Live in the Philippines

Live in the Philippines helps expats with visas, moving and other services regarding the Philippines.

Buying a computer in the Philippines

Expats, Internet / by

If there is anything that I buy a lot of, it’s computers!  I have a lot of computers, mostly for my business.  At least, I tell Feyma that I need to buy them for business.  If you can keep a secret, I’ll tell you…  I am just a computer addict!  I am pretty sure Feyma knows this already, but it’s always good cover to say that you need something for your business! 😉

Seriously, though,  I do buy computers regularly.  What I usually do is to buy a new one for me, then I let Feyma have my old one.  Then, Feyma’s old computer goes down to one of my employees who needs a computer.  This way, I usually have a good current technology computer, and all the others are relatively current too.

Because I buy a lot of PC’s, I know a little about buying a computer here in the Philippines.  And, buying a computer here is a little different than buying one back in the States or in another First World country.  For one thing, computers here generally do not include an Operating System.  That’s right…. no “Windows Tax” on the PC!  Now, how you get an OS for your computer system is a completely different story.  Pirated versions of Windows are readily available on the sidewalks of almost any major street in town.  I used to buy pirated copies of Windows, but I gave up that bad habit some time ago.  Now, almost all of my PC’s in the house are operating on Linux.  I have 3 PC’s using Windows XP, but all XP installations are of licensed versions of the Operating System.  Generally, a licensed version of Windows XP (Home Edition) is about $100.  You can pick up a pirated copy for about $2 or $3.

As for the hardware itself, let’s take a look at some prices currently being offered.  I just got a flyer from a local PC shop, so these prices are very current.

Low End System:

Intel Celeron D331 2.66 GHz Processor
Jet P4M2PRO Motherboard
256MB RAM
80 Gig HD
On Board Video and Audio
56K Modem
CD Writer
Floppy Drive
15″ Monitor
Keyboard, Mouse, AVR and Speakers
P20,599 about $429

Mid Range System:

Intel Pentium D805 2.66 GHz Processor
Intel D945PLNML Motherboard
256MD DDR2 RAM
80GB HD
DVD-CDRW Combo Drive
Floppy Drive
15″ Monitor
Keyboard, Mouse, AVR, Speakers
P24,999, or about $521

High end system:

Intel Core 2 Duo 6300, 1.86GHz Processor
Intel D946GZISSL Motherboard
512MB DDR2 RAM
80Gig HD
128MB VGA PCI
On Board Audio
56K Internal Modem
DVD-CDRW Combo Drive
Floppy Drive
15″ Color Monitor
Keyboard, Mouse, AVR, Speakers
P30,199, or about $629

Normally, when I get a new machine, I buy the components of the machine and build it myself.  That way I can get exactly what I want, and make sure it is properly assembled.  For example, the high end system has onlyl 512MB of RAM, but my minimum amount of RAM that I put in a machine now is 2 Gigs.  Other things like that, I enjoy customizing for optimum performance.  I also prefer to use AMD processors instead of Intel.

Regarding the Operating System, if you purchase a copy of Windows, or if you bring in a legitimate licensed Windows to the shop, they will install it on the machine you buy for free in most cases.

One thing to keep in mind when looking for a computer, make sure that it has plenty of cooling in the case.  I recommend either a liquid cooled system or a case with multiple fans (at least 3 or 4).  It is very hot here, and heat is the number 1 enemy of a computer system.  Also, keep the inside of your case clean!  If it gets too dusty inside, that can block the fans from proper ventelation, and make your PC get too hot inside!  If your PC gets too hot too often, you also will end up buying a lot of new PC’s!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Hi Bob,

    Just wondering how difficult it would be to get a laptop purchased in the States fixed there. I have a Dell laptop and was just wondering if parts were readily available, e.g. hard drive. Just thought of it because I just had to replace mine…

  2. Hi Tina,

    Having a Dell laptop will not be a problem when it comes to spare parts. The company I'm with standardized our PC's with Dell (although we're starting to move to Lenovo lately). I can point to you to authorized Dell outlets in the Philippines. They're mostly in Manila and Cebu though, although they do have arrangements with other computer sales companies in the other cities.

    You can also check with Dell in the US if your warranty covers repairs in Asia.

  3. Hi Tina – I don't think you would have any problems at all getting such a repair. Especially something like a hard drive – that is rather standard, even for a laptop, and should be easily replaced.

    Hi Milper – Hey, my friend! Great to see you here. Thanks also for sharing your advice.

  4. Hi Bob,

    Thanks for taking my family to a tour of your place last Saturday. It's highly appreciated. I'm pushing my friends in the office (both here and abroad) to read your blogs so they appreciate living and working in the Philippines even more.

    More power!!!

    (hey… gotta go now… can't do too much blogging while in the office) 😀

  5. Hi Milper – As I already told Cathy on e-mail, it was really our pleasure to spend time with you guys! We really enjoyed it and look forward to getting together again!

    Thanks for your support of my various blogs!

  8. Hi Ben – I just prefer AMD. I feel you get more bang for the buck with AMD than Intel. I also like to support the underdog a lot of times!

  9. Hi. I'm leaving for Manila next week and was planning on bringing a couple of new Dell desktops (on steroids) and 6 monitors with me. However, I was told that I'll be taxed heavily at Customs and that I would be better off just buying what I need when I get there. What do you suggest?

  10. Hi Ben – I agree that if you bring in that many computers and monitors, you will be hit up at customs. You could probably bring in the 2 PC's, and then buy monitors here and come out OK.

  11. Hello,
    Our Dell power supply got damaged cause one of the employees forgot to switch the new PC to 220V. I want to know where we can get replacement. I need to have one by next week. I am not sure though if there is still warranty for my machine. I would have to ask that.

    Any suggestions? Thanks!:sad:

  12. Hi Malou – I am not sure if you are talking about a desktop computer or a laptop, so that makes it hard to answer your question. If it is a desktop machine, you can replace the power supply very easily. Just go to any computer store and you should be able to get a new power supply for P500 for a cheap one, or as much as P2,000 for a very good one. Bring the PC with you and the technician at the store can look at it and tell you which power supply you need. He can even install it for you for a small fee, I am sure.

    If it is a laptop that got fried by the voltage, that is a more complicated matter.

  13. Oh sorry, this is a desktop computer. I was looking for an authorized dealer for dell parts. I am new in Manila and I can't seem to find one in the malls.

  14. Hi Malou – since you said you were in a real hurry, I was just telling you how to get going as quickly as possible. If you are looking for Dell warranty service and such, I honestly couldn't tell you where to look for that.

  15. Malou,

    I tried to search for you on Dell dealers or resellers in Manila. Does not seem to be a lot of choices in the area. (I'm in the US so I'm not familiar with Metro Manila.)

    But here's one I found, but don't know exactly whether they'd service your desktop if you did not buy it from them. However, it's worth a try. At least their website looks very decent 😉 Hey, that's a good enough start, right.

    If you care to call them. The name is Integrated Computer Systems and here's the link to their site:
    http://www.ics.com.ph/product-dell_businessdsktps…

    Or their address and contact info:

    HEAD OFFICE

    3/F Limketkai Bldg., Ortigas Ave.,
    Greenhills, San Juan
    Metro Manila 1502
    Philippines

    Tel No. (632)727-3801
    (632)744-3000

    Fax No. (632)726-3506

    E-mail: [email protected]

    Good luck, okay?

  16. Hi Malou, You can try calling Accent Micro at 02 636 3563. They supply our company with Dell PC's and take care of warranty issues. However, we do have a corporate account with them. I don't know about walk-in clients, but just give them a ring.

  17. Suggestion #16 is even better as it's from someone local to the area. Hope either one works for you, Malou.

  19. Malou,

    Well I hope you got your power supply replaced. Otherwise not much good comes out of a computer with a fried power supply 😉

    Incidentally this got me curious and I looked at some sites and the power supplies for some Dell desktops were about $300.00 and above. Isn't that a little too expensive? With just a little bit more, I could buy a brand new desktop (here in the US, anyway).

    So I hope that these $300 range does not indicate the prices for computer peripherals in the Philippines. (I failed to note whether the websites where I saw the pricing were Philippine or US-based. But they were stated in $$ so who knows. )

  21. Hi PJ – In the past Apple computers have not been widely used in the Philippines. In the past year or so, they are becoming a little more popular, though. I often see people using macbooks in coffee shops around town. There are not many Apple dealers, though – I believe that is mostly in Manila.

  22. looking for some help. i need to purchase a desk top. mid range price any suggestion where i can purchase.

  23. Hi Bob,

    I’m so glad that I found your blog. I am currently canvassing for desktop PCs for our company, and I found 3 vendors who sell by each component, then assembles it for you. They give “dealer’s price”, and some are members of TipidPC.com

    However, my boss from the US thinks the prices are too high. He compares it with US prices, such as those in TigerDirect.com and Buy.com. Are PC prices really very different between the US and the Philippines? Why is this so?

    Thanks!

      • Hi Bob,

        I hope you don’t mind putting some comments in your site, since that your site is all about computers, have anyone tried to use 2nd hand computers? These are all branded stuff and are still in good running condition. You might be suprised that we already have Core2duo with minimum RAM of 2GB that are very cheap or shall we say very reasonable and looks like new.

        Hope to hear from you Bob.

        Ernel Manzano

        • Hi ernel – I have seen used computers here in the Philippines, but very old machines, even Pentium 1’s. I never saw any of the Core2duo machines that you mentioned. If they are in good shape, and relatively modern, why not?

          Take care.

          • Hi Bob, are you into distribution of computers in your area? You might want to give a chance. Anyway, you don’t need to import these units from Japan. It’s already here in Pasig.

            Best regards.

  24. I’m coming to the Philippines in July with Peace Corps. My laptop is on its last “legs” and needs to be replaced. I want a small one that will take travel and I use it mostly for writing, photography and communications. Nothing very fancy but with memory. Should I replace it here or wait until I get there? Do you have any advice?

    • Hello Marcia – I would recommend replacing it now. Laptops are very expensive in the Philippines, up to 4 times the price that you will pay in the USA. Good luck.