Computers

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I have a reasonable knowledge on the workings of computers. 

If you was wanting a higher than average spec machine would you

Buy locally in Malaysia (do they honour a warranty)
Go out side the Country and buy a built up machine
Buy the parts and build yourself

Do you consider computers printers, scanners etc to be good value of money in Malasia and for those living in Penang, is there a good choice of computers shops

Cheers

JJ

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Even here in Belgium, I would buy all the parts on the internet and assemble the thing myself! With a bit of "googling" you will find plenty of sites who ship worldwide.

Trouble is I use a Mac, and you can't build those from scratch.

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Dell is the most competitive price wise.
On the whole prices of all brands are not bad when compared to prices in HK. I was told it's 'tax-free' here for compus.
Intel is right here on the island.
Printers, scanners are very reasonable. We bought a FujiXerox color laser printer on sale for Rm1,000 (reg price about Rm1,400), Forgot how much we paid for the sacnner as it was 2 yrs ago we got it in Penang....not expensive at all.
Quite a few places that sell computers eg Gurney Plaza and QueensBay Mall, both have a number of shops; One-Stop at Pulau Tikus has compu shops that assemble to your required specs.
Yesterday was the last day of the compu show over at PISA (Pg Intl Sports Arena). With Mega Sale and Visit M'sia there seems to be lots of promotions going on at the moment.
If you get electronics from SenQ (top floor of Gurney Plaza) and over at QueensBay Mall, you can purchase extended warranties, some times free with promotions.
Other brands beside Dell are Sony, NEC, Phillips, Toshiba,...etc... and Mac.

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Just bought a notebook computer (ASUS) and got 2 years international warranty. I'm sure the standard warranties would apply.  I previously had to get repairs done on my Acer notebook (bought in Malaysia) and was able to get repairs done under warranty in Australia. 

From my experience, Malaysia is a good place to buy computers and components, from the major companies to the generic suppliers.  I would buy it all here in Malaysia, and cos labour cheap you can get someone to do all the hard work for you (assembly) etc if you need.

Tombo

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Also just bought, it's a Toshiba (low end Satellite) in Singapore.

Imbi Plaza in KL used to be the best place to get stuff but has quietened down since all the pirated software got removed.

For buying, rather than building, then wait for one of the computer fairs. They occur about every 3 months. At the fair, each brand has a special promotion. It's not so much that the price of the computer is drastically reduced (except to clear older stock) but you'll get a "free" web-cam, 2GB USB pen-drive etc. No need to actually go to the fair as your local distributor can get you the same deal.

If you're in Singapore try the Funan Centre which has lots of computer shops and is pleasant to walk around. For a more hectic experience there's Sim Lim Square. Wow, what a place. The latest everything, and plenty of DIY suppliers.

When I bought 2 months ago at the Singapore fair, I got Core2Duo, 2GB of ram and it's still the same. I got 120GB of hard disc drive. Now it's 160GB.

Out of your HDD some 20GB - 30GB is taken up by Window Vista.

regards, Scott

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If you can do it yourself, I would buy here in Malaysia & build. Components are cheaper compared with European prices. You might not find all your spec in one shop but in the bigger Malls there are lots of shops and between them all you should get what you actually want.  Worst come to worst you may have to go to a different Mall to complete your shopping list