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There is a urban myth that says computers are cheaper in Hong Kong than elsewhere in the world. This article will investigate that myth and explore what bargains are available in Hong Kong.

The myth dispelled:

Here is a brief HK/U.S. cost comparison of brand-name computers and products (1 US dollar = 7.75 HK dollars)

COMPUTERS

-- IBM ThinkPad 600 PII - 266 MHz - 32 MB - 4 GB - 24,800 HKD = 3,200 USD
-- NEC Versa LX PII - 300 MHz - 64 MB - 5.1 GB - 24,300 HKD = 3,135 USD
-- Compaq Presario 1650 PII - 266 MHz - 48 MB - 4 GB - Display Unit only 16,500 HKD = 2,129 USD
-- Mitac MiNote 6033 PII - 266 MHz - 32 MB - 4.1 GB - 14,400 HKD = 1,858 USD
-- Sony VIAO PII - 300 MHz - 64 MB - 6.4 GB - DVD - 29,800 HKD = 3,845 USD

OTHER DEVICES

-- Epson Stylus Photo EX Printer - Color Ink Jet A3 Format - 3,500 HKD = 451 USD
-- Microsoft Force Feedback Pro Joystick - 899 HKD = 116 USD
-- Microsoft Freestyle Pro Game Pad - 599 HKD = 77 USD
-- Sony Digital Mavica MVC - FD 91 Digital Camera - 7,700 HKD = 993 USD

This chart shows that U.S. prices for brand name products are on par or a bit cheaper than those in Hong Kong. The Compaq Presario is priced low because it is a display unit. Just as in the U.S., the best deals, thought risky, can be found in display models and refurbished computers.

The myth proved

Where the deals really come in is with locally made computers, made by such companies as Sunny Computer Technology, RealTech Computers, HighTech Computers, System Chan Group, Op-El Network House Co., In-Com Technology, ANA Computer Technology, PC Power Technology, AS Computer City, and A-Tech Computer

Walking around the WanChai Computer Centre, one can pick up numerous leaflets advertising these small companies' machines. Each has a shop with display units, computer parts, and information leaflets on their products. The following is a brief selection of what is available.

Desktops

-- Intel PII CPU (512 cache), 450 MHz, Asus P2B-F PII Main Board, 128 MB, Quantum 6.4 GB, Sony 32x CD-ROM, floppy, (no monitor) etc... 13,420 HKD = 1732 USD

-- AMD K6-2 w/3D Now CPU, 350 MHz, Magic-Pro MP-586VIP4-X, 64 MB, Quantum 6.4 GB, Panasonic 1.44 floppy, AGP Sis 6326 Graphic Card, 32x CD-ROM, Sound Blaster 16 bit 3D sound Card, case, powers supply (no monitor or keyboard) 5,580 HKD = 720 USD

-- AMD K6-2 350Mhz w/3D Now CPU, MVP3 VIA AGP Main Board, 32 MB, Seagate/Fujitsu 3.2 GB ultra DMA33 DH, Panasonic 1.44 floppy, 32 X CR-Rom, Audio CD 16 bit Sound Card, case, power supply, keyboard, mouse, speakers (no monitor) 3999 HKD = 516 USD

-- Cyris 233 MHz, Cyrix GXM main board, 32 MB, Seagate 2.1 GB Ultra DMA HD, Panasonic 1.44 floppy, Maxell 32X CD-ROM, sound card, case, power supply, VGA card, Win95, keyboard, mouse, Netcom PCI 56K/V.90 Internal (no monitor, no O/S Software, no delivery) 2,990 HKD (+100 HKD for 266) = 385 USD (+13USD)

Sounds good, doesn't it? But y9ou must also take into account what is and is not included, the quality of the parts, the technical support, and other factors. For more detailed research, you can check out some of these companies' Web sites or e-mail them at the following addresses:

http://come.to/opelnet, http://www.fastnet.com.hk, http://www.masteroa.com.hk, http://www.planet.com.hk, http://www.pcstore.com.hk, fai@planet.com.hk, opel@hkstar.com, incom@glink.net.hk, atech@netfront.net.

Toys

This is where I think most of the bargains are to be found. In the US., computer accessories tend to be quite pricey, but in Honk Kong, many items can be found at reasonable prices. Here are some:

-- Super Jolt Gun with Pedal (for Play Station and Saturn) 250 HKD = 32 USD
-- Wireless Keyboard 370 HKD = 48 USD
-- Philips Net Mouse 65 HKD = 8.40 USD
-- Headsets 40 HKD = 5.15 USD
-- Mouse Gel Wrist Rest 80 HKD = 10.30 USD
-- Multi-Purpose Game Pad 60 HKD = 7.75 USD

If you compare the joystick and game pad to the Microsoft products listed above, they are much cheaper. Of course these products are not built with the best materials or components, but these are the types of accessories that need updating every year anyway. They are more likely to go out of date before they fall apart.

CONCLUSION

So are there great deals to be found in Hong Kong? Yes, but only if you are willing to sacrifice brand-name recognition, quality, and reliable components, not to mention support services and warranties.

What makes it worthwhile for me is that it is FUN--the WanChai Computer Centre is filled with name-brand computer shops, local computer companies, shops selling pirated software and legitimate dealers. I can pick up toys, CDs, and look at the latest technology any day of the week - no need to wait for the computer show to come to WestConn or for PC Expo.

If you are considering coming on a shopping trip to HK, beware of the cheap silk scarves and ties and do your research before buying a computer.