Khaled rambles technology, tea/coffee, consumer rights and other interest from Saudi Arabia

October 29, 2008

Gaming PC Buyer’s guide

Filed under: General — Tags: , — Khaled A. @ 1:13 pm

The thing I enjoy most about computers is to actually build them! I would never buy a brand name desktop computer like Dell or HP. I rather buy the parts and construct the computer myself. The only problem is finding the right parts because only 1 or 2 stores in Riyadh sells the “high end” components such as DDR2/3 memory.

Maximum PC, my favorite PC magazine and website has updated their Pro Gaming PC Buyer’s guide. Although you can’t find most of these components in Saudi Arabia it will give you an idea on what to look for when buying new parts. You could try to buy using NewEgg and MyUS (to handle shipping).

As for where to find the high end components, I suggest first visiting the computer retailers in Olaya (Google Map link). Try a store called “Binaries”/”Softland”/”Technology Room”, those 3 stores are separate but they have the same management and essentially the same prices (don’t ask why, I am puzzled too) and they don’t even have a website! Another store that imports computer parts is called “Path” and is located in Akik/Aqiq (is that the correct spelling? who knows).

I will talk more about buying computer parts in Saudi Arabia very soon.

October 4, 2008

Microsoft extends Windows XP downgrade option 6 months

Filed under: General — Tags: , , , , , — Khaled A. @ 4:29 pm

It’s no surprise that I prefer Windows XP over Windows Vista (even on my high end quad core machine). Microsoft is feeling the pressure and gives OEM partners (Dell, etc) six more months to offer Windows XP downgrade options to their Windows Vista machines! That option was available until the 31st January 2009 now they extended it to the 31st of July 2009.

It’s been a while since I bought a Windows based machine, I either buy a Mac or built it myself. But I noticed that most if not all the computers sold in Saudi Arabia come with Windows Vista and as far as I know they offer no Windows XP downgrade options. And you can’t buy Windows XP and install it on those computers because no Windows XP drivers were included with those computers!

If you know of any of the dealers who are offering Windows XP downgrade options then please share them with us in the comments section!

January 6, 2008

Asus splits into 3 companies

Filed under: News — Tags: , , — Khaled A. @ 9:17 am

To concentrate on different markets, Asus divided into 3 companies (via Engadget):

  • The original Asus which will sell Asus branded computers
  • Pegatron for OEM, motherboards and component manufacturing
  • Unihan for casing, modules and other non-PC manufacturing

No information on how it will effect current Asus distributors in Saudi Arabia though.

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