I’m moving over to Taichung in early September and eventually I’m going to need a new laptop (the one I’m using at the moment is on it’s last legs). I’ve been thinking about getting a Macbook for a while and am considering it when my current laptop gives up (if not before).
I have a background in media so I’ll be using it for editing as well as creating documents, emailing etc.
I’ve read a few conflicting issues on the price, is it cheaper to buy over there? I thought it might even out due to the cost of living etc.
Also, are there any problems with English language OS/Programs? Would there be a problem using/getting ‘English’ programs?
Or am I better off just getting another Acer laptop?
The prices are basically US prices plus an import markup. This may or may not be less that buying in the US depending on the local taxes in your state.
Macs are different from Windows machines in that OSX includes all languages in one version, and additionally, getting programs is not going to be a problem since nearly everything can be downloaded from the web or from the Mac App Store.
IMO, make the switch. Remember a Mac is a Windows machine also. What you can’t replicate on any PC is the combination of the giant Macbook trackpads with OSX, which needs to be experienced for one to really believe how big of a difference it is.
Note, they quietly killed the MacBook so the base model MacBook is now a MacBook Air. Given the recent updates, this is quite a high-end “base” model in terms of performance.
I’m in the UK at the moment, I’ve been comparing the prices on the Taiwan version of the apple site to the UK version, and on average the Taiwan site is about 200 pounds cheaper (after conversion).
The UK Apple Store prices are ridiculous. Whatever it is you’re after, buy it in Taiwan. I can highly recommend the Macbook Air if you’re looking for a good on-the-road machine.
Apple computers are about the same price as in the US. There is a rather substantial markup on iPods, however (or was when I bought one last year).
Has anyone had their Mac serviced here? I bought mine in the US and was told by the Apple Store employees there that I’d probably have to ship it to China if there are any problems. I know there are affiliated stores here, but I’m not sure if they’re authorized for repair. Kind of strange that they haven’t put an official Apple Store in Taipei yet, given how popular Apple is here.
While there are no actual Apple stores, there are both authorized stores and authorized service depots for Apple products in Taiwan. I have had my Macbook and iPad 2 serviced here before. Turnaround time for both was within a week. However I later found out that the store was sending it to the local service depot each time. I could have saved a few days turnaround time by sending it there myself.
There are some really good Apple stores here, should be not difficult to find using google maps. The prices here are all slightly cheaper than in Australia as well (:
Been shopping for Macs at the authorised Mac stores and they are all the same price. Does anyone know of anywhere selling new macs but not at an authorised Mac store in Taipei?? I’m in the hope that I maybe able to get it cheaper then whats being quoted at these stores.
i would highly advise against purchasing a Mac laptop from a non-authorized dealer. Despite what everyone thinks of Macs, your laptop WILL run into problems. But almost all are painlessly fixed at the apple store if under warranty.
One thing you can do here is get all the software you want bundled in for free. A nod and a wink to the boss and they’ll basically give you whatever you want i.e. the whole Adobe CS, Final Cut, Logic Pro, Aperture, of course Microsoft Office for Mac. Basically whatever they have in the shop. Just make sure you aren’t being given trial versions. Mac outlets in places like Guanghua are more likely to offer these extras.
Ok, so I got paid today, got my $$$. Been eyeing a few Macs, a few questions before I take the plunge. What is the difference between a MacBook and a MacBook Pro apart from the name. If I buy it here will the OS all be in Chinese or can I simply change it to English in a few clicks. Also this new operating system - Lion, do any of the Macs come with it pre-installed?
Wait for the new MacBook Airs to show up. Ask specifically for “Sandy Bridge Macbook Air”. Should be late August to September. Yes you can change it to English easily. Lion comes on all the new MacBook Airs and MacBook Pros. The plain old “MacBook” is discontinued.