Hey im about to move to Shanghai and want to buy a computer (Mac book) Should i Buy it in shanghai or in the US? where would it be cheaper? can i get the englisg version in china?
any help would be great
thanks

US will be cheaper.

There could be warranty issue so check - DELL is good in this regard you can switch the warranty county as often as you want. Don't know about APPLE . . . Also English / Chinese OS . . . ? Again DELL offers a choice.

fWerrF wrote:US will be cheaper.

Makes sense, Apple has more poser status in China. That wasn't meant to be a cheap shot, its true,

I was told by Apple that my new MacBook's warranty will be accepted in China.

Mac OS can switch between English and Chinese. There is no English version or Chinese version as I understand it.

That said, it will definitely be cheaper in the US.

I bought MBP in China. OSX, you can choose the language at the start, so, setting up English Operating system is no problem.
The price is almost identical to US. I bought MBP 13 for 8100rmb, that's $1195. The starting price on apple website (US) is $1199. The actual price was like 9200rmb or something, but I told them that I dont need fapiao (or whatever its called, country's income tax), since I would be taking it outside of the country (not really), so they gave me big discount.

Apple warranty is one year international warranty, so you will have no trouble with that. You can also purchase apple care.

BTW, on US website, $1199 that's before tax, with tax it would run you about $1300. In the newly open Apple store in Shanghai, entry level MBP13 is about 9500 and that's 1400. There is a difference, but its quite small.

Yes difference is not big.
It's something that if you are in Shanghai and need it, just buy here. If you are still in USA, buy it there.

It's all made in China anyway. When I first bought my MacBook Air in USA from Apple website, it was shipped to me via FedEx from Shanghai

The MacBook Pros in both the USA and China are the same (unless you spec some specific configuration which is not right off the shelf in China). The slightly higher price here in China is offset by the fact that you don't have to pay sales tax. If you don't require a Fapiao from the China retailer, you can usually bargain a better price. The warranty is Worldwide and I recommend you getting the AppleCare 3 year plan. Not too expensive and very worth it if something breaks in year 2 or 3. The store will put your serial number into their system and it will tell them everything about your computer.
You can also take advantage of the Genius Bar no matter where you bought you Mac. It is great for getting questions answered by someone that really knows Macs.
There is also a service called One to One that allows you to go to the new Apple store in Pudong and get one on one training with a Mac expert. You get 1 hour a week for ¥ 498. For less than ¥ 10 an hour, you get to work with a private instructor on anything you want.
I recommend you make an appointment for any of these services because the store is always crowded (especially on the weekends).
Hope this helps, Chip.

Chip.... I have a question. Do you know if the training can be in English? I would like to understand the MacBook and what everything does.

Also, are you talking about the new store in Superbrand Mall? Or is there another location in Pudong.

Great thanks everyone! Im from Latin America so if I pass by the US i will buy there if not then Shanghai it is! good to know there is no big difference.

greeneyedlady wrote:Chip.... I have a question. Do you know if the training can be in English? I would like to understand the MacBook and what everything does.

Also, are you talking about the new store in Superbrand Mall? Or is there another location in Pudong.

he talks about the new official Apple store that just opened in Pudong. Not sure if its actually connected to the Mall tho...

Need to find out where it's at because I need some training in English!!!

Unless there is someone on SHEX willing to help me out. Not sure what I can trade

It is located in IFC mall, in front of Superbrand Mall.

To the OP: if you come to China and by any chance you need to go to HK, I'd suggest you to buy it there, as it is cheaper than in China, and problably than US.

If you can have someone from the USA bring one out to you (when visiting) you should consider an Apple Certified refurbished unit. You'll save a few $$$ and still get a new unit (they really aren't used). I've bought a couple of iPods this way and an iMac desktop. Same worldwide warranty. Never had a problem. Hope this helps.

greeneyedlady wrote:Chip.... I have a question. Do you know if the training can be in English? I would like to understand the MacBook and what everything does.

Also, are you talking about the new store in Superbrand Mall? Or is there another location in Pudong.

Yes, the training can be in English. I have spoken to the GM of the store and he commits to plenty of English speaking specialists. I have called there a few times to ask questions and sometimes I am transferred 2 or 3 times before I get someone with a real command of the English language.

The One to One that I had in the States was really great. I would make a list through the week of things I didn't know and then rifle through it in the session. Usually you could request the same trainer so you could build a rapport. Many times I would learn stuff from just watching them do shortcuts while getting to where we needed to go on my MBP.

Yes, the location is next to the SBM.

P.S. I do not work for the Mall or Mac as someone suggests, just a 7 year Mac guy that wants to help. My wife and I own a furniture store here...

greeneyedlady wrote:Chip.... I have a question. Do you know if the training can be in English? I would like to understand the MacBook and what everything does.

Also, are you talking about the new store in Superbrand Mall? Or is there another location in Pudong.

What do you need training for, doesn't it "just work"? I never had training with my PC and it "just works".

















Am I trying to start a fight?


Yep!



he he he

tihZ_hO wrote:

greeneyedlady wrote:Chip.... I have a question. Do you know if the training can be in English? I would like to understand the MacBook and what everything does.

Also, are you talking about the new store in Superbrand Mall? Or is there another location in Pudong.

What do you need training for, doesn't it "just work"? I never had training with my PC and it "just works".

Am I trying to start a fight?

Yep!

he he he

You're funny..

If "just works" is OK for you, then you are all set. However, for the rest of us that want to excel and achieve the best possible results, then lessons and training are required. I am pretty sure that people like Phil Mickelson, Roger Federer, Viswanathan Anand, etc had thousands of hours of instruction and coaching to get to where they are today.

I applaud greeneyedlady for her proactive approach to learning and understanding the incredible tool that she has in front of her. If someone wants to dumb down, they will have plenty of company around the World and here in China.

There is an old saying that you might be familiar with:

If you think education is expensive, try ignorance...

^^
I think he wanted to start another Mac vs PC war trolling thread...

I have used the Apple Authorized repair center twice in Shanghai and they did a good job both times. Also stopped by the Genius Bar at the new Apple Store last Monday. Good results & English speakers available all times.

I agree with what dcyemail said about Apple refurbished products. I've never had a problem.

The only thing to consider is often you're buying previous generation equipment (i.e. not the latest update), but it depends. I've bought a lot of iPods refurb too, when I wasn't giving as gifts and didn't care about the free engraving.

Finally, if you're in education, get the discount (percentage varies), and you might be able to get the latest for the same price as refurb.

Stick with the U.S.

Prices are 2,000RMB to 3,000RMB cheaper, and your warranty works in China as well.

minyanville wrote:^^
I think he wanted to start another Mac vs PC war trolling thread...

Was it THAT obvious?? C'mon its fun!! Everyone knows Apple Macs would be nothing if it weren't for PC technology pulling it along.

I am curious, why are Apple fanboys (and girls) so . . . how they are??

Is there a secret covenant one has to enter into with Steve upon getting a Mac, in blood?

Not interested in the Mac vs. PC thing, but I have been using PC all my life, 4 years ago started using Apple laptop cuz it's just so much sicker than any Window based laptop.
Now I still use PC at home, but on the road nothing beats a MacBook Air, nothing.

Oh, and as for getting Macbook serviced in Asia, it really depends on the service center.
Technically, they can do whatever for you, if they want to.
In '06, I was in Shanghai then went to Tokyo, for the F1 races. My Macbook crapped out, I took it to the Apple center in Ginza Tokyo, told them that I was in town to see Schumacher kick ass (he was tied with Alonso on championship points with 2 races left), the guy was huge Ferrari fan, and was so excited, he gave me a brand new MacBook, cloned my HD over, set everything up and running, all in 2 hrs, FREE OF CHARGE. That was unbelievable, and what I call service. Good luck in China though

I think that the fanboy thing comes from the fact that Mac users would have significant problems migrating to other operating systems. A lot of our stuff wouldn't work on Windows - we wouldn't be able to access many of our files, especially those created on iWork software.

I also dread the thought of porting my calendars, address book, photo libraries, movie libraries, emails and all that stuff over.

Much of the "functionality" software (like the above) is effortless to sync with other Apple devices like iPhone, iPad etc, so Apple users tend to buy those devices. It certainly doesn't hurt that Apple takes such great care to ensure that all their devices are beautiful to look at, with relatively high-quality materials and finishes, and a pleasure to use. Of course, Apple don't have a monopoly on any of the above, but they do seem to be able to consistently get it right. There's no Vista-like skeleton lurking in Apple's closet.

Ultimately it's just easier to stick with the Apple suite of IT products than to start migrating. I must admit that I always have a niggling feeling that I might be missing out on some very very special non-Apple product out there, but you know what? I've got more important things to spend my time worrying about.

coxaca wrote:I think that the fanboy thing comes from the fact that Mac users would have significant problems migrating to other operating systems. A lot of our stuff wouldn't work on Windows - we wouldn't be able to access many of our files, especially those created on iWork software.

I also dread the thought of porting my calendars, address book, photo libraries, movie libraries, emails and all that stuff over.

Much of the "functionality" software (like the above) is effortless to sync with other Apple devices like iPhone, iPad etc, so Apple users tend to buy those devices. It certainly doesn't hurt that Apple takes such great care to ensure that all their devices are beautiful to look at, with relatively high-quality materials and finishes, and a pleasure to use. Of course, Apple don't have a monopoly on any of the above, but they do seem to be able to consistently get it right. There's no Vista-like skeleton lurking in Apple's closet.

Ultimately it's just easier to stick with the Apple suite of IT products than to start migrating. I must admit that I always have a niggling feeling that I might be missing out on some very very special non-Apple product out there, but you know what? I've got more important things to spend my time worrying about.

That's Apple's business model, its Apple or nothing in other words. Because Apple's OS and software only needs to work on Apple hardware its shooting fish in a barrel. Conversely with PCs the OS and software has to be compatible to work on the INFINITE hardware configurations possible. This standardisation allowed hardware manufactures and software authors the freedom to develop the technology to where it is today and it continues to develop. With so many hardware configurations possible users are free to have what they want in a PC.

Apple's original hardware was a dead end street when PC tech overtook Apple's much touted performance (which at the time was with good reason) which meant it was IMPOSSIBLE to run anything but the simplest 3D games on original Apple hardware. This is why Apple dropped its hardware for PC tech which allowed Apple to catch up with PCs. Because the Apple OS only has to work on a limited amount of hardware configurations it is leaner (if that's the right word) than Windows. This certainly does not mean Apple is "better" than Windows, it only means Apple is more limited in what is expected of it.

Apple does give a considerable attention to design by way of fashion /sleekness as this is a powerful draw card. However if one wants to compare Apple features to others it cannot do as well as one would expect (bootcamp to run Windows is a clue). A very practical example is simply batteries. With NON Apple products charging is faster and the batteries are easily swapped out for charged ones or replacements when the need arises. With a Mac one must find a power outlet or give up while with a PC one only needs to hibernate Windows and swap out the dead battery for a charged one. Just this simple action alone limits what a "road warrior" can do. Its the same for other Apple products, 5 hours to charge a iPhone (iPod) while a Blackberry, which is not fashionable, charges in less than an hour or one can just change the battery.

Mention 3D games and a PC will and can piss over anything Apple could possible throw at it. With a PC one can easily have a high powered video card with 4 gigs of video memory (and link two or more together in tandem) and with Windows 64 bit OS, 128GB of main memory is an option. (Not to mention that high performance 3D games are written for a PC)

Because the Apple OS only has to work on a limited amount of hardware configurations it is leaner (if that's the right word) than Windows. This certainly does not mean Apple is "better" than Windows, it only means Apple is more limited in what is expected of it.

I mean the software/hardware compatibility found on Macs is a large part of why people like Macs so much.

Detail wrote:

Because the Apple OS only has to work on a limited amount of hardware configurations it is leaner (if that's the right word) than Windows. This certainly does not mean Apple is "better" than Windows, it only means Apple is more limited in what is expected of it.

I mean the software/hardware compatibility found on Macs is a large part of why people like Macs so much.

Yeah, that's what I said, wasn't it?

The point I was making was that Windows and PCs are leading the charge with Macs following. Would you not agree? IBM allowed clones which allowed development and here we all are.

If it was the other way around personal computers would be quite anaemic due to Apple's business model.

This is not to say Apple do not make good products, they do, but are extremely restricted.