Rant and request: Tkec (3C) Electronics Store

Life Technology
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Note: In addition to a request, this is a rant about the state of business in Taiwan. When you look at a map of Taiwan, if you get starry-eyed, you might want to skip this post.

I need some extra RAM for my laptop computer. Had some help making a call to the local Tkec store (www.tkec.com.tw). Inaccurately, I call this place the “3C Store” because it sports that name so prominently on its yellow and black signs.

After receiving all the specs on the laptop, the Tkec computer employee answers a few questions and ensures us that they have the right memory in stock, and actually, several brands to choose from along a price range: 256MB, non-ECC/non-parity, PC2100 or higher.

Next day, I unplug the laptop and drag it over to the 3C store. Go in, show them the laptop, and ask to see the memory modules. They pull out the “right” modules. One brand, one choice. They smile blankly. I ask where the other choices are, the ones mentioned on the phone. They don’t know. They smile blankly. I look unhappy. They offer to get their “memory guy”. The memory guy comes over. On the sole memory choice, there is no indication of whether it is ECC or not. I ask. He doesn’t know, but he doesn’t find that odd. I ask if they have a book or something to check. He doesn’t know. He smiles blankly. I ask to look at the package again, read the back of it, and find the company website address. I ask them to, well, go to that website and check if they have no other way to know. They try briefly, can’t find anything.

I ask for the manager. Scared young guy. Comes over, gets an explanation, asks a few questions, and then offers to get their real “memory” guy – The Big Gun. TBG comes over, adds nothing to the conversation, except a scowl. I am certain that this guy accidentally wandered into this place of employment, betel nut in place, while looking for his chair in the scooter maintenance shop.

The best they can come up with is that we can poke the only available memory chip in my laptop, the one that they cannnot identify, and see what happens. I don’t have to pay unless it works. After some thinking about that, in the spirit of compromise, I agree to give it a whirl.

TBG, who was too important to wait for the outcome, is re-summoned. He snatches the RAM package, opens it, pulls out the module, and no shit, throws it on the counter.

At that point, I tell the other tech who speaks English that I have changed my mind. I collect my laptop and depart.

Tkec/3C is always like this. I will not return for anything more important than AA batteries.

What in the hell is wrong with this place that you cannot depend on the plumber to know about plumbing, the mechanic to know about mechanics, or the computer guy to know about computers??? :fume:

==== End of rant ===================

So, does anyone know of a reputable and convenient place to buy memory in Taipei?

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it’s a chain. better off getting to know the guy at the local small computer shop.

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Which outlet of TKEC was that? Just so we know which one to avoid when buying memory. :wink:

Anyhow, try some notebooks shops around Bade Rd. / Guanhua market or Nova or K-Mall (both near the main station).

4

Wow, to me thats sounds like better than average customer service for Taiwan.

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[quote=“Rascal”]Which outlet of TKEC was that? Just so we know which one to avoid when buying memory. :wink:

Anyhow, try some notebooks shops around Bade Rd. / Guanhua market or Nova or K-Mall (both near the main station).[/quote]

I agree. Forget TKEC. Go to one of the computer neighbourhoods. I only go to TKEC if I really need something in a hurry and just happen to be near one (it’s usually more expensive too).

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It was, oddly enough, but that was because I was prodding them along at every turn. In the end, still no competence … or memory module.

Probably need to remain somewhat anonymous on the store location, but think “northern phalanx”.

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then go to guanghua? i dont see what the issue is… the guys around there are usually damn good. its where most computer boffins head for all their needs. i wouldnt try a big chain back home for something like memory either, rather, straight to the specialists.

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Why don’t you track the memory spec by searching the NB brand’s website? It’s simple, check the product spec sheet and it should tell you whether the memory module is SDRAM, DDR1 or DDR 2. NB DRAM are fairly standard compared to desktops. It’s pretty easy once you get the spec.

Also, good luck if you want SDRAM on an older NB model. They’re expensive and hard to find. DDR 1 is cheaper and easier.

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I already know the specs. The issue is finding something trustworthy to match. This isn’t rocket science. Back home this would have been solved in 5 minutes, even at a big chain store.

Guanghua: You all talking about the big computer market on/near Bade Rd.?

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[quote=“seeker4”]I already know the specs. The issue is finding something trustworthy to match. This isn’t rocket science. Back home this would have been solved in 5 minutes, even at a big chain store.

Guanghua: You all talking about the big computer market on/near Bade Rd.?[/quote]

The one right by Zhongxiao Xinsheng MRT, where I get all my stuff (including hiking stuff, funny enough). Think I need to take you round there someday.

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Yep, that’s the one. The notebook shops are however mostly along Bade Rd. itself, not under the flyover/bridge thingy.

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Great. Thanks to all for the pointers. And the chance to get the customer service thing off my chest. :smiley:

[quote=“irishstu”]
The one right by Zhongxiao Xinsheng MRT, where I get all my stuff (including hiking stuff, funny enough). Think I need to take you round there someday.[/quote]
I think I might need a guide. Went there only once, started to wander through and felt like I was being assimilated by the Borg!

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The memory in my desktop PC is Kingston, and I bought it at Guanghua, so they should have it for Laptops as well.

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yeah get thee to guanghua… get recommendations from others and shop at a few stores. its like anywhere… build a rep with a shop and the service gets better and the prices lower! :slight_smile:

good luck, deep breaths. venting is fine but shop around. :slight_smile:

17

Go to Transcend. They’re the best Taiwanese brand. Stores at Warner Village and K-Mall. They only sell memory products; they’ll know what to sell you.

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For memory, go to Code-Art…it’s at No. 94, Bade Rd Sec. 1. Ask for Mr. Zao. A 1Gb stick will run you about $4500NT.

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I know this is a rant on TKEC stores but the two in Zhonghe that I go to have been very good. I even got the right information on the DDR 333 ramsticks for my new Asus Z91L (btw, Asus Z91E are going for NTD 22900 now). Kingston branded 512Mb stick costs NTD 1900. Two sticks costs less than the 1GB stick at NTD 4500.

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But the problem with most notebooks is that you can’t change one slot. :fume: