Purchasing Advice Needed

[panther]

I want to get one of the new iMacs for use when I stay in the Philippines. But I need some information & advice:

1. How do Philippine prices compare with USofA prices? I am going to be getting the 17 incher, 2.0 Ghz. Should I buy in California or Manila?

2. What is Apple repair and service like in Manila?

3. Any point in getting AppleCare for the the Philippines?

4. If it is cheaper ito buy n the USofA, any idea what DHL shipping would cost. I imagine it would whipe out the cost savings.

5. Where are the best Mac deals/repair shops in Manila?

Thanks in advance.

[jps444]

1. yeah it cheaper in the US. but if you do know good sellers here they can give you affordable macs that are competitive enough for us priced macs after tax.

2. there are lots of service centers here. well depending on your problem sometimes i think they bring it to singapore.

3. same as 1

4. i think if electronics $6 per lbs

5. iStudio, Senco, Ynzal and LMK

[Time]

dont forget the tax you will get imposed on when you bring it in. Actually if you buy the macbook or macbook pro in the US, you can handcarry it back and you wont have to pay any of the taxes and shipping, which is cheaper.

[jps444]

actually the tax i was referring to was the state tax. if it's in cali i think around 8.5% additional.

[mactrix]

kapag imac kahit walang kahon, hindi na itax dito sa customs

[berniej]

kapag imac kahit walang kahon, hindi na itax dito sa customs

@mactrix, The person asking the question may not understand what you are trying to say. Please have the courtesy to check if your answer will be understandable, especially by the specific person fielding the query.

Thanks

[Kenneth]

Hi panther,

My advice is to buy the iMac here. Believe me, you don't want to bring something like that through the airport customs here. Its too much of a hassle if you ask me. Even having it shipped here isn't cost effective I bet. Don't worry about after sales support. I don't know what its like in the US so I can't compare. But if you have a problem, the reputable resellers here will be more than willing to help you out. No problem with claiming warranty.

To give you an idea Ynzal is offering the following

* iMac 17” 1.83GHz Intel Core Duo
512MB/160GB/double layer SD/APX/BT MA199..... Promo Price..... Php 75,880 Only! (about $1,500)

* iMac 20” 2GHz Intel Core Duo
512MB/250GB/double layer SD/APX/BT MA200.....Promo Price..... Php 96,880 Only! (about $1,900)

As mentioned (and in no particular order) Apple Center, iStudio, Senco, Ynzal, iGig Computer Center and LMK are the top choices when shopping for macs. Can't go wrong with them. Here's a link to the full list and their contact details

[mynameis]

1. How do Philippine prices compare with USofA prices? I am going to be getting the 17 incher, 2.0 Ghz. Should I buy in California or Manila?

Yes, it is cheaper to buy there likewise as stated by jps444 "if you do know good sellers here they can give you affordable macs that are competitive enough for US priced macs after tax".

2. What is Apple repair and service like in Manila?

There isnt really a big problem with the repair center here in manila,it only depends on the problem,hardware may take a little while because they have to order it. Software bug down deals an hour or so.

3. Any point in getting AppleCare for the the Philippines?

Definitely you can buy AppleCare for your iMac here however, since it is desktop you wont be able to have it repaired within one year warranty for free because all desktop doesnt come with international warranty. On the other, hand if before the one year warranty ends & you are able to enroll it on ACPP for two years extension this is the only time you can have it repaired for no worries of charges.

4. If it is cheaper ito buy n the USofA, any idea what DHL shipping would cost. I imagine it would whipe out the cost savings.

I do not have exact figure but definitely it is expensive.

5. Where are the best Mac deals/repair shops in Manila?

You can check for AppleCare service provider<San Juan> or any apple stores <Megamall,Greenbelt,SM North,MOA> they have in house technical people at your service.

[panther]

Thank you all. This is most helpful.

Does Phil MUG have monthly meetings?

Panther

[Carlo]

As mentioned (and in no particular order) Apple Center, iStudio, Senco, Ynzal, iGig Computer Center and LMK are the top choices when shopping for macs. Can't go wrong with them. Here's a link to the full list and their contact details

Don't forget Digital Hub! Their service is muy excellente