Is it a good idea to purchase a Laptop & Digital Camera in South East Asia

steviegood

Hello,
I'm backpacking round the world next month starting in SE Asia, then Australia, then US, and I really require a laptop, new mobile and new digital camera.

Ideally, I was hoping to purchase a laptop before I leave, but having looked at the prices I'm not sure I want spend so much money on something that may potentially be stolen whilst travelling. I'm looking to spend no more than £150 but I'm looking for a very basic laptop as I will be using it mainly for writing, storing photos, and Football Manager Computer Game (a very addictive game for football fans!), rather than using high-speed internet.

As I'm visiting Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Philipines, I was thinking I might be able to buy one very cheap over there, but I'm worried about whether it will be of high quality and of course if anything does go wrong with it I can't really take it back.

Does anyone think its good idea for me to purchase these items in SE Asia?
Has anyone had an experience of purchasing electronic goods in SE Asia?

Thanks for any advice given,

Steve

mr_roll

I wouldn't, when you come back home you might have to pay tax on the items.

You'll also have no UK warrenty and the UK companies wont touch it, and if something goes wrong with it then you'll be stuck for more money. I'd buy both in the UK and get them insured, house insurance and I think theres also a company called E&L insurance that advertise in a a photography magazine I buy, they might be able to do it for quite cheaply.

indierocker85

Short answer = NOOOO

misscomickat

Do you really want a laptop if you're backpacking? If you'll be staying in hostels, the rooms will be shared and would you want to leave a laptop there, or carry it around all the time?

I wouldn't bother, just use the internet cafes which are worldwide.

unrich

Yes, if you want to buy an Asus EEE and a cheap authentic digi camera (branded i.e. Nikon,Pentax (and Samsung), Canon, Sony etc).

If you are prepared for the weight as mentioned in post above and you're prepared to have them ripped off I don't see why not.

Asus EEE should be about $200 or £100, probably with charger weighs about 1.5kg. And you should get a digi camera cheaply. Get a few memory cards too and copy the images (using the EEE) and send them home to yourself by post. The EEE has wifi and you can probably surf for free in hot spots and cafes for the price of a coffee. Email photos home etc etc.

Don't expect any consumer rights ( there may be worldwide warranty but don't expect much)

Weight is a killer and unless you are finding digs and leaving your kit then exploring I think each kg will count.

If you have £150 to burn then yes, alternatively that £150 may be an extra 2 weeks somewhere really special! (without a laptop and with an old digi camera).