Costs for a laptop

Theo

I am looking for a laptop to buy, when I am in Bali. Maybe someone has a used laptop they want to get rid off? If not, are the prices compareable to the prices in Europe? Thanks, Theo

Bert Vierstra

Yes pretty comparable.... They have some 2nd hand shops in Denpasar as well.... And "older types".... I think you can get something new around 5-7 million....

Theo

Thanks Bert, Since I have to go back later, I wanna give my wife a laptop, so we can chat/ webcam/ call all at the same time. Do you have any experience with this Bert? Is the connection regarding calling via MSN or whatever any good?

InAdelaide

I got a Toshiba M105-S1021 from rimo computer . for just over 6 million....and skype or msn works good as long as there is a good connection, Usually is good at the restuaunts that have wireless. I wouldnt buy a second hand Laptop.....just my opinion

Ipanema

I use a webcam with my friend in Bali and it is fine. Sometimes a long wait for connection to the cam but no problems. We also chat via yahoo. T

Theo

Thanks people! I think her connnection will still go through phone line. Don't know yet. Allan: Not married yet. Next week friday I am flying out there. Pretty much all the papers have been legalized etc. Only hassle is that we are waiting for my birth certificate. I am adopted, and never been given a birth certificate. I will surely post some pictures!

patatje

Also we used and use Skype (chat) and webcam by telephone line. Works. Sometimes connection fail but rare. Hope you get your birth certificate and have a nice wedding.

Theo

Thanks Patatje, yesterday I heard the news that they found the birth certificate..!

Theo

Aaah, this post. Well, when I was in Bali, we bought a laptop in Denpasar, in one of the bigger shopping malls, could have been mata hari or sth.. Costs were around 8 juta.. Built in webcam, and a thingy to use the laptop with telkomsat.. wireless thing. :roll:

Markit

Hey Theo could you be a little more specific about what you've bought. Reason is, I asked around about laptop pricing on Bert's new XPS and he said he bought it in the Netherlands but thought the prices were about the same in Bali. Sounds though yours was not too bad, but depends upon the spec??? :?:

Roy

While I am not advocating piracy of software, the fact is one of the greatest advantages to buying new computer in Bali is that most dealers will load it up with all the software you need as part of the package price which will end up being a very good buy. Essentially this will boil down to paying a compatible price for the same hardware as elsewhere, and paying nothing for the software which most dealers are more than happy to install at no charge. Another advantage is service. Most dealers, especially the smaller shops, are more than happy to service your computer at your own place, and for a very modest charge. This is particularly convenient with PCs.

Markit

Thanks for the tip Roy but I gotta tell you that all that "extra" service you are getting is still called [i]pirate software[/i] - don't get me wrong, I too would never, never advocate the use and spread of same - nudge, nudge, wink, wink. 8) What you are saying, I guess, is pretty much what Bert said - that the hardware prices are about the same as in Europe?

Roy

[quote]"What you are saying, I guess, is pretty much what Bert said - that the hardware prices are about the same as in Europe?"[/quote] Exactly. The same is true for cell phones and digital cameras.

Theo

Markit, couldn't tell you the specs even if I wanted too. Im pretty much a computer nerd. RIMO, that is where we bought the laptop. Definitely cheap laptops, and everything does come installed. This can be a plus, except for the fact they'll put on a lot of stuff like chat programs and games you'll never be needing. However, the service is ok la.. We had some problems with the outgoing sound (skype) and when we brought it there, it got more worse. A knowledgeable cousin fixed this in ten.. They do put on 200-500 songs if you ask 8) -Theo

Markit

Thanks for the info. I've found that here in Europe if you are willing to be happy with last years "hot item" you can usually pick it up for a song from Ebay. Now it seems that a lot of Ebayers here will not do business with Indonesia (Nigeria, China, India, etc., etc.) because of obvious concerns about cheating. How is the situation for those living there? Bali in particular?

Sanurian

Despite "attempts" to stamp out pirated software, music and film DVDs in this country, the practice continues more or less unabated. Buying [b]any[/b] computer here with a pirated version of an operating system installed on it [i]can[/i] result in difficulties installing up-dates, security patches, and the like, later on. Then again, and despite what Micro$oft and others might want you to believe, a lot of the patches are either pretty much useless for a "normal user", don't work anyway, create new problems, etc, even with legal original software. "Automatic updates" from Micro$oft are also something to avoid like the plague, IMHO, at least until the various patches have had a good run in the field and any new bugs/kinks have been ironed out properly. Don't believe me? Look at the poor bastards who've saddled themselves with Vista and [i]Service Pack 1[/i]. Like me. I run legal [i]Vista Business[/i] on my notebook. Had it since last December and initially set it for "Automatic updates". I've turned that off now and quite frankly, can see [b]no[/b] difference to my computing experience. Yeah - sure - [i]maybe[/i] I was "safer" and "more secure" but Micro$oft and Security in the same breath leaves a lot to be desired. Please don't get me wrong - I am [b]not[/b] a Micro$oft basher. I've used its OS software since the days of DOS and [i]Windows 3[/i]. I wouldn't say that all my experiences were positive. But I've become accustomed to the idea that a "perfect" OS simply doesn't exist and is perhaps even impossible, especially with the sheer numbers of programmes out there, hard-ware platforms, drivers... I'm not going to touch Vista SP1 for at least another six months. Laptops and notebook computers are readily available in Bali these days. And there are some spectacular bargains to be had if you know exactly what you want/need. I just heard recently that many of the outlets in the RIMO complex on Jalan Diponegoro (Denpasar), have been slashing their prices. Maybe [b]too[/b] much competition. The worst prices you will pay will be at least comparable to those of Western countries, often cheaper. 8)

SG

I've found even better prices can be found in Mangga Dua in Jakarta. Monitors and peripheries are usually 10-20% cheaper than Bali. The same goes for cellphones. I bought a Sony Ericcson K810 in Jk for substantially less than I could find it in Australia or NZ...and no tied plans to worry about.

Bert Vierstra

I (mail) order from here now and then: http://www.ek-gadgets.com/

ronb

[quote=Markit]Now it seems that a lot of Ebayers here will not do business with Indonesia (Nigeria, China, India, etc., etc.) because of obvious concerns about cheating. How is the situation for those living there? Bali in particular?[/quote] Since being in Bali I have not bought from ebay because I am not confident that expensive looking items in packages will arrive. So could it be that sellers have this concern - they receive payment, they ship, the buyer does not receive, then there is a problem resolution process. Maybe they figure it is easier just not to do business in some countries.

Roy

Completely the opposite for us, both as sellers and buyers on eBay since December 7, 1996. We’ve had very little problem either with shipping out via sea mail, EMS, regular airmail, or DHL. For goods coming in, we use an import license with DHL, and have no problems with bringing in antique paintings, antique oriental rugs, and sterling silver hollowware or flatware...each of which is otherwise impossible to find on Bali. We’ve never purchased any electronic goods via eBay, but we would have no hesitance to do so from a reliable seller with a good feedback record.