MacInJapan

@Lov-e.com

Recommendations for Mac Shopping from Japan

In Japan many native English speakers prefer English Operating Systems on their Mac and English manuals and Help files. But to protect the market for Apple Japan, Apple USA will not let anyone ship new Macs to Japan. Since we are a small minority market, we are generally not supported, and so must either have a family member ship products to us, buy while traveling in the States, or use a 'get around.'

US On-line comapny with good record for exports to Japan		Small Dog Electronics if you have made any purchase through this company you then qualify as an old customer and so they can then ship to Japan. Service is good.
Japanese On-line company with US resale products (Japanese required)		"Domo" Sapporo, Hokkaido On-line Apple Store requires Japanese but service and prices are good. New and Used Mac Products.
Japanese On-line Mac Stores (Japanese required)		"KitKut" Otsu, Shiga Apple Dealer Authorized Apple Dealer

The best price bargain shopping in Japan is usually done in electronic appliance shopping districts, downtown in most larger cities. My experience shows when buying for a small school or business it may be better to establish a relationship with a single Mac-specializing store. If they know you and recognize you as a good customer they can be an invaluable source of technical help and advice. Most store clerks know less than you when it comes to Apple products, but occasionally you will find a gem, a true pro, and this will usually be in a Mac-only shop.

You may be better off considering a full service relationship with a conscientious Mac retailer, than ordering discount downtown or mail order. Generally speaking, prices are lowest in the USA than in either Asia, Australia, or Europe. PowerBooks still have an international warranty but servicing desktop models may mean mailing them back to the country of purchase.

For specific language needs other than English or Japanese it may be helpful to read online Mac periodicals from your native country, as well as join these country's user and support groups.