Buying a laptop in Singapore

[sing_resident_09]

Hi friends,




I'm looking to buy a laptop computer in Singapore within the next month. I was looking for advice on the following:


1. where to buy: the usual suspects are Funan IT mall & Sim Lim. But would be grateful on any suggestions for shops that you can recommend for getting good deals yet not getting ripped-off.

2. Timing of purchase: I'm planning to buy within the next month (ie. June). Do you think I should wait for a while for any great Singapore sale periods, and if yes, when is the best time to get the best deals? Or is it that sale if ALWAYS on in Singapore, hence all times are probably great for Laptop shopping?

3. Also as an aside, is Malaysia better than Singapore for buying laptops in terms of prices being cheaper there?

4. Not sure how far will get suggestions on this, but do you also have any recommendations on a laptop brand / model that is most importantly light weight is good for general home use (internet surfing, storing some files e.g. photos) but nothing very fancy, and very reliable, yet not the most expensive.

Many thanks for your help with this.

[sundaymorningstaple]

Dell. Outlet in Funan or online will save a few more bucks as well.

[Saint]

There's bound to be an IT Fair at Suntec coming up soon.

[OogieBoogie]

Apple MacBook pro

[blue_thunder]

PC Show @ Suntec from 11-14 June..
You might not get much discount but may get freebies...


Cheers.

[AngMoKio]

Depending on the Dell you will have different nvidea chipset drivers (assuming you have the nvidea chipset.) You should be able to get the current dell supported drivers from the dell website.

[IronMac]

PC Show @ Suntec from 11-14 June..
You might not get much discount but may get freebies...


Cheers.

Thanks blue_thunder! I knew it was around that date but had forgotten when and where.

[pakjohn]

For what it's worth, I've bought most of my electronics online from Amazon.com or manufacturers websites. It's cheaper to buy from U.S. and have it shipped here than to run the gauntlet at SMS or Funan. If you do find a low price, scrutinize the warranty!

[Strong Eagle]

For what it's worth, I've bought most of my electronics online from Amazon.com or manufacturers websites. It's cheaper to buy from U.S. and have it shipped here than to run the gauntlet at SMS or Funan. If you do find a low price, scrutinize the warranty!

Just one problem with this approach... the goods sold in the US generally don't have an international warranty.

[pakjohn]

Just one problem with this approach... the goods sold in the US generally don't have an international warranty.

I haven't found anything so obscure as to have the warranty voided by living in Singapore. Nothing is actually built in the U.S. anymore, in the way of consumer electronics so most of the products there come from globally distributed companies. I bought a Sony 8mp camera from Amazon and recently had the flash replaced here in Singapore, free of charge. My pc, gps, and router all offer local warranty even though they were purchased online from American and UK websites. What brands of electronics void their warranty if sold outside the U.S.?

[Strong Eagle]

Just one problem with this approach... the goods sold in the US generally don't have an international warranty.

I haven't found anything so obscure as to have the warranty voided by living in Singapore. Nothing is actually built in the U.S. anymore, in the way of consumer electronics so most of the products there come from globally distributed companies. I bought a Sony 8mp camera from Amazon and recently had the flash replaced here in Singapore, free of charge. My pc, gps, and router all offer local warranty even though they were purchased online from American and UK websites. What brands of electronics void their warranty if sold outside the U.S.?

I stand corrected. It was my understanding that goods sold in the US generally only came with a US warranty... I think Dell and Lenovo laptops are an example. So, it is good to know that your warranties were honored. I'd still like to see the fine print, though... what the geographic coverage of the warranty actually is.

[littlegreenman]

Apple MacBook pro

I second that. The quality and OS is worth the extra money.

[sierra2469alpha]

SE - at least with Dell, you USED to have to request an international warranty, however I believe nowadays you get an international as standard, but I am not 100% certain. Maybe that's what you were thinking?

If you "up" your warranty, it becomes international. HTH, Mr. P

[pakjohn]

Sorry for any confusion; most name brand manufacturers have online retailers. When they see Singapore as the shipping address, by default, you get an international warranty. Amazon does quite a bit of international sales, as does Ebay.
However, my GPS was purchased at BestBuy in Newark, NJ and the warranty card gives me 16 pages of warranty repair sites world wide. I do remember a time when U.S. manufactures required you to send devices to in country service centers for warranty work, but as manufacturing fled the U.S. it seems the domestic only warranty practice is fading away.
My antique Dell Desktop PC shows warranty service available in Asia... (warranty long ago expired, of course)

[sierra2469alpha]

I DON'T KONW WHAT TO SAY...

Try: nothing