Buying a laptop in Japan

[Shadowblade]

I'm going to Japan in 2 months, and i was considering buying myself a laptop over there. I was just wondering if anybody could give me some advice on the quality of laptop that i could get over there, compared to here in Australia. I was also wondering about any compatability issues. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[羽之助]

http://www.yodobashi.com/enjoy/more/categorylist/38974433.html

Here y'go. Browse away and compare with local prices.

[mikem]

As far as quality... Everything is all made in the same country no matter where in the world you buy it. Example: No matter where in the world you buy a Hitachi Deskstar its going to be made at the plant in Thailand.

There's a pretty heavy bias here towards Japanese made laptops. The only foriegn laptop I would know how to buy here is a Dell. (There are Dell stores all over Tokyo these days.) Oh, and I guess you can get a Mac too, but god why ...

The biggest thing you are going to lose is support. Also, you'll need to find somewhere that will sell you a laptop with an English (Australian?) keyboard and OS. (Unless you want a laptop with a Japanese keyboard or Japanese OS. Nothing wrong with that!)

If you do buy one in Tokyo I'd buy it from a duty-free shop in Akihabara so you don't have to pay the 5% consumption tax.

[japanat]

I'm in the same boat. My wife's notebook died yesterday, and they want 65K yen to fix it. Might as well buy a new one, but cash is tight. Any suggestions?:fever:

[TLab3000]

Shadowblade, why buy in Japan?
Almost every Japanese person told me that stuff like that is so much cheaper in Japan. Until one month ago when a Japanese friend and I went shopping for a new laptop, here in Germany (which isn't the cheapest place). However, she paid about 20% less than what she would have paid in Japan.
I don't know much about the prices in Australia, but I'd really check if it isn't cheaper, there.
At least, Dell is definitely cheaper in Japan than in Germany. But that's mainly because Dell charges 75 € for delivery, which is really ridiculous...

Japanat, what's wrong with your laptop? Can you fix it yourself? 65k sounds like a broken mainboard or display...

[羽之助]

You could check out a reputable second-hand shop or chain store and see if you can get a decent one for a little bit more. This was years ago, but I remember decent VAIO laptops (at that time) being sold used for 10万 at a shop I went to in Nagoya, which was pretty much half price.

[OaklandZoo]

Unless you are going to be in Japan long-term, I don't see the point of buying something as costly as a laptop. The keyboards are one thing, and the support is a big issue too, and then you have to realize that all these Japanese laptops come installed with Japanese version of Windows. If you don't need Japanese Windows on your laptop, since it runs slower than the English version, I would recommend not getting it.

I guess the dollars all around the world are getting stronger against the yen, so some things are cheaper to purchase in Japan. But you should look into the cost of maintenance too, and not just the initial cost of purchase.

[japanat]

Japanat, what's wrong with your laptop? Can you fix it yourself? 65k sounds like a broken mainboard or display...

Hard drive crapped out. And apparently the battery fried, too? I could swap out this stuff in a desktop, no problem, but have no clue about notebooks (the thought of trying to do a recovery of her data is daunting:blank: ). But at that price, 50%more will get me double the computer with a 1-yr warranty...

Ideas?

edit:spelling (not Tori)

[EIJI]

Well, this might help you.
http://www.renov.jp/

[stsparky]

As far as quality... I guess you can get a Mac too, but god why ... If you do buy one in Tokyo I'd buy it from a duty-free shop in Akihabara so you don't have to pay the 5% consumption tax. Buy a Mac and keep me living the high life please.

“MacBook Excels at Windows, OS X” (http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/060706/techtest_macbook.html?.v=5)

“Apple Computer Inc.’s latest laptop looks sleek, runs fast and should give makers of Windows-based notebooks considerable cause for concern,” says Robert Weston of the Associated Press. “With the simplicity and security of Mac OS X” and “its ability to run Windows at native speeds,” he says, “it’s a formula that should give other PC makers nightmares.” [Jul 07, 2006]


“Back in black: MacBook world’s best laptop?” (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13553257/)

Reviewing the MacBook for MSNBC, Gary Krakow writes, “Quite frankly, this notebook computer is the best I’ve ever used.” [Jun 28, 2006]

[羽之助]

Just be sure to take out most of the thermal glue, yeah?

[Murakumo]

My friend got a computer here and checked the price of a similar computer in Japan. Here--$1300 at Costco, Japan--about $3200-ish. This was a little less than one year ago. I'm actually posting from said computer, now. She says the next time her parents get a new computer she'll buyit here and take it as luggage or send it, and it'll still be much cheaper.

[mikem]

Shadowblade, why buy in Japan?

He lives in Australia. I bought a friend of mine parts in the US, shipped them to Australia, and once there he paid the customs on them. He still saved 30% despite paying American tax, Australian tax and international shipping!

However, she paid about 20% less than what she would have paid in Japan.

Imperical evidence like this is the worst kind of advice. There are places to get good deals on electronics in Japan, but your average shopper is not going to bother to go to those places. Just because she would have paid 20% more doesn't mean she had to!

[mawande]

I've been in Japan for eight and a half years. I've been purchasing Japanese laptops when I needed to, and currently have a VAIO. So, yes. Customer support is an enormous issue. Japanese keyboard? Not so big a deal. You'll have to learn the commands which switch you back and forth from typing 日本語 and typing this way. The keyboards have some minor differences in the location of certain keys, but you get used to it. In the end, the computers are essentially the same. Do you know computers well? Then in that also you should be fine.

[羽之助]

My friend got a computer here and checked the price of a similar computer in Japan. Here--$1300 at Costco, Japan--about $3200-ish. This was a little less than one year ago. I'm actually posting from said computer, now. She says the next time her parents get a new computer she'll buyit here and take it as luggage or send it, and it'll still be much cheaper.

Where is "here"?

[Riinuka]

Just be sure to take out most of the thermal glue, yeah?Heh, if you recycle it, you could always sell it back or use it for another 15 systems or so. *chuckles* I find it funny how much they put on. It's more like a fire hazard, because it actually prevents sufficient cooling... It's worse on older Macs, though. One that was being used in my 10th grade English class... *sighs, shakes head sadly* The darn thing overheated and such because of it.

[Murakumo]

Here = Washington State, US... home of Microsoft and techy places ^_^

[Shadowblade]

Thanks for those sites, i'm gonna read through them and compare with what i could get over here for the same price. I wouldn't have a problem with the OS cause i could just install the XP that i've already got. The only thing would probably be getting an english keyboard, but even that shouldn't be too difficult.

[Pierrot le Fou]

Macintoshes are a smidgen more expensive in Japan, but they have the Japanese keyboard and all that (which is useful if you'll be typing in Japanese due to the easy-access input-switch keys).

Macs are 100% language compatible. You can set up two different logins, one with Japaense OS, and one with English OS, or you can switch your language mid-stream and logout and login to get all the menus and (compatible) program menus to display in Japanese as well. Input is no problem either.

I have had my powerbook G4 for 3 years now. No problems with Japanese support or anything, and the only issue I had was shelling out 10,000 yen or so to upgrade my OS (which was entirely optional, but I wanted to do anyway). I had freezes and hangs this weekend, and shat myself because it wouldn't boot up. Unable to browse the net to figure out how to fix it, I took the last resort of reading the manual for troubleshooting.

Now I've been using PCs since I was 5 years old or so. Had an ol' 286 back when I was a kid, and one of those 'portable computers' that looked like a box with a monochrome orange-colour monitor and whatnot. I have had more issues than I can count with PCs, and not ONCE has the manual ever told me how to correctly fix a problem. Yet I opened the troubleshooting guide, followed the instructions, and now the thing is running fine. It repaired the problems, made sure I had no hardware issues, and all is back to normal.

Anyway, point is, unless you are intent on playing all the newest games (and even that will be possible with a new Mac OS in the near future), Macs are so much more region-friendly and otherwise kickass when it comes to this sort of thing. I don't regret that purchase at all. They are durable, problem-free, and support hundreds of languages with only a few mouse clicks.

[six-eight-ten]

Imperical evidence like this is the worst kind of advice.


I think you meant anecdotal evidence.

[mikem]

I think you meant anecdotal evidence.

That an I misspelled emperical. Ah, well, I had to remove those words from my brain to fit in more kanji apparently. :bored:

[japanat]

empirical...

[mikem]

:duh: :gloomy:

[4letterwords]

My first laptop was Japanese and my brother just reinstalled windows in English... I got it in Akihabara for about 130000 yen, which is not bad considering it was kick ass... (well, for a laptop 4 years ago I guess... I dont know much about computers)...

[stsparky]

Just be sure to take out most of the thermal glue, yeah?
Seen the Ars Technia video - and it's unlikely that's normal thermal paste. I'd get Applecare as well anyway. As a student - you'll save crazy money.

[TLab3000]

Imperical evidence like this is the worst kind of advice.

It isn't, if you jump to the right conclusions, as for example:
There might be places in your country where laptops are inexpensive in comparison. Just compare the prices before you buy, because it might be worth it. The OP seemed to think that laptops are generally cheaper in Japan.

Or are you implying that laptops are cheaper at places in Japan where you can get a good deal compared to any place in Australia the OP might know? Where's your evidence? Oh, there it is:

He lives in Australia. I bought a friend of mine parts in the US, shipped them to Australia, and once there he paid the customs on them. He still saved 30% despite paying American tax, Australian tax and international shipping!

Kinda emperical...

[japanat]

Laptops in the US are generally 25-50% less than in Japan. But if you want your bundled software to be in Japanese, and if you want service that doesn't require shipping overseas (which you pay for, BTW), then someone living in Japan is better off buying in Japan.

If you want your bundled software/OS in English, it really depends on how long you'll be in Japan. There are shops here where you can get it in English, but you pay a fair premium for that. If I were only here a year, I'd buy it Stateside.

I like having the Japanese system and bundled software, so I'll pay the extra to get one here. And I love the customer service in Japan - no surly answers, prompt service/reaction, free shipping.

Been seeing some good deals over the last couple of days, too. Maybe I won't pay 65K to fix my wife's laptop, just buy a new one...

[Urban~Ninja]

Some laptops in Japan are pretty impressive but i wouldnt recommend it. Just buy one in your home country, then get a japanese word processor (JPWce for instance, its freeware) and you should be set.

Japanese keyboards on their laptops are also fairly lame and annoying if you are used to a english keyboard.

[japanat]

I use Japanese-language programs for video/DVD production, desk-top publishing for my school, etc. My computer was an English OS, and I almost immediately discovered problems with loading programs, running them, setting files (Win98). Not that the programs couldn't run, just that Windows couldn't display the install screens, toolbars, etc, in kanji. For this, you need a Japanese OS (I don't know if XP can handle it or not, I'm too poor to upgrade).

If you will only be typing papers for school, and are living here short-term or often visiting your home country, then Urban~Ninja is right. Home country is probably cheaper, and many programs can give you free Japanese-language support. Hell, even Word has free Japanese language files.

[mikem]

For this, you need a Japanese OS (I don't know if XP can handle it or not, I'm too poor to upgrade).


XP cannot handle it completely or cleanly. Even with a Microsoft hack it sometimes doesn't work properly. (I even now know why, but the technical discussion would go way off-topic.)

Vista will supposedly handle this more cleanly, maybe you'll be able to tag executables with the code-page they are supposed to run in.

[Pierrot le Fou]

Macs keep sounding better and better, eh?

[stsparky]

Macs keep sounding better and better, eh?
Are you in the States? There's a promotion for 'STUDENTS or TEACHERS (http://store.apple.com/Apple/WebObjects/EducationIndividualCustom?qprm=14036&type=higherEd)' that gets you all kind of crazy good stuff (http://store.apple.com/AppleStore/WebObjects/EducationIndividualCustom.woa/6284005/wo/pZ5CRuGB39Xq2Zs3yWPIF9s3kZJ/0.PSLID?mco=3A357264&nclm=Promos). EG - UCLA.
http://a248.e.akamai.net/7/248/2041/1080/store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/spacer.gif (http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/1344000/wo/pw5Du35QsyX8286tOTX8AwSnBGR/1.0.0.19.1.0.8.7.3.5.1.0.1.1)http://store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/bts/bts06_promo_small.gif (http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore/?family=BackToSchool2006)
College students, buy a Mac & get a free iPod nano* (http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore/?family=BackToSchool2006)Mac — it's the perfect college companion. And when you purchase a Mac and iPod nano by September 16, 2006, your iPod nano is free after mail-in rebate. Or choose another iPod and enjoy big savings after mail-in rebate. Terms and conditions apply. Eligible hardware • MacBook (http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/1344000/wo/pw5Du35QsyX8286tOTX8AwSnBGR/1.0.0.19.1.0.8.7.3.5.1.0.1.7.3.0.1)
http://a248.e.akamai.net/7/248/2041/1080/store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/sd_promo_dotmac_0105.jpg (http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/1344000/wo/pw5Du35QsyX8286tOTX8AwSnBGR/1.0.0.19.1.0.8.7.3.5.1.3.1.1) Want more from your iLife? Get .Mac. (http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/1344000/wo/pw5Du35QsyX8286tOTX8AwSnBGR/1.0.0.19.1.0.8.7.3.5.1.3.1.3) Save $30 on .Mac for a limited time. Between April 18, 2006, and July 17, 2006, buy any Mac and save $30 on .Mac Internet essentials. With .Mac, you get innovative software and services, including an ad-free email account, home page creation tools, easy-to-use backup software and more.

http://a248.e.akamai.net/7/248/2041/1080/store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/chooseprinter_promo_small.jpg (http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/1344000/wo/pw5Du35QsyX8286tOTX8AwSnBGR/1.0.0.19.1.0.8.7.3.5.1.4.1.1) Choose the perfect printer with your new Mac (http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/1344000/wo/pw5Du35QsyX8286tOTX8AwSnBGR/1.0.0.19.1.0.8.7.3.5.1.4.1.3)
Get up to a $100 rebate when you buy any Mac and a qualifying printer. See all Printers. (http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore?family=PrinterPromo)

http://a248.e.akamai.net/7/248/2041/1080/store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/btoimageapplecare.jpg AppleCare Protection Plan (APP) The AppleCare Protection Plan extends your computer's 90 days of complimentary support and one-year warranty to up to three years of world-class support. AppleCare Protection Plan for MacBook/iBook [Add $183] Save $ 73!
http://a248.e.akamai.net/7/248/2041/1080/store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/sd_promo_office_050712.jpg (http://store.apple.com/AppleStore/WebObjects/EducationIndividualCustom.woa/6044005/wo/vx5UtgO38aCf3sl15E4GaXtgLuF/5.0.0.19.1.0.8.7.3.5.1.1.1.1) Save $50 on Office 2004 for Mac Student and Teacher Edition. (http://store.apple.com/AppleStore/WebObjects/EducationIndividualCustom.woa/6044005/wo/vx5UtgO38aCf3sl15E4GaXtgLuF/5.0.0.19.1.0.8.7.3.5.1.1.1.3) Score some extra credit with full versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Entourage for just $99.95 after mail-in rebate. Hurry - this limited time offer expires September 12, 2006.
======================
And Applecare would be good at all the Apple Stores in Japan!

[ミュー]

Get a Panasonic Let's Note series laptop if you want Windows-only. They're JP-made, thin and lightweight, and can be found used for 1万ish used or twice that and up for brand-new.

Other than that, MacBook all the way. There is no viable substitute. I wouldn't advise trying to get a decent price here unless you speak Japanese. Unfortunately, most of the English-capable stores are designed to take advantage of foreigners.

[erbiumfiber]

This place, in my old neighborhood, sold Japanese PCs with English software:

http://www.users-side.co.jp/index_eng.php

These computers are for desperate people like me who cannot handle Japanese software (I bought my PC in the US- but I'm having some Internet connection problems so I may go over there for some help...).

[Urban~Ninja]

Man what i wouldnt do for a Mac right now, but all my money is going towards my Formal Suit and my car.....damn you.

My laptop runs all Japanese software on it pretty well...let me get the link

*runs of to Ninja land*

First Download This.
I dont remember where abouts or how to use this, since i havent had the ned as of yet, but it should allow you to run LZH files, the program is lhaca072.exe incase the link is down now.
Here (http://ftp.magma.ad.jp/archives/pc/forest/p/pluslhaca/lhaca072.exe)

This should help you with dual booting.
Here again (http://forums.megatokyo.com/index.php?showtopic=209793)

[Kyoushu]

The only problem I've had running Japanese software is that to do it I have to turn the default language for non-Unicode programs to Japanese. The problem with this is that some programs choose what language they install in with this, resulting in things like Japanese Nero. It's not a huge problem, though.