Chiriquí Chatter

Continuing my PC repair or replace research, I logged on to the Panama Dell Site. This was an interesting exercise. I am not looking for a major powerhouse, so I stayed with the Inspiron Desktop 531s. This is a nice small footprint PC that still packs a lot of power.

I priced out both an Intel Core 2 Duo system as well as an AMD 64×2 system. Pricing on the AMD system comes out more favorable in price with a small performance sacrifice.

First, on the Intel system it comes with 1 gig using 2 dimms. The AMD comes with 1gig in a single dimm. Obviously, the AMD option is better and makes upgrading cheaper.

Second, the AMD comes with a 16x DVD+/-RW Drive. The Intel comes with a 48X CDRW/DVD Combo Drive and the other drive is a $30 upgrade.

These may be incentives to buy the AMD systems, which I think will perform a little slower than the Intel systems.

Both the Intel and AMD systems come with a 19 inch monitor. Shipping is $183 to my door in David, and there is 5% tax and 5% customs. According to the fella I chatted with from Dell, DHL is the company that is used for the shipping agent and delivery would be from 10 to 20 days. The AMD system with tax, shipping etc. would be $1,012.40. The Dell Intel configuration is $1,215.90 including shipping, tax and customs. I need to see if I can order a Dell without a monitor, keyboard and speakers.

I can compare this to a components I priced yesterday in David, which was an Intel MB, Core 2 Duo 2.33 Ghz, 128 mg video card, 160 gig HD and 2 gig of memory for $803.09 including tax.

PriceSmart, currently has two Dell systems on display. Both systems come with a Spanish keyboard and therefore, I have to assume it is a Spanish Vista system. The first is a Pentium D 2.8 gHz, with 160 gig HD, DVD+/-RW and 17” monitor for $1,049. The second is a Core 2 Duo 2.13with a 250gig HD, DVD+/-RW and a 20” monitor for $1,500. My opinion is that it may be possible to order a new system from Dell and have it delivered cheaper than the PriceSmart systems. It all depends on how much hassle you want to go through.

There are also several sales of systems in Panama City in MultiMax and PanaFoto that are comparable to the PriceSmart systems. The net out is that this kind of equipment is very expensive in Panama, compared to equivalent systems in the US. For example, take a look at this little system that is being sold by Walmart in the US.

My only hope that MicroTech works some magic and I am able to salvage my current system.