cell phones / blackberries

[north]

Hi,
I just accepted an offer in Singapore (coming from NY). They are only covering blackberry service. My question is: should I purchase a blackberry / smartphone in NY or Singapore? If in NY, should I activate a plan here or there? Prices, other details appreciated.

Also, will my desktop computer work in Sing? (w/ converter)

If I want to buy a new computer, should I do so here or there? Which is cheaper? Basic requirements will be running slingbox...

Thanks in advance for any help.

[QualityMana]

Suggest you purchase a blackberry / smartphone in Singapore and activate it in Singapore. Otherwise, you'll end up having to pay NY roaming charges for overseas.

Your Desktop computer work should work in Singapore with a converter but my experience with my US clients is that the converter (and somehow, the computers as well) conks out within six months. They brought in brand new heavy duty converters but even that didn't lasts. They had to do it because they used their company's legacy software that worked with old hardware, etc. etc. If you have a choice, forget the desktop and get a laptop instead.

Not sure about slingbox but it's cheaper to get the desktop or laptop here in Singapore. Most of the brand name laptops have international warranties and you can get extended warranties for a small fee. Definitely worth doing your shopping here. My son is studying in PA and he's decided to come back to get a laptop in Singapore after comparing prices.

Hope this helps.

[north]

It definitely does. Thanks!

Is there a reputable electronics online store (like Amazon)? Or is most shopping done in retail there?

[jaesun]

Your desktop computer should have a switch in the back right next to the plug. It's plainly visible. You can't miss it. Once you get to Singapore, you'll just have to get a nail and shift the switch to 230 before turning it on. Instead of getting a new adapter, just get a UK/Singapore plug which will be like 2 or 3 bucks. I brought my desktop from the US to the UK and it worked fine for over 3 years with no problems. I would suggest getting a belkin surge protector once you get here though.

I don't have a blackberry so I can't answer that specifically. But when I expensed anything, I can only be reimbursed in S$. So I would rather keep my receipts in S$ and not worry about having to convert S$ into USD so I can pay my bills.

When you shop here for electronics, you might want to stick with the bigger stores like Courts or Harvey Norman. Electronics are concentrated in Sim Lim Square and Funan Digital Mall. Check out the paper when you get here for advertised deals and use that as a guide.

I just bought a laptop here and found that prices in Singapore and the US are about the same if not a bit more. but I was specifically looking for a sony vaio which has a premium attached to it. However, they will throw in a lot more freebies with your purchases here which more than make up the difference. I eventually bought my sony vaio at mc.2 in sim lim square and very happy with the purchase. It was heavily discounted because the model had just been retired. Just a warning, they might require that you pay in cash for the best deals. So you might want to ask upfront if you intend on paying by credit or bring it up later to get an extra 2% discount.

[durain]

where do you want your slingbox to be? US or singapore?

your desktop PC should work without any convertor provided the PSU has a switch to turn it into a 240V. or if the PSU is auto switching between 120V and 240V. same as with laptops. most laptops PSU are auto switch but do check it first.

blackberry - what emails are you expecting on your blackbery? corp email or personal?

if you are going to be in singapore for a while, just get your mobile and desktop PC in singapore. singapore got all the latest gadgets

[north]

Thanks for the quick replies.

where do you want your slingbox to be? US or singapore?

Slingbox will be in US at relative's house (can't miss the whole mets season...

blackberry - what emails are you expecting on your blackbery? corp email or personal?

definitely corporate, probably both

[durain]

Thanks for the quick replies.

where do you want your slingbox to be? US or singapore?

Slingbox will be in US at relative's house (can't miss the whole mets season...

blackberry - what emails are you expecting on your blackbery? corp email or personal?

definitely corporate, probably both

slingbox - make sure you test the connection in the US. once all is well, it will work in singapore as all you need is internet access.

blackberry - if you are getting corp emails, then your company will sort that out for you. you cant goto a shop and buy a blackberry and receive your corp emails.