Laptop purchase - Singapore Vs China

[neconomist]

Hi All,

I will be moving to Shanghai soon and was wondering if it's more convenient to buy a laptop (and perhaps pc or other gadgets) here in Singapore or in China. I realised that anything imported in PRC is subject to import duties, however I was just thinking might be cheaper for me to buy a laptop here and bring it with me by plane.

I know Apple products in China are very expensive while probably local brands (Huawei,...) are cheaper than here. In my mind I am currently thinking about either Lenovo or Dell or Asus.

Open for your comments.

mario

[taxico]

can you speak mandarin? and will you be comfortable carrying around a thick wad of cash to pay for it?

might be better to buy one in HK... (or SG) if it's a "no" for both.

[neconomist]

I definitely cannot (yet) speak mandarin. For the cash issue, I guess via unionpay or alipay as soon as I am able to open a bank account it should not be a matter. Plus they say Shanghai is relatively safe.

In any case I agree with you, it makes more sense to just buy it here (being that I might not go to HK any sooner). Hopefully to get some good shop in SimLim.

[PNGMK]

Warranty Warranty

[Strong Eagle]

Lenovo is made in China and headquartered in China.

[beterhans]

Hi I'm born in Shanghai now in Singapore.

some facts for you.

1. Laptop in China comes with Chinese only windows.(want English? pay more. not a problem for apple.)
2. Small gadgets are much much cheaper in china. big brands things like a full pc or laptop or a cellphone are in similar price.
3. Buy online in Shanghai avoid real shops except if you want Apple. (Amazon.cn or china.dell.com is a good place for you and singapore don't have these!).

[lucassmith]

Warranty Warranty

^

cannot emphasize enough on this. Electronics have too much wear and tear and/or lemons.
If you must, get something in HK/SG that has warranty covered in Shanghai