Dubai Forums Dubai Tech Discussions Dubai high tech talk

HI All,

I'm coming to Dubai in dec 2007 for 3 days with the sole intention of buying my first ever laptop (as my username should suggest) to take back with me to India. I've been looking at the other posts in Dubai forums and i'm learning that Bur Dubai is a good place to go.

So here's where I need help:

Basically I need a laptop for a great movie-watching experience and basic word processing and stuff. No big gaming needs and stuff.

I was all set on the DELL Inspiron 1720, until I heard that DELL only sells online and I won't be able to buy it out of a store in Dubai. So my first question is:

Q1: Can I buy DELL inspiron 1720 in a store in Bur dubai or does it have to be ordered online?

Because of this new concern, I started looking at other brands and I discovered the APPLE Macbook (which barely fits into my budget - <$1500- while the bigger macbook pros don't.)

Now the Apple Macbook, with its 13.3 inch screen is a tiny mouse compared to the DELL i wanted, but I kind of became curious about the whole mystery surrounding the apple (kind of like Newton a few centuries ago) . So I ask:

Q2: Can I buy the Macbook in a store in Dubai?
Q3: Which store in bur dubai is best for this?
Q4: Will my movie-watching experience be destroyed by the tiny screen of the macbook?
Q5: How do the internal speakers on the Macbook compare to the DELL internal speakers which are about the best I've heard? (Acer speakers suck!!!)
Q6: How can I access all my MS word documents and other "PC files" on the macbook?
Q7: What word processor and powerpoint substitute do I use in Mac?
Q8: HOw will I be able to share files with my PC-using friends?

These are just some of the first questions that come to my mind when I think of getting a macbook. I'm sure others will come soon. So why do I still persist in thinking of getting a Mac? Because I'm attracted to the mystery and the hype. Don't know if its a mistake and i should just stick with my DELL instinct. If any of you can help me by answering my questions, please take some time to do so.

Thanking you in advance!

Virginlaptopbuyer (hopefully not for long!!!)

Jesus Christ! are you serious when you said your coming all the way to dubai from india to buy a laptop???????????????????????
im positive you can get dell laptops in india itself.

i have seen dell laptops in sharaf dg and plugins so i guess it is available off teh shelf. might not have too many options regarding the config though.

stating your max budget would help

hey cheap_Deal,

thanks for ur reply, actually i'm coming for all the usual reasons as well- tourism, family vacation, non-electronics shopping, GOOD FOOD etc etc...

But what i'm most excited about is buying a laptop that i'll be happy with, and what i'm most afraid of is buying a laptop that i'll regret later.

My budget is less than USD 1500.

Do you have any experience with macs? or dell?

I'm looking for a DELL inspiron 1720, but I've been hearing some bad things about DELL over-heating and bad technical support?

Anyways mostly i wanted to know if DELL inspiron 1720 was available off the shelves. NOW if only I could clear up all my confusion about the APPLE macbook!

The new Dell XPS M1330 is cool and sleek, especially for the higher end (see Dell UAE website). The lower end you'll find plenty in hypermarkets (Carrefour) & electronic stores (Sharaf, Jumbo, Jacky's). The higher end you need to search/ask I guess. Try computer stores of Al Ain Centre and Computer Street (Bur Dubai). A lot cheaper than hypermarkets & electronic stores.

You will have troubles if you get a Mac since not so many support/service center in India as far as I know, let alone the softwares. Even PC laptops also have limited models there (at least from what I've seen when visiting frequently Hyderabad).

Basically, check the brand where you'll find the service center in India in case there's problem (good if it provides international warranty).

And lastly, take it with your laptop bag, don't put in the box & luggage. The customs rules & officers are ridiculous!

Hi,
Let me answer your questions one-by-one:
Q1: Can I buy DELL inspiron 1720 in a store in Bur dubai or does it have to be ordered online? Because of this new concern, I started looking at other brands and I discovered the APPLE Macbook (which barely fits into my budget - <$1500- while the bigger macbook pros don't.) Now the Apple Macbook, with its 13.3 inch screen is a tiny mouse compared to the DELL i wanted, but I kind of became curious about the whole mystery surrounding the apple (kind of like Newton a few centuries ago) . So I ask:
No Answer for Q1. sorry

Q2: Can I buy the Macbook in a store in Dubai?
Yes, Virgin Mega Store in Deira City Center
Yes, ABM, Mr. Taha, info@idm.ae

Q3: Which store in bur dubai is best for this?
AlAin Plaza (Computer Plaza, Opposit Gulf (Al Khaleej) Center)

Q4: Will my movie-watching experience be destroyed by the tiny screen of the macbook?
You have to ask for trying that before you buy it.

Q5: How do the internal speakers on the Macbook compare to the DELL internal speakers which are about the best I've heard? (Acer speakers suck!!!)
MAC Speaker aren't that good, but you can buy external Creative Speakers for better sound quality.

Q6: How can I access all my MS word documents and other "PC files" on the macbook?
Office files: Yes
EXE file: No
JPGs: Yes

Q7: What word processor and powerpoint substitute do I use in Mac?
There is an MS Office Suite for MAC. (not free leagaly)

Q8: HOw will I be able to share files with my PC-using friends?
Email, FTP access, ...


Hope that will help you in your trip to Dubai.