[anyc]

Im relocating to Hongkong form the US. I am planning to upgrade and get myself a new desktop. Just wondering if it makes sense to buy it in the US before I relocate or in Hongkong?

The company takes care of shipping costs so that is not an issue.

Any Hongkong based retailer websites where I can compare costs?

Thanks

[KnowItAll]

Take a look at Dell's website(s).

[Lammarite]

Or if you don't want to waste money on branded machines, you can get your own spec CPU from Wanchai Computer Centre. I have a P4, 60G, 2.8GHz w/533MHz and DVD R/W with fast graphics card for less than 6K.

[HKFella]

But if you do care about branded desktops, my view is that the HK offerings are more limited and tend to lag a notch or two behind the US ones in terms of default config and capacity etc even though price-wise there doesn't seem to be much difference. Compare on IBM, Dell, HP websites (link to their HK/Asian sites from main US site) and judge for yourself. Don't know about Asian brands like Acer, NEC, etc.

For monitor prices (and other peripherals), you can check out http://buycomp.hkgolden.com/

[chikakeru]

It seems that you know your computer well, looking at the above response, and what I have done in the past, I bought my computer overseas, and bought the Monitor locally.

Kervin

[anyc]

Thanks so much for your responses. That was very helpful

ANYC

[HKFella]

Originally Posted by Lammarite

Or if you don't want to waste money on branded machines, you can get your own spec CPU from Wanchai Computer Centre. I have a P4, 60G, 2.8GHz w/533MHz and DVD R/W with fast graphics card for less than 6K.

Any downsides to getting a PC (Desktop WinXP P4 HT 800 FSB) for home use built to order - vis-a-vis a branded product? Assuming a well-recommended quality shop. Getting tired of the limited customization options in Dell site for months on end and lack of choice over actual components they choose to build in.

Any downsides with stuff like BIOS upgrades, drivers, support, reliabiity, longevity, etc. in time versus their branded rivals?

[lowlight]

Pricewise, HK is the same as USA, Canada, or any other place with high computer parts availability. For you the main concern would be having to ship a fragile system over from there...

I was thinking of starting a computer store specializing for foreigners in HK, but nah. It would be nice for people, but no money for me lol

[HKFella]

The last question was about getting a no-name brand built to order in HK versus buying a brand name one like Dell, IBM, HP, also In HK. Components within made to order will be reputable brands.


Maybe I should request KIA to chop this into a new thread with new subject as per title.

[lowlight]

You should only buy a brand name comp as a very last resort, or if you know literally nothing about computers (like if you don't know what "CD" stands for in "CD ROM")

Otherwise, defintely go for a prebuilt. Just make sure they are good brand components.

Which are good brands?

Mainboards
Gigabyte
Asus
Abit
MSI

Video Cards
Inno3d (local HK company, should have good prices)
Power Color
or any of the recommended mainboard companies

Memory
Memory is usually sold as various brands, but there are the CHIP MAKERS that can differ. Here are some good ones:
Hynix (Hyundai)
Micron (MT)
Samsung

CD or DVD ROM
Sony
Pioneer (DVD)
Philips
Or any of the above recommended Mainboard manufacturers

Power Supply
Thermaltake
Vantec
Enermax
Many non-brand ones are good. Just make sure it is 350W or more, and that it's heavy

Monitors (high end)
Viewsonic
NEC
Sony

Monitors (low end)
Samsung
Proview

Cases
Anything over $350 HKD should be good, but some brands are particularly good:
Cooler Master
Silverstone
Thermaltake
Lian Li

Mice and Keyboards
Logitech (called Logicool sometimes in Asia)
Microsoft

Brands to Avoid There are plenty of brands to avoid, but here are some common ones (refers to mainboards, video cards, etc)
ECS
Asrock
FIC

Hmm I think that about covers it... If you're buying specialized stuff like wireless networking, let me know and I can give some more recommendations