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Christina Stobbs

Jul 11, 2011, 6:40 AM

Post #1 of 12 (2566 views)

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Buying a Computer in Mexico with an English Operating System

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My computer died, and I am trying to find a good desktop computer (Dell XPS 8300, or HP All in one 200 - Minimum 8GB ram, 3.4 Ghz, 1 TG Memory, top of the line graphics card, quality screen) to meet photo editing/web site management needs.

I live in a small town in the state of Nayarit, and after an extensive search I was able to find just one computer at a store in Puerto Vallarta, that fit my needs. However, the operating system is only available in Spanish, and as my Spanish is very basic I am worried about being dependant on a computer techie for every little thing that may go wrong with my computer, and computer techies are not easy to find where I live... Dell Canada and Dell USA will not deliver to Mexico, and finding anyone to speak to at Dell Mexico is proving to be quite the challenge (dropped calls, long waits, no returned calls) so I am inclined to either...

1. Buy the computer with the spanish operating system... Can anyone advise me on the potential challenges I may experience with this?

2. Head to Guadalajara to buy a computer... Assuming their are lots of computer stores with a wide selection of computers available with an English operating system? Or I may even find that Dell Mexico has a store in Guadalajara where I can buy a computer and speak to someone in person?

Thank you
www.MagicalLosAyala.com
Everything you need to know!

prmjcm

Jul 11, 2011, 6:55 AM

Post #2 of 12 (2562 views)

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Re: [Christina Stobbs] Buying a Computer in Mexico with an English Operating System

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Hi I had the same problem and ended up buying online from dell they said it would be in english but when it came was in spanish, I ended up having a local computer shop change it to english was not one hundred percent but close I also traded my spanish keyboard with about 200 mxn and they got me one in english in all I am able to use it for everything I want and use google translater for the few things that still are in spanish.

Pat

Papirex

Jul 11, 2011, 8:07 AM

Post #3 of 12 (2548 views)

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Re: [Christina Stobbs] Buying a Computer in Mexico with an English Operating System

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I have bought several computers and other electronic devices in The US and had them shipped to me in Mexico. I have a free account with Merkalink http://www.merkalink.com.mx/index.asp There are no membership fees, you are only charged when you have something shipped to you by them. Merkalink gives you a shipping address in Laredo, Texas. Their shipping rates are reasonable, if you think they are too high, you may refuse the shipment, however, you must pay to have the order returned to the shipper. I had to do that one time because Merkalink refuses to ship any food of any kind.

One problem you may have, is that many US credit card issuers will not allow you to pay for anything that is not shipped to your US billing address. I got around that one time by changing my billing address for one card to my Merkalink address in Laredo. I have opted for paperless statements, and I changed my billing address back when I received the order here in Cuernavaca.

Merkalink has their own customs broker to determine the amount of import taxes. The import taxes are levied on the price you paid in The US, plus any shipping charges to Laredo. The import taxes at the present time are 16%, regardless of the country of origin for your order, plus shipping via the Estafeta shipping company to your address in Mexico. The import taxes will not be artificially inflated.

Estafeta is a very efficient and reliable shipper, you will be given a tracking number to know where your shipment is.

They always request an invoice so they may determine the taxes, they have always accepted a copy of an invoice that I email to them.

I end up paying much less buying computers and other electronics, and having them shipped to me via Merkalink than buying them in Mexico and it eliminates the hassle of getting them in English. Be advised that the Merkalink site is in Spanish, so if you do not understand Spanish, you may need the help of a Spanish speaking person.

They do have a phone number for attention of clients, I have not called them in several years, I was able to talk to an English speaking person then. I don't know if it is still valid, but the number I have for them is: (800) 614 7622. Be aware that US 800 numbers are not toll free from Mexico. Be aware that US warranties are generally not honored in Mexico.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do, Rex
"The supreme happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved" - Victor Hugo

johanson / Moderator

Jul 11, 2011, 9:17 AM

Post #4 of 12 (2531 views)

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Re: [prmjcm] Buying a Computer in Mexico with an English Operating System

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Sorry about your bad luck with Dell. I've known others who have ordered online from Dell Mexico and have received their keyboards and operating systems in English.

fordmexico

Jul 11, 2011, 10:21 AM

Post #5 of 12 (2516 views)

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Re: [Christina Stobbs] Buying a Computer in Mexico with an English Operating System

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If you are using Windows Vista or Windows (7) there are Language Packs or Language . Interface Packs you can download from Microsoft. Depending on your version of Windows, there should be one that will satisfy most of your needs. Below is a link to the Microsoft site.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/downloads/languages

(This post was edited by fordmexico on Jul 11, 2011, 10:24 AM)

Christina Stobbs

Jul 11, 2011, 11:39 AM

Post #6 of 12 (2501 views)

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Re: [fordmexico] Buying a Computer in Mexico with an English Operating System

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Thank you everyone for your helpful replies.

It sounds like one option I have, is to buy the computer in PV and have the operating system changed from Spanish to English, just need to find someone with these capabilities.

Yes, I know I can reload my English programs and change the configuration of the key board to English.

Thank you for the suggestion. Will keep it in mind, but as I am Canadian I expect the US address will be too, complicated and duty will add a lot to the cost. Will look into it.

Can anyone answer my other question, as to whether their are a lot of well stocked computer stores, that carry computers with English operating systems in Guadalajara?

Thank you
www.MagicalLosAyala.com
Everything you need to know!

sparks

Jul 11, 2011, 5:46 PM

Post #7 of 12 (2481 views)

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Re: [Christina Stobbs] Buying a Computer in Mexico with an English Operating System

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Most computer builders in Mexico that cater to English language clients ... are using pirated copies of corporate licences (something short of unlimited). Probably XP and Office 2003

Sparks Mexico - Sparks Costalegre

Christina Stobbs

Jul 13, 2011, 10:26 AM

Post #8 of 12 (2428 views)

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Re: [sparks] Buying a Computer in Mexico with an English Operating System

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Just to say that I found a computer store in Puerto Vallarta ironically called "The Computer Store" and they sell HP Pavillions with English language operating systems, and they also build custom computers, using Windows 7, no worries about pirated programs. Great service and advice, and yes more expensive than in Canada or the USA but I am just happy to be able to buy a computer!

Thank you everyone for your help and advice.
www.MagicalLosAyala.com
Everything you need to know!

Don Gringo

Aug 2, 2011, 11:47 PM

Post #9 of 12 (2314 views)

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Re: [Christina Stobbs] Buying a Computer in Mexico with an English Operating System

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Since I am a Dell Certified Technician I will throw this out for others that may look at this post later.

If you buy a system from the US... Dell has an International Warranty. You will most likely have to call to get this added warranty service.

There are as mentioned before many ways to order a system online and have it shipped to a border area, then re-shipped, or shipped directly to you through a Customs house.

Should you do the forwarding item of sale through Customs. Please make sure you did indeed purchase the International warranty for the duration of your intended stay, or the maximum amount of warranty you can afford, or are willing to pay. With the International Warranty.

I would also advice On-Site service. This is true of International or Domestic to the US, Canada, etc. The reason I suggest On-site service is this...

YOU WILL BE WITHOUT YOUR COMPUTER FOR WEEKS OR MONTHS if you do not purchase On-Site service. The other part is.. I usually go an fix the Depot's repairs after the customer has the unit back from Depot Service.

Depot is that place your computer goes for weeks or months becuase you were too cheap to purchase the correct warranty service.

This is true of almost all PC, Laptop Depot's, as I run call for several OEM computer companies.

Hope it helps someone have less of a head-ache!

Almost forgot... If your Hard-drive crashes... shame on you for not backing up your Data on a regular basis. When it dies the tech will replace your Hard-drive and take all your precious photos of the family with them to return to the OEM computer company. DATA GONE FOREVER...

Post questions and I will answer when I am not slammed with work.

Doug
Lived for 35 months in Mexico. I feel like I paid my dues...

Rolly

Aug 3, 2011, 7:02 AM

Post #10 of 12 (2299 views)

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Re: [Don Gringo] Buying a Computer in Mexico with an English Operating System

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I agree with Doug that backing up is vital, but it is so easy to put off burring a CD or DVD.
I solved my procrastination problem by subscribing to an online backup service.
Carbonite Backup Service automatically uploads new files to their storage facility from while I can retrieve the files anytime.
They store only data files, no system or program files.
Their storage looks like a mirror of my computer. It's easy, but it's not free. US$59 per year.

Rolly Pirate

(This post was edited by Rolly on Aug 3, 2011, 7:11 AM)

Christina Stobbs

Aug 3, 2011, 8:39 AM

Post #11 of 12 (2276 views)

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Re: [Don Gringo] Buying a Computer in Mexico with an English Operating System

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Thank you... Great advice.

As I needed a desktop, the cost of the freight for shipping, and insurance, and the cost of duty, etc was escalating quickly.

Happy to say that I found a computer store in Puerto Vallarta that sells Dells, HPs, and also custom builds computers; with legit English operating systems (need Windows 7) and english keyboards....

They provided me with the perfect computer for my needs, the customer service is exceptional..! If you live in or fairly close to Puerto Vallarta, I highly recommend them...

The Computer Store
Guayana 153, Esq con Cuba
Col Lazaro Cardenas
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Tel: (322) 223-2939

Yes, I bought a warranty...

Yes, I have a back up, like Rolly that does it automatically on a daily basis, and it is a wonderful thing to have... Photos are especially precious!

Thank you to everyone for taking the time to advise.
www.MagicalLosAyala.com
Everything you need to know!

jrpierce

Aug 3, 2011, 8:39 PM

Post #12 of 12 (2238 views)

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Re: [Don Gringo] Buying a Computer in Mexico with an English Operating System

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Don Gringo, you make some excellent points. My wife and I have been Dell customers for many years. Frequently, they have provided exceptional warranty service and parts replacement to us. Now that we are in Mexico, we have bought a couple of things through Dell Mexico, however when it comes to purchasing new computers, we do so while we are in the USA. We always get the longest on-site international warranty we can buy, and it usually more than pays for itself. During the past year, Dell replaced the mother boards on two laptops for us (at no cost). Our experience has been that Dell's telephone support personnel, and their service techs, are first-rate.

Even out of warranty, one can hire Dell's techs to work on your Dell computer, and while the price is higher than for non-Dell techs, their knowledge and training is superb.

In my distant past, I owned a computer consulting firm in the US, and we made many thousands of dollars on clients who failed to follow the back-up regimens we designed for them. Today with the availability of on-line backup services like Carbonite, there's no excuse for not having a current back-up. Like you, Rolly, we use Carbonite and love it.

Jim