View Full Version : Ship or buy new in Jakarta (PC computer)
Well, as most of the people in this awesome forum know that I will be moving back to Jakarta in the coming months. Throughout the years living in America, I accumulated quite a few collections of electronic goods. I know I won't be able to ship everything back to Indonesia and this is where all you expats will chime in and help a fellow member out.
My main concern is my gaming/server computer. I don't know whether I should ship the whole entire thing back to Indonesia or should I sell it here in America and buy new again once I am back in Jakarta. I don't know how "up to date" Indonesia is in regards on PC computers.
I was hoping if anyone out there who is a PC computer expert can do a comparison price analysis between U.S. prices to Rupiah. What I mean is how much would it cost me if I bought the computer parts in Jakarta (I believe Mangga Dua is the electronic MAll if I recall). Or better yet, is there an Indonesian website link that has prices on individual computer parts.
My Rig:
Intel i7 980x
Asus Rampage III Extreme Motherboard
Intel X-25M 160GB SSD
2x 1TB Samsung F1 HDD )
2x 2TB Hitachi Deskstar HDD
12GB Corsair Dominator GT 2000mhz
2x Sapphire 5970 Radeon GPU
EVGA GTX 470 for PhysX
Enermax Galaxy Evo 1250watt PSU
3x KDS 26" 1920x1200 LCD Monitor )
Coolermaster HAF-X full tower case
Water Cooling Kit
Rupiah Rp?????
I'll definitely ship my water cooling kit back to Jakarta as I have a strong feeling that no computer stores will carry any water cooling components. I may be wrong.
I just want to know if it is cost effective for me to ship my monstrous rig or sell it in America and buy new again in Jakarta. Also, If I do decide to ship my rig, how safe is it to pass through customs? I've heard horrors stories where corrupt custom agents in Jakarta have the knack of poking around electronic goods.
I appreciate all the help and sorry for the wall of text.
PS: if these thread is in the wrong sub-forum, just notify the moderators/administrator and tell them to move it to the appropriate slot. I thought it would be more appropriate in the General Advice since I'm asking in regards of suggestion of shipping and not exactly in regards of a technology base question.
Nexus6
abdinegoro
07-10-10, 10:36
Great stuff you got there. Hardcore gamer?? Roughly I think it'd be about 7-8 jt if you bought the same package here
abdinegoro
07-10-10, 10:42
Upps...sorry, double it... :p
Upps...sorry, double it... :p
I don't know how much Rp16 jt is equivalent to US$ but I can tell you how much I spent on my gaming rig in the last year. Try US$8K. Well close to it. hehehehe......Don't have a gf and I stopped going out on weekends so all my hard earned money goes to my gaming rig and my weekend warrior. I'll price out each of the component in US$ to get a general idea.
Intel i7 980x $1,000
Asus Rampage III Extreme Motherboard $400
Intel X-25M 160GB SSD $450
2x 1TB Samsung F1 HDD $100 each ($200 total)
2x 2TB Hitachi Deskstar HDD $100 each ($200 total)
12GB Corsair Dominator GT 2000mhz ($500)
2x Sapphire 5970 Radeon GPU $700 each ($1,400 total)
EVGA GTX 470 for PhysX $300
Enermax Galaxy Evo 1250watt PSU $300
3x KDS 26" 1920x1200 LCD Monitor $300 each ($900 total)
Coolermaster HAF-X full tower case $180
That comes to US$5,830 :jaw:
That doesn't include the water cooling kit.
lone_ranger
07-10-10, 12:29
Sounds like you may have to run that with a step up transformer. I gave up on desktop gaming rigs and bought myself a high end Qosmio (gaming) laptop for the purposes of running FSX and Crysis. Very mobile and I get good FPS from the rig hooked up to an external monitor. Of course, it can't compare to a desktop but that was the best compromise, I thought. Plus the power brick was multivoltage.
U can ship them back tax free and no issue with customs here.
Document required are as follows : -
For Indonesians:
· Original Passport
· Letter from Indonesian Embassy or Consulate at point of origin stating original arrival date abroad, the date of return to Indonesia, the reason for staying overseas, and that the shipper is bringing back a shipment of household goods to Indonesia.
· Original inventory & Packing list, legalized by the Indonesian Embassy or Consulate in the country from which the shipment originates, prior to the departure.
· Original Bill of Lading or Airway Bill
· Recommendation letter from employer in country of origin stating the length of the mission with date of arrival and departure.
I tried mobile gaming with my friend's Asus G73 gaming laptop with a 5870M gpu but it just doesn't have the same excitement as gaming with Eyefinity spanned across 3 monitors running at 5760x1200 resolution and running an average of 100FPS in Crysis.
And what is this step up transformer you speak of? My rig runs at 980watts at the wall socket when fully stressed but averages at 850watts while gaming.
Speaking of wattage, how is the condition of the electricity in Indonesia? Do you guys experience the occasional brown-out and complete black-outs. I have a 1050va UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply) which is equivalent to 1500watts and can run my rig on the built-in battery for 15 minutes.
Thanx for the info btw.
abdinegoro
07-10-10, 15:43
I don't know how much Rp16 jt is equivalent to US$ but I can tell you how much I spent on my gaming rig in the last year. Try US$8K. Well close to it. hehehehe......Don't have a gf and I stopped going out on weekends so all my hard earned money goes to my gaming rig and my weekend warrior. I'll price out each of the component in US$ to get a general idea.
Intel i7 980x $1,000
Asus Rampage III Extreme Motherboard $400
Intel X-25M 160GB SSD $450
2x 1TB Samsung F1 HDD $100 each ($200 total)
2x 2TB Hitachi Deskstar HDD $100 each ($200 total)
12GB Corsair Dominator GT 2000mhz ($500)
2x Sapphire 5970 Radeon GPU $700 each ($1,400 total)
EVGA GTX 470 for PhysX $300
Enermax Galaxy Evo 1250watt PSU $300
3x KDS 26" 1920x1200 LCD Monitor $300 each ($900 total)
Coolermaster HAF-X full tower case $180
That comes to US$5,830 :jaw:
That doesn't include the water cooling kit.
16jt is around 1,700 USD. With 1700, I think I can come up with a rig that's at least equal to yours. Computer prices drop real fast, I figured you must have bought them when all of the parts are still very fresh on the market
I tried mobile gaming with my friend's Asus G73 gaming laptop with a 5870M gpu but it just doesn't have the same excitement as gaming with Eyefinity spanned across 3 monitors running at 5760x1200 resolution and running an average of 100FPS in Crysis.
And what is this step up transformer you speak of? My rig runs at 980watts at the wall socket when fully stressed but averages at 850watts while gaming.
Speaking of wattage, how is the condition of the electricity in Indonesia? Do you guys experience the occasional brown-out and complete black-outs. I have a 1050va UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply) which is equivalent to 1500watts and can run my rig on the built-in battery for 15 minutes.
Thanx for the info btw. Nope, I haven't had brown-outs for long, and complete black outs are not that often
Well, as most of the people in this awesome forum know that I will be moving back to Jakarta in the coming months. Throughout the years living in America, I accumulated quite a few collections of electronic goods. I know I won't be able to ship everything back to Indonesia and this is where all you expats will chime in and help a fellow member out.
My main concern is my gaming/server computer. I don't know whether I should ship the whole entire thing back to Indonesia or should I sell it here in America and buy new again once I am back in Jakarta. I don't know how "up to date" Indonesia is in regards on PC computers.
I was hoping if anyone out there who is a PC computer expert can do a comparison price analysis between U.S. prices to Rupiah. What I mean is how much would it cost me if I bought the computer parts in Jakarta (I believe Mangga Dua is the electronic MAll if I recall). Or better yet, is there an Indonesian website link that has prices on individual computer parts.
My Rig:
Intel i7 980x
Asus Rampage III Extreme Motherboard
Intel X-25M 160GB SSD
2x 1TB Samsung F1 HDD )
2x 2TB Hitachi Deskstar HDD
12GB Corsair Dominator GT 2000mhz
2x Sapphire 5970 Radeon GPU
EVGA GTX 470 for PhysX
Enermax Galaxy Evo 1250watt PSU
3x KDS 26" 1920x1200 LCD Monitor )
Coolermaster HAF-X full tower case
Water Cooling Kit
Rupiah Rp?????
I'll definitely ship my water cooling kit back to Jakarta as I have a strong feeling that no computer stores will carry any water cooling components. I may be wrong.
I just want to know if it is cost effective for me to ship my monstrous rig or sell it in America and buy new again in Jakarta. Also, If I do decide to ship my rig, how safe is it to pass through customs? I've heard horrors stories where corrupt custom agents in Jakarta have the knack of poking around electronic goods.
I appreciate all the help and sorry for the wall of text.
PS: if these thread is in the wrong sub-forum, just notify the moderators/administrator and tell them to move it to the appropriate slot. I thought it would be more appropriate in the General Advice since I'm asking in regards of suggestion of shipping and not exactly in regards of a technology base question.
Nexus6
Here is what I know for sure (and you can check prices and availability at local forums such as forum.chip.co.id as well):
1. the CPU cost pretty penny here. If you still have the original box, bring it home with you.
2. Memory cost pretty penny here. see number one.
3. SSD cost pretty penny here. Also see number one.
4. Regular HD is quite affordable. You can sell that and buy it new here.
5. VGA cards are widely available and you should be able to haggle yourself new ones here or at least with the same price as those you are about to sell.
6. PSU cost pretty penny but there are other brands locally just incase your identical PSU is too expensive to purchase locally.
7. Sell the monitors. You can buy better ones here (120hz/3D) unless you want 1920x1200 resolution LCD monitors as must have feature.
8. Coolermaster HAF-X is launching at Indocomtech 2010 Nov 3rd to Nov 7th
9. Water Cooling is available here quite easily in Mangga Dua Mall
Warm Regards,
Armand
PS: you can check local prices at Viraindo.com or enterkomputer.com
I actually packed up my gaming rig, stuffed it in one of my suitcases and brought it home with me. I figured it would be safer than to ship it back. You can buy new monitors here without any issues, even new LED LCD ones but expect to pay a little bit of a premium for anything bigger than 22" I think.
Brown-outs and blackouts are not as common anymore but still happens on occasions. Under voltage is a bit common too.
Thanks for all those who replied.
I have found some websites thanks to R35553H and will do a side by side comparison
Intel i7 980X Extreme Edition 6 core CPU $1,000 Rp N/A (I'm going for the next lowest chip which is the i7 975 Extreme Edition 4 core which is going for Rp 9,752,000)
Asus Rampage III Extreme Motherboard $400 Rp N/A (I'll price this with the Rampage II Extreme at Rp 4,403,000)
Intel X-25M 160GB SSD $450 Rp 4,166,000
2x 1TB Samsung F1 HDD $100 each Rp 1,140,100 (Rp 2,280,000)
2x 2TB Hitachi Deskstar HDD $100 each Rp 1,756,000 (Rp 3,512,000 total)
12GB Corsair Dominator GT 2000mhz $500 Rp N/A
2x Sapphire 5970 Radeon GPU $700 each Rp 5,720,000 (Rp 11,440,000 total)
EVGA GTX 470 for PhysX $300 Rp 3,235,000
Enermax Galaxy Evo 1250watt PSU $300 Rp 3,000,000
3x KDS 26" 1920x1200 LCD Monitor $300 each Rp N/A (closest thing I found to my LCD monitor is a LG 27" 1920x1080 for Rp 5,950,000 each. For an Eyefinity setup, it will cost me Rp 17,850,000)
Asus Xonar Essence ST $210 Rp 2,025,000
Coolermaster HAF-X full tower case $180 Rp N/A (Someone informed me that this particular Tower case will soon arrive. I'm guestimating the launch price will be Rp 2,000,000)
Total price comes to Rp 63,663,000
And I haven't included the price of the Memory Corsair Dominator Gts which can add another 5-7jt.
Solution: I think I'll ship my rig instead.
Price were taken from
http://www.enterkomputer.com/index.php
and
http://rakitan.net/
also known as Quantum Computers
I haven't included the accessories such as the Logitech G19 LCD keyboard, Logitech G13 LCD Gamepad, Logitech G9X gaming mouse, Audio Technica ATH-A900 headphones..............
abdinegoro
08-10-10, 09:21
Whoa.. I've miscalculate.. Sorry for that
No problem..... I also don't know the exact currency exchange US$ to Rp but I usually use the $1 = Rp 10,000 and give or take a few to make things easier for calculation sake.
I don't even want to know how much I spent on my Mitsubishi the last five years. Lol....
abdinegoro
08-10-10, 10:12
Wouldn't this be better? :
MSI P55-GD80 1,967,000 Intel i7 980x
9,890,000 Patriot 12GB PC 12800 PV73 triple channel 3,106,000 2xHitachi 1 TB Sata2
1,152,000 2xWD 2 TB Sata2 Cache 64MB 2,462,000 GTX 470
3,115,000 Digital Alliance HD 5970 11,296,000 PowerColor Gaming Case TLB4 795,000 Enlight 1000W PSU
1,888,000 3x BenQ 27" M2700HD Wide HD 15,120,000 TOTAL 50,791,000
Based on previous experience with boards, I'll never use ASUS ^^. with 3 GPU, 1000 W PSU should be more than enough, and an ASUS Xonar could just be a waste of money since the onboard sound card already support true blue-ray quality sound, how delicate can a person ear be? lol.
Here's MSI tech spec: http://us.msi.com/index.php?func=proddesc&prod_no=1881&maincat_no=1
I don't calculate ur SSD, it should fit in your luggage nicely
Wouldn't this be better? :
MSI P55-GD80 1,967,000 Intel i7 980x
9,890,000 Patriot 12GB PC 12800 PV73 triple channel 3,106,000 2xHitachi 1 TB Sata2
1,152,000 2xWD 2 TB Sata2 Cache 64MB 2,462,000 GTX 470
3,115,000 Digital Alliance HD 5970 11,296,000 PowerColor Gaming Case TLB4 795,000 Enlight 1000W PSU
1,888,000 3x BenQ 27" M2700HD Wide HD 15,120,000 TOTAL 50,791,000
Based on previous experience with boards, I'll never use ASUS ^^. with 3 GPU, 1000 W PSU should be more than enough, and an ASUS Xonar could just be a waste of money since the onboard sound card already support true blue-ray quality sound, how delicate can a person ear be? lol.
Here's MSI tech spec: http://us.msi.com/index.php?func=proddesc&prod_no=1881&maincat_no=1
I don't calculate ur SSD, it should fit in your luggage nicely
Good choices except the MSI mobo you chose is a P55 chip (1156 architecture) where as the i7 980x is an X58 (1366 architecture).
The Patriot memory is PC12800 meaning it is running at 1600mhz where as the Corsair Dominator GTs are PC3 16000 running at 2000mhz
The Samsung F3s are the fastest 1TB HDD and only looses to the WD Velicoraptors in terms of Read speed. I had a choice of choosing WD Blacks or Samsung F3. You know which one I decided to go for.
Hitachi Deskstar I have no quarrels with since they are cheap and big and I use it only for my server storage.
I have not heard of Digital Alliance as a GPU partner for AMD in the States but the Sapphire 5970 is rated the highest reliable gpu among AMD users.
Haven't heard of Powercolor Gaming Case but the Coolermaster HAF-X is awesome for airflow and watercooling. I have 1 360 radiator on top, 1 240 Rad at the bottom and another 360 radiator on the back with 2 655 Swiftech pumps pushing everything. Oh yeah, I have a total of 14 120x25mm fans in my case. Everything is overclocked up the ying-yang and stable at those settings.
The Enermax Galaxy Evo 1250W is the highest rated PSU in jonnyguru.com The most trusted reviewer for all things PSU related.
http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story5&reid=145
1000 watt psu is not enough to push my entire rig. When I stressed test the computer, the Kill-A-Watt meter read 980watts. 20 watts for room for error is cutting it very close.
The KDS LCD monitors I got it real cheap since Newegg.com had a sale on it and I needed 3 monitors in order to run Eyefinity. I'm surprised no one carried a 1920x1200 resolution monitors at 24" or above.
My previous career was a DJ and music producer so yes, music clarity is very important to my sensitive ears. Even though on-board sound has improved dramatically through the years, dedicated sound card is night and day compared to them.
The total GPU I'm running is 5 since each of the 5970 is 2 gpu in one card.
The GTX 470 I rarely use it as it only used for PhysX and only very few games use PhysX. Also, using the card for PhysX skewers your 3dMark Vantage to extremely high score. I scored a 42,500 on my 3dMark Vantage with PhysX on and 36,000 without PhysX.
Once you have experienced the speed of SSD, you will never ever go back to mechanical hard drive. How about 12 seconds boot-up time. How about opening 57 applications at the same time in one second. The only problem is that SSD is still expensive. People use SSD as an OS boot drive and only install the OS and important applications, and if the SSD is big enough, important games. I bought the largest SSD I could afford at that time and I am happy with the purchase. Some people buy two smaller SSD and RAID O them, but that eliminates TRIM. TRIM is very important to SSD as it properly deletes old sectors and prepare the memory cell blocks for new writes. TRIM doesn't work in RAID set-ups.
abdinegoro
08-10-10, 11:40
except the MSI mobo you chose is a P55 chip (1156 architecture) where as the i7 980x is an X58 (1366 architecture).ahh...ur right. Got false info from here http://www.viraindo.com/pc1.html
14 Fans??? OMG...
and with that much money, I'd rather use it to remodel my room or add extensions to my car port
ahh...ur right. Got false info from here http://www.viraindo.com/pc1.html
14 Fans??? OMG...
and with that much money, I'd rather use it to remodel my room or add extensions to my car port
I know what you mean. I'm just glad that I still have the time and means to support a ridiculous and expensive hobby. I'm still young, dumb and full of ........sumthing.
The computer is actually the cheapest of my hobbies. I have a 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse that is pushing over 500hp and runs the 1/4mile at 11.57s at 123mph trap speed. I have spent over US$20,000 in the last five year to get it where it is right now. That car is also registered, passed local Emission and is legal to drive in the streets.
My DJ rig and my recording studio cost more than my car and my computer combined together. I bet once I get serious with a gf and start a family, all those hobbies mentioned above will be gone. I'll be shopping for Rp 15jt sofa set, a Rp 30jt 3D OLED 60" Flat screen, etc......
Aaaahhh! The joys of growing up.....
This thread is full with language I completely dont understand (computer language..). :doh:
This thread is full with language I completely dont understand (computer language..). :doh:
Yo Dawg!!! Why u dissin' my cryptic language, yo.......:tongue: (Ghetto English)
abdinegoro
08-10-10, 14:13
This thread is full with language I completely dont understand (computer language..). :doh:
Huh? it's computer biology. We're discussing the body parts of computer. It's more interesting, cause we get to play frankenstein with computers. I just don't have the same knack with humans, failed every time.. they won't come back to life
I know what you mean. I'm just glad that I still have the time and means to support a ridiculous and expensive hobby. I'm still young, dumb and full of ........sumthing.
The computer is actually the cheapest of my hobbies. I have a 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse that is pushing over 500hp and runs the 1/4mile at 11.57s at 123mph trap speed. I have spent over US$20,000 in the last five year to get it where it is right now. That car is also registered, passed local Emission and is legal to drive in the streets.
My DJ rig and my recording studio cost more than my car and my computer combined together. I bet once I get serious with a gf and start a family, all those hobbies mentioned above will be gone. I'll be shopping for Rp 15jt sofa set, a Rp 30jt 3D OLED 60" Flat screen, etc......
Aaaahhh! The joys of growing up.....
While it is nice to spend that much money here, I have to let you know since I came back almost two years before you that you won't be close of making what you make over there over here.
If I had to do it all over again, I should have not build my first rig and buy a decent laptop instead then use the money saved to start a business or other useful hobbies. For example, had I not build my current rig, I would have a really nice mountain bike right now and that MTB makes me healthier plus holds more value if I have to sell it again.
Just a word of caution, Indonesians really value warranties on electronic items such as computer parts. Your rig when sold is considered black market because (a) it is not bought locally and (b) does retain manufacturers warranty (which you would obtain if your parts were bought here in Indonesia). There for, if you ever want to sell your parts in less than three years yet it doesn't have any warranty in case anything happens (you never know), (the parts) won't sell for the value that you seek.
There for, before you pack your rig and ship it over, it is best that you think it over before you stress over when the time comes for you to upgrade.
I already had to do it once and if I have a chance to do it all over again, I would've buy it locally for the parts that I'm going to replace often (ie VGA Cards, Motherboard, etc). The extra price and warranty are worth the hassle.
I'm surprised that Indonesia supports warranty just as much as Americans live on it.
The last time I was in Indonesia, there was no such thing as warranty. It was you buy the product and plug and pray.
I know I'm going to take a big hit if I do decide to sell my rig here in America and I have decided that I will bring it with me back to Indonesia and use it until it becomes a family heirloom.
It seems that people mention that there are better things to spend on considering the large amount of money I have spent on my rig, but here is the thing. I am already giving up my souped up automobile, my DJ equipment and finally my recording studio equipment. My computer is the only thing salvageable among my hobbies and also the easiest to ship. I know I won't have the same lavish lifestyle as I did here in America and sacrifices have to be made, but I simply refuse to give up everything and so I shall carry a memento of my lifestyle here in the U.S. in the form of a computer.
One other thing, It seems people prefer laptops over desktop when it comes to computer. Why is that? I have a laptop but I only use it to bring it to school and to tune my car, but everything else is done in my desktop and my Android phone.
I wasn't even attracted to join the hipster bandwagon when the iPhart (iPad)was released and I actually find the object big, bulky and useless. My Android can do everything it can do in a smaller package. If bigger is better, than I challenge anyone who can top my triple 26" 5760x1200 resolution Eyefinity gaming rig. I'm not bragging. Its just that I have to adjust to cultural differences.
One other thing, It seems people prefer laptops over desktop when it comes to computer. Why is that? I have a laptop but I only use it to bring it to school and to tune my car, but everything else is done in my desktop and my Android phone.
I wasn't even attracted to join the hipster bandwagon when the iPhart (iPad)was released and I actually find the object big, bulky and useless. My Android can do everything it can do in a smaller package. If bigger is better, than I challenge anyone who can top my triple 26" 5760x1200 resolution Eyefinity gaming rig. I'm not bragging. Its just that I have to adjust to cultural differences.
I prefer my desktop for gaming but I also bring my laptop with me to a lot of places. I find it easier for me to stop at a mall or coffee shop and work while waiting out the insane traffic jams than sit in it. If you have a driver or in a taxi, then you can use the laptop while being stuck in traffic.
I'm surprised that Indonesia supports warranty just as much as Americans live on it.
The last time I was in Indonesia, there was no such thing as warranty. It was you buy the product and plug and pray.
I know I'm going to take a big hit if I do decide to sell my rig here in America and I have decided that I will bring it with me back to Indonesia and use it until it becomes a family heirloom.
It seems that people mention that there are better things to spend on considering the large amount of money I have spent on my rig, but here is the thing. I am already giving up my souped up automobile, my DJ equipment and finally my recording studio equipment. My computer is the only thing salvageable among my hobbies and also the easiest to ship. I know I won't have the same lavish lifestyle as I did here in America and sacrifices have to be made, but I simply refuse to give up everything and so I shall carry a memento of my lifestyle here in the U.S. in the form of a computer.
One other thing, It seems people prefer laptops over desktop when it comes to computer. Why is that? I have a laptop but I only use it to bring it to school and to tune my car, but everything else is done in my desktop and my Android phone.
I wasn't even attracted to join the hipster bandwagon when the iPhart (iPad)was released and I actually find the object big, bulky and useless. My Android can do everything it can do in a smaller package. If bigger is better, than I challenge anyone who can top my triple 26" 5760x1200 resolution Eyefinity gaming rig. I'm not bragging. Its just that I have to adjust to cultural differences.
The only reason why I wrote the stuff above is because I was in your exact position when I came back last year. Tokek just got back this year and he went through changes himself. I never mentioned that I actually have two hobbies. The other one is Radio Controlled Racing car. The problem is I only like electric Off-Road buggies and Indo racers WERE racing it the year before I came then EVERYBODY STOP PLAYING the year I arrived. Then the organizers went haywire with rules and regulations on which Brushless motors and ESC to use of which would require me to spend more than I want on the equipment I already have so I quit that, too. I so wished I sold them all before I came and not deal with the local drama entailed.
Believe me when I say you are going to be adjusting to drastic cultural differences and start going with the local flow. I struggled for at least a year to adjust because I started questioning everything that's not being done like they do in the US.
Don't get me wrong, I still carry mementos from what was (in fact my parents are bringing in the last few things I bought with my own sweat earned money).
Laptops are preferred because (1) it is convenient and (2) most malls offer free WiFi in their food court or coffee houses.
I have one but I wished I have one laptop that doesn't feel like I carry bricks around.
In the end, however, to each his own. I'm just sharing my experience.
I prefer my desktop for gaming but I also bring my laptop with me to a lot of places. I find it easier for me to stop at a mall or coffee shop and work while waiting out the insane traffic jams than sit in it. If you have a driver or in a taxi, then you can use the laptop while being stuck in traffic.
I believe ever since 3G mobile internet became the mainstream in America, people abandoned their laptop/netbook and decided that their smartphones is enough for their daily activity usage. People still bring laptops on business trips and for school, but for every day usage, it is become very rare to see someone lugging around a laptop. And now with the introduction of 4G mobile internet, laptop will be a thing of the past. Did I mention I get an average of 3-5MB download speed and 800kb-1.5MB upload speed with my HTC Evo 4G Android phone. I think I mentioned it in one of my threads that I refuse to be chauffeured around so no personal drivers for me.
Believe me when I say you are going to be adjusting to drastic cultural differences and start going with the local flow. I struggled for at least a year to adjust because I started questioning everything that's not being done like they do in the US.
Don't get me wrong, I still carry mementos from what was (in fact my parents are bringing in the last few things I bought with my own sweat earned money).
Laptops are preferred because (1) it is convenient and (2) most malls offer free WiFi in their food court or coffee houses.
I have one but I wished I have one laptop that doesn't feel like I carry bricks around.
In the end, however, to each his own. I'm just sharing my experience.
I will have to adjust to the weird cultural difference between the States and Indonesia. Laptops are still considered a necessity for daily usage in Jakarta whereas in America it is only a household goods and used only at home in front of the TV.
Smartphones are everywhere here in America with fast broadband speed while Indonesia is playing catch up and only have snail pace speed.
Even at the worst congested rush hour traffic here in America, it is still 2000000x better than traffic in Jakarta at 3am in the morning (exaggeration there).
BTW, do people tip when eating out in fancy restaurants or is there already a gratuity/service charge already tagged to the total bill. Just a need to know and don't want to feel embarrassed if I failed to tip and the server expects a tip.
I believe ever since 3G mobile internet became the mainstream in America, people abandoned their laptop/netbook and decided that their smartphones is enough for their daily activity usage. People still bring laptops on business trips and for school, but for every day usage, it is become very rare to see someone lugging around a laptop. And now with the introduction of 4G mobile internet, laptop will be a thing of the past. Did I mention I get an average of 3-5MB download speed and 800kb-1.5MB upload speed with my HTC Evo 4G Android phone. I think I mentioned it in one of my threads that I refuse to be chauffeured around so no personal drivers for me.
I will have to adjust to the weird cultural difference between the States and Indonesia. Laptops are still considered a necessity for daily usage in Jakarta whereas in America it is only a household goods and used only at home in front of the TV.
Smartphones are everywhere here in America with fast broadband speed while Indonesia is playing catch up and only have snail pace speed.
Even at the worst congested rush hour traffic here in America, it is still 2000000x better than traffic in Jakarta at 3am in the morning (exaggeration there).
BTW, do people tip when eating out in fancy restaurants or is there already a gratuity/service charge already tagged to the total bill. Just a need to know and don't want to feel embarrassed if I failed to tip and the server expects a tip.
3G broadband modem is actually more prolific here than in the US, at least in So. Cal where I was. In US, people use mobile broadband mostly for work only and their phones, but here most people use it as their main internet connection, the fact that it's mobile is also a plus. Here, people still prefer the actual USB mobile broadband compared to their phone counterpart. Most people here, as far as I know, uses their laptops as their primary computer instead of a desktop.
After almost 1 year of being back, I still question a lot of the bass ackwards methods of how they do things here. I still got a long ways to go to fully adjusting.
As for tipping, you just look at the bill, usually if the tip/gratuity is included, you'll see "Service" on the bill. That's when I don't usually tip extra. If I don't see that on the bill I usually tip.
Most of the mementos I brought back were in the form of movie DVDs and TV series. I did bring back my PC and Laptop just so I don't have to spend money getting another one here. So far, I've been able to find just about anything I'm looking for here, aside from obscure TV series/movies.
hmmm...it's november. I wonder if he made it in yet or not.
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