Buying an entry-level laptop

[GregoryS]

Notebooks in the UK are currently on sale for like under 5k with specs that we usually pay for about 8k here(recession striking i guess).(i know because i was helping a friend there find one) Something to consider i guess.

I think thats mainly due to your exchange rate and import taxes.
Aren't there any local manufacturers in SA???
When I visited SA I found that most imported goods were way overpriced, even labels that no-one really buys in Europe or finds them dirt cheap were elevated to luxury items in SA because they were "Made in Italy"

 

[greggpb]

There are no import duties on computers..

(overseas value) * (Fx Rate) * (1.1) * (1.14)



1.1 is a equalization factor.

1.14 is out vast which is 1.175 in the UK..

 

[Tweak]

In europe(sweden) a gozi Netbook costs you only 100 Euros. In south africa entry level Netbooks cost you 120-200euros.


If I wanted to waste my money I'd rather import 2 netbooks and hope one arrives here. Instead of wasting all my dough on 1 year limited warranted Proudly South Efrican crap.(not to mention how expensive our accesories are)

2cent

 

[EtienneK]

A netbook should NOT cost more than R3500. That is the maximum I'll pay for a Netbook.

Also, you should have the option to get a refund if you don't want Windows on the thing. It's in the Windows EULA that you can ask for a refund if you don't accept their conditions. I wonder if the local sellers will honor this agreement?

 

[PeterCH]

I think thats mainly due to your exchange rate and import taxes.
Aren't there any local manufacturers in SA???
When I visited SA I found that most imported goods were way overpriced, even labels that no-one really buys in Europe or finds them dirt cheap were elevated to luxury items in SA because they were "Made in Italy"

But these netbooks/notebooks are usually made in China and assembled in Taiwan, China and Singapore so UK should also pay. Last time I checked, Asus, Acer, MSI et al were not UK companies.

 

[CathJ]

It can handle them with ease. Also plays DVDs perfectly. I have tried an HD quicktime file and it fell over trying to play that but other than that normal quicktime, xvid, dvd, vob etc is fine.

It plays ripped DVDs, though, right? Because as far as I've seen, they don't have an optical drive.