If you were in Japan, what would be the best thing to buy and bring home ?

HardwareAddicted

Golden Member
Apr 5, 2000
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The main catch is that she doesn't want to load her bags with a bunch of large or heavy things.

BUT ... is PC hardward cheaper/faster over there ?

Can I get stuff there that isn't released here yet ?
If so ... like what ?

She's usually in Okinawa ... FYI

Thx !!

;o)
 

regnez

Golden Member
Aug 11, 2006
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To the best of my knowledge, computer hardware is the same there and it is here, both in price and performance.

On the other hand, they have way better cell phones than we do. Get her to bring you one of those.
 

Jiggz

Diamond Member
Mar 10, 2001
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Nor do the cell phones in Japan will work here in US! As for pc hardware or peripherals, it's way more expensive! Since she goes to Okinawa, just ask her to bring two bottles of Habu Sake. The bottle with a real snake in it!!! One for you and one for me. BANZAI!
 

Kartajan

Golden Member
Feb 26, 2001
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Okinawa is a bad place to get PC Hardware;

They are not on the main shipping routes and get a sizeable "okinawa markup"..

The best thing to get in my opinion are local cultural "nik-naks", like the shisha dogs and such, as they are local made and look nice in the appropriate settings.

AS far as the cell phones, I beleive they are primarily CMDA,
System Country Uplink Downlink
CDMA Japan 887-924 832-869

Where as the US is primarily GSM. Note that a similar frequency band does not mean they will talk, especially since they "speak a differnt language" by the different network type..

System Band Uplink Downlink Channel Number
GSM 400 450 450.4 - 457.6 460.4 - 467.6 259 - 293
GSM 400 480 478.8 - 486.0 488.8 - 496.0 306 - 340
GSM 850 850 824.0 - 849.0 869.0 - 894.0 128 - 251
GSM 900 (P-GSM) 900 890.0 - 915.0 935.0 - 960.0 1 - 124
GSM 900 (E-GSM) 900 880.0 - 915.0 925.0 - 960.0 0 - 124, 975 - 1023
GSM-R (R-GSM) 900 876.0 - 880.0 921.0 - 925.0 955 - 973
DCS 1800 1800 1710.0 - 1785.0 1805.0 - 1880.0 512 - 885
PCS 1900 1900 1850.0 - 1910.0 1930.0 - 1990.0 512 - 810
 

AstroGuardian

Senior member
May 8, 2006
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That's what you think NZ.

Come here in Republic of Macedonia to see what kind of crap is sold for "free".
 

BladeVenom

Lifer
Jun 2, 2005
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A Japanese keyboard might be nice. Maybe a different style mouse than what you can get here. http://www.elecom.co.jp/ Or how about some Hentai games. Maybe Walkie Bits or a novely USB memory stick. Perhaps a fude pen and some stationary.
 

TheNiceGuy

Golden Member
Dec 23, 2004
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I've lived in Japan on and off since 1999, and I'd say that the States beats Japan for price and selection in all PC hardware.

However, electronics made in Japan are usualy released domesticaly first, for testing and whatnot. And some electronics are never taken to the export market. So if you're into stereo/DJ gear or plasma TVs or that kind of thing, Japan gets it first. However, it isn't cheap. And Akihabara in Tokyo is the best place for electronics.

I think one of the best deals going right now is cell phones. Cell phones here are years ahead of anywhere else. I have a buddy that regularly buys a few high end models, takes them back to Canada, and reprograms them somehow for use in Canada, and sells them on EBay at a markup. Apparently it is only possible with certain models.

Another popular item recently were the Sony PS3 and Nintendo Wii. For quite a while you can just walk into any ToysRus and pick one up for about $400 and $200 respectivley, while I heard availability has been not too great back home.
The ps3 is region-free and the blu-ray region coding should be the same for north america and japan. however, the dvd coding is locked as is the backward compatibility. US ps2 games and dvds are useless on a jp ps3.
the wii is totally region-locked, and the system menu itself cannot even be changed to english. there are plans by datel for a region-opening disc, but you will need to use it every time you start a US region game on the jp system. The controlle is really neat to use.
I've heard that its not really worth getting either right now though, as the game library will be really poor for about 6-12 months.

But Okinawa, best bet is to bring you back that guy from The Karate Kid.
 

HardwareAddicted

Golden Member
Apr 5, 2000
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Great replies guys !!

Just for the record ... she got me a set of 100% silk PJs that are AWESOME !
Kinda luxurious copper color ... I love em.
I guess over there, she got them for $15 American.

SO stuff like that ... and of course .... SAKI !!

I'll ask for the snake version ;)

I was hoping for a 8800GTX for $100 or something ... too bad.

Thx again guys !!
 

Farmer

Diamond Member
Dec 23, 2003
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Get some of those cowhide-looking boots from the BX there at the USMC base (or whatever they call it). Those USMC boots are nice ass boots.