Singaporeans love their computers. In 2004, 74% of Singapore households owned at least one computer. While PCs form the bulk of the market here, there are Apple Mac shops in many major malls, such as EpiCentre, which has branches on Orchard Road and in Suntec City. Prices for electronics, including computers, generally beat those of the competition in the rest of the world and the latest models land in Singapore within days of their appearance in the launch markets.

Brands here include the ubiquitous Dell, IBM, Compaq, Toshiba, Sony, Fujitsu and the like, but lower-end local brands like Ranger are also common. Most departments stores – even hypermarkets like Carrefour (p.338) and Giant (p.338) – carry a range of computers, but for the true computer buff, there’s only one place to shop and that’s at Sim Lim Square. Here you’ve got over 400 shops in one building and whatever your requirements someone here has what you need. Other than Apple Macs, which are price-controlled globally, prices here are generally lower than in Europe and you can haggle your way to an even better deal.

If you’re very clear on what you need, many of the shops in Sim Lim square can build a PC to your specifications. Be careful though as warranties for these machines may be limited to Singapore, the store, or parts only. Most other warranties will be international, but you should check to be sure. All major brands have service centres here and you can shop for your Dell online (www.dell.com.sg).

To get the best deals without haggling, watch out for IT fairs advertised in The Straits Times. These occur roughly every quarter and exhibitors often offer rock bottom prices for the latest gadgets. Be prepared to squeeze your way through the crowd though – Singaporeans will queue for hours to get excellent deals before stocks run out.