staff are good

BaliLife

[b]RE: Buying laptop and wireless[/b] isn't singapore usually the cheapest for all this kind of stuff? i dunno, but whenever we buy electronics, we buy em in singapore - there's far less hodge-podge stuff goin on there - BUT i confess, i've never looked in indo and it seems like sanurian and dasha have a good place.. i've experienced hong kong electronics shopping, and well let's just say i ended up telling a guy in nathan road to go and do something quite obscene to his mother.. ct

Dasha

[b]RE: Buying laptop and wireless[/b] Im with you Adelaide. Buy new Buy Toshiba Buy in Indonesia - local waranty, half the price.

FreoGirl

[b]RE: Buying laptop and wireless[/b] Can't agree on the Toshiba (IF you are getting one of the cheaper models) unless you actually want to try out the warranty service. But if you do go Toshiba, make sure you've got an extended warranty, because if you take a 12 month warranty the laptop will last you 366 days, just about guaranteed. Can cite so many examples of this it's not funny.

Dasha

[b]RE: Buying laptop and wireless[/b] Iv'e got the copy.. Buy Toshiba and turn your pussy into a dancing Indonesian Princess. AMAZING. What are your thoughts Freo?

matsaleh

[b]Re: RE: Buying laptop and wireless[/b] [quote=Dasha]Iv'e got the copy.. Buy Toshiba and turn your pussy into a dancing Indonesian Princess.... [/quote] Dasha, you want to tell us again in ENGLISH! What the heck are you on about?? :shock: :?

Dasha

[b]RE: Buying laptop and wireless[/b] Gedday Lynda. How are ya? Long time no see. Coming back over your way soon .. will you still be in Kuta in the next month or 2? Another big day at Nuries perhaps? Sorry I just kinda liked the way Freo's pussy became a dancing princess all of a sudden. I thought the cat theme was working but now we are going all out dancing Indo style. Reny )Mrs Sanurian)sent me a great shot of a guy in a river a while back I have been thinking about using it as my new avator to top Freo. Can I put it up without getting moderatated on?

matsaleh

[b]RE: Buying laptop and wireless[/b] Hi Dasha, I'm back in Sydney for the moment and won't return to Bali until November. If you're around then, give me a call. Phil or Reny will have my number. [quote]Reny )Mrs Sanurian)sent me a great shot of a guy in a river a while back I have been thinking about using it as my new avator to top Freo. Can I put it up without getting moderatated on?[/quote] As long as the "river guy" is not a full-frontal-nude, I don't see a problem. :roll: Linda (with an "i", not a "y") :P

InAdelaide

[b]RE: Buying laptop and wireless[/b] usually if you are going to have a problem with hardware with a laptop you will have it in the first few months, Toshiba is a good laptop and not expensive , I bought a local product AX100 12 months ago for 6 million, this toshiba cost 6.5 and has twice the memory, I could have a toshiba for 5.5 but was advised to go for this one....... why outlay for an expensive laptop when it will be outdated in 1-2 years

bp-admin

Since you were replying to a thread from 2007, I have started a new one.:icon_e_biggrin:

davita

admin wroteSince you were replying to a thread from 2007, I have started a new one.:icon_e_biggrin:

I already indicated I knew it was an old thread. I searched to find if the question had been asked before then just used the title to ask the same question......but updated. Some you win....some you don't...:indecisiveness: But thanks for creating the new thread...:cat:

davita

Thanks DPH for ^#3. This Acer Aspire I'm writing on (17.3") is perfect size for me but slightly bigger would also work. I'm going for holiday to Vancouver/Seattle next month and can have a new laptop (Win8 installed) from ebay shipped to me there and bring back as personal...for about US$500-600. Anyone see a problem or advise a better plan...or recommend a suitable laptop product, for my purpose?

Markit

If you are going back to civilization and looking for a nifty piece of kit that is kinda portable have a look at these: Lenovo C560 Touch All-in-One | Entry-Level All-in-One PCs | Lenovo (US) If it was me I'd skip the windows 8. I'm sure many will disagree but unless you use touch screen windows 7 is a rock-steady OS with surprisingly few bugs. At 23 inches the screen is good size and resolution great. That's what I know.

davita

OK I realize this thread is old and out of date...but does anyone have any update recommendations for a laptop purchase here in Bali. I'm looking for one with a big screen like 17 inches and Windows 8? I'm a basic laptop user ...no games or fancy downloads needed..... just email and surfing info and forums. My current Acer Aspire came from Canada and has been fine. I'd just like to leave it in our other accommodation in Jakarta and have a 'new laptop' here in Bali, and eliminate the need to carry between visits. I was recommended to look in Carrefour/Hypermart but today found all their laptops are 14" screens...I'm familiar with Rimo electronic store but worried they cheat on price and warranty. Also, they might install pirated OS and apps. Am I overworried? Appreciate advice and any help.