Hardware Bargains - Open Thine Wallet

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anyone using Google Home Minis that know where I can source cheap adaptors (USA to SA); the cost of buying additional power bricks and decent cables justifies just paying a bit for an adapter to use the OEM power cable
 
waylander said:
anyone using Google Home Minis that know where I can source cheap adaptors (USA to SA); the cost of buying additional power bricks and decent cables justifies just paying a bit for an adapter to use the OEM power cable
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www.communica.co.za

US/SA ADAPTOR

Communica US/SA ADAPTOR Power Connectors Adaptor USA (flat) to SA (round) Plug Overview Features Specification
www.communica.co.za www.communica.co.za
 
Swa said:
A few years ago I paid R4k for a top of the range N8. What happened to phone prices?
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Well lots of things changed, actually. Biometrics, higher res screens, better cameras etc. Prices drop when technologies are more widely adopted and mass manufacturing kicks in - only to become more expensive in the next iteration when next best technology releases.
Then on top of that there is also inflation...
 
enerdude said:
Well lots of things changed, actually. Biometrics, higher res screens, better cameras etc. Prices drop when technologies are more widely adopted and mass manufacturing kicks in - only to become more expensive in the next iteration when next best technology releases.
Then on top of that there is also inflation...
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It's not just inflation. I remember when you could buy a car for a tenth the price of a house, now they're the price of a small house. Phones are becoming as expensive as small cars now.
 
Swa said:
It's not just inflation. I remember when you could buy a car for a tenth the price of a house, now they're the price of a small house. Phones are becoming as expensive as small cars now.
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You missed the part of the new features. Certain new technologies like biometrics (like face recognition) partly uses AI for instance and their is software (which needs to be licensed for instance) also involved that could for instance inflate prices. Also try and count the number of technologies that was "new" on your N8 compared to its previous generation.

These days modern phones comes with much more new technologies than their predecessors if you go by Moore's law and also costs more money until there is mass production.
 
enerdude said:
You missed the part of the new features. Certain new technologies like biometrics (like face recognition) partly uses AI for instance and their is software (which needs to be licensed for instance) also involved that could for instance inflate prices. Also try and count the number of technologies that was "new" on your N8 compared to its previous generation.

Also these days modern phones comes with much more new technologies than their predecessors if you go by Moore's law which initially costs money until their is mass production.
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It's a flagship model. The camera was the most advanced at the time of release. It's the price of flagships themselves that are increasing but yeah I'll leave it there as this isn't the thread for it.
 
Swa said:
It's a flagship model. The camera was the most advanced at the time of release. It's the price of flagships themselves that are increasing but yeah I'll leave it there as this isn't the thread for it.
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That I know. What makes a difference is the combined amount of new technologies for that phone. These days you have much more pricepoints as phones are similar but with maybe one or 2 features dropped to make it slightly cheaper.
 
waylander said:
tyvm
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That flat to round adapter has a rectangular shaped body. Personally I always try to purchase the triangular type as these can be used in most of the Euromate style adapters.

K3761 - ADAPTOR EU-USA 2PIN ROUND PINS TO FLAT SOCKET

Mantech Electronics is an Electronic Components, Test and Measurement instruments, Consumables, Tools and Power Products, Distributor. Products are available from our branches and distributors throughout Southern Africa. We are committed to helping our customers succeed.!
www.mantech.co.za
www.geewiz.co.za

Converters and Splitters

Buy Converters and Splitters online at the Best Prices! Door to Door and Overnight Delivery. Voted the best online store in SA. View Here
www.geewiz.co.za www.geewiz.co.za

You need the triangular type to fit in this type of 15A adapter. I usually try to purchase the Lesco type as I have had problems with other brands not fitting properly in 15A sockets.

Search results for: 'euro top entry 3pack' - HiFiCorp

Welcome to HiFiCorp....Widest Range Of TVs, Audio Devices, Home Appliances & More. Don't Miss The Best Deals. TVs, Electronics, Homeware & More. Everything at Great Prices. Buy Online Now. Nationwide Delivery. Click & Collect in Store. High Tech, Low Prices.
www.hificorp.co.za www.hificorp.co.za

If you need an adapter for the rectangular type flat to round adapter, I am currently using a Schuko type adapter but the plug does not hold as tightly as the Euromate type. It would be advisable to test the fit before purchasing.
www.geewiz.co.za

Scoop EUR-SCH 2-Pin Schuko to 16A 3-Pin Adaptor

The Scoop's EUR-SCH Schuko is a 3-pin plug to 2-pin Schuko hexagonal top loading socket.
www.geewiz.co.za www.geewiz.co.za
 
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Swa said:
A few years ago I paid R4k for a top of the range N8. What happened to phone prices?
Click to expand...
The tanking exchange rate (courtesy of the ANC long-finger economic approach) has contributed to significant price increases of all imported goods
 
deesef said:
The tanking exchange rate (courtesy of the ANC long-finger economic approach) has contributed to significant price increases of all imported goods
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Nah just in general flagship devices have gone up.
 
Lupus said:
Nah just in general flagship devices have gone up.
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Yip, have a look at the iPhone for example:

iPhone 7: $449/32GB, $549/128GB

iPhone 7 Plus: $569/32GB, $669/128GB

iPhone 8: $599/64GB, $749/256GB

iPhone 8 Plus: $699/64GB, $849/256GB

iPhone XR: $749/64GB, $799/128GB, $899/256GB

iPhone XS: $999/64GB, $1,149/256GB, $1,349/512GB

iPhone XS Max: $1,099/64GB, $1,249/256GB, $1,449/512GB

techcrunch.com

Here are the prices of the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR | TechCrunch

Apple just unveiled brand new phones. The iPhone XS and XS Max are the two new flagship devices, replacing the iPhone X. The iPhone XR is replacing the
techcrunch.com techcrunch.com
 
theratman said:
Yip, have a look at the iPhone for example:

iPhone 7: $449/32GB, $549/128GB

iPhone 7 Plus: $569/32GB, $669/128GB

iPhone 8: $599/64GB, $749/256GB

iPhone 8 Plus: $699/64GB, $849/256GB

iPhone XR: $749/64GB, $799/128GB, $899/256GB

iPhone XS: $999/64GB, $1,149/256GB, $1,349/512GB

iPhone XS Max: $1,099/64GB, $1,249/256GB, $1,449/512GB

techcrunch.com

Here are the prices of the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR | TechCrunch

Apple just unveiled brand new phones. The iPhone XS and XS Max are the two new flagship devices, replacing the iPhone X. The iPhone XR is replacing the
techcrunch.com techcrunch.com
Click to expand...

Yeah thats why I've always said iphones are way overpriced. Then look at for instance huawei and xiaomi which are chinese and has great phones (I'm personally a xiaomi fan) and you will not see such major increases in their flagship phones from year to year. The new xioami mi 10 released in the last week has actually got 5 cameras at the back for a total of 108 MP and will cost you only ~$700
 
enerdude said:
Yeah thats why I've always said iphones are way overpriced. Then look at for instance huawei and xiaomi which are chinese and has great phones (I'm personally a xiaomi fan) and you will not see such major increases in their flagship phones from year to year. The new xioami mi 10 released in the last week has actually got 5 cameras at the back for a total of 108 MP and will cost you only ~$700
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With Apple, I've always been of the opinion that you're paying a premium over the hardware cost for their software which compared to most Android devices is worlds apart. Each to their own to decide on what they value but I don't think saying that they're overpriced is right - since you're paying for that additional software support. Chinese phones are great for what they are, good hardware with good enough software, that can turn into very good software if you go the custom OS route which isn't for everyone.

But in terms of cost to us, due to the exchange rate risk, shipping costs, additional sales margins, and bullshit taxes we pay in SA yeah we're getting ripped off if you had to do a 1:1 cost conversion to USD.
 
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