Software in Colombia

Lionheart says on May 22, 2005, 02:41:

in my backyard I'll answer your 4 questions as good as I can:

1. Most people use Wintel PCs, because most are assembled by shops in Colombia or imported from Japan. Macs in parts aren't easy to buy. The processors are in general one generation behind the USA/Europe, and 128/256 RAM are most to expect; RAM is expensive. Harddrives aren't very big and CD-ROM r/w aren't as fast, DVD r/w are hard to get. Printer as are there, but once the ink-cartridge runs out you might have a problem.
--- Get the drift? Ask before you go, you can earn your stay there easily with a carry-on full of stuff.

2. In general software is in Spanish. In most localized software the buttons are in the same place if you are an expert of a program. Hebrew and Arabic versions would drive you nuts, trust me. All is mirrored.

3. A lot of software are illegal cracked copies. Some are better, some are worse. I am surprised how many cracked copies of XP managed the SP2 upgrade.

4. Personal connections are mainly dial-up, the broadband connections aren't impressive in general. DSL with 64kbps upstream and 128kbps are not uncommon, deadly for multimedia and streaming.

If you need details on specifics you ask here or in PM .. nothing to hide here ... I believe in sharing ...

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ColombiaBoard says on May 22, 2005, 06:49:

Outdated information I disagree with Lionhearts first point.
His comments are accurate regarding home computers, people buy what is commonly known as "clones" with not so fast processors (although most of them are either AMD or Intel) because they´re cheaper but if you´re willing to pay you can get the best processor available in the US or Europe too.
If a 80 GB hard drive is not big enough then I dont´ know what is...and those are easily found at any computer shop, most people usually buy their computers witha 40 GB hard drive.
48X CD ROM r/w isn´t fast enough? that´s standard speed for a home computer now.
About illegal copies, although it´s true that the prevalence of illegal software is high for home computers, you´ll hardly find illegal copies at the university or most medium or large businesses, they also have excellent connection speeds. It´s the home computer business that has lower standards.
DVD hard to get? sorry Lionheart, you´re completely outdated !!!
Ink cartdriges a problem? absolutely not, not only most brand name printers and cartdriges are available, there are thousands of good quality refilling shops where they refill your cartridge and some offer this interesting guarantee: if the cartridge damages your printer, they´ll replace it.

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cosmos says on May 22, 2005, 12:33:

hehe thanx both,, I see there two different answers :)
I'm coming from Europe,, and my spanish isn't good :(
I will work in museo di ciencia y juego, I hope they have good staff :)

what about foto equipment? dslr canon d350 for example? here is price about 1500$ (us $).

thanx
c

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goosekirk says on May 22, 2005, 16:28:

Yes and no 40 and 80 gig drives are the norm here. Personally, I have 700 gigs that are, yes, full, and am looking forward to returning to the US to stock up on 400gig drives.

You will generally find legal software in institutions and medium to large businesses, but don't count on it, and outside of those places, it's a definite rarity.

DVD-Rs aren't too hard to find, but I haven't seen DL discs here yet.

And YES, ink cartridges may be an issue. My Canon 950 is useless here, as inks for this printer are NOT available anywhere I've looked. I could go to a refiller, but there's no way I'll believe they'll get all SIX inks mixed exactly as the Canon expects. For someone working in photography or design, this will not do. If you plan to bring a printer, have someone here check on ink availability first.

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axelito says on May 22, 2005, 17:45:

Totally agree to ColombiaBoard, don't be scared to get less... ...than you're use to have!
After you've arrived in Bogota (and settled down yourself)I recommend to visit UNILAGO, the shopping mall for all that stuff around computer equipment. Just take a taxi (or a bus with a sign showing 'Chapinero') and ask for this shopping mall, it's common (and close to Calle 82, where nightlife happens).
There you will find out what I'm talking about.
Although, I agree, most advertisments offer e.g. 40/80 GB hard disc drives in computers, it doesn't mean automatically it's the standard. You get 160 GB and over as well, just like you're used to it. Same for all other equipment.
Internet connections: yes, dial-up connections are most common (and not like in Europe ADSL), but cable is increasing rapidly. And it's wider spreaded than DSL (from local company ETB). And if you ask me, it's even the better and cheaper choice. I am used to have 1 to 2 Mbit lines in Europe as well, but hey, now I 'work' with 256kb (you get cable up to 512kb right now) and it's more than enough for daily use.
Well, and even more important: you only get 4 weeks, there are some more important and exciting things to explore here in Bogota than to worry about technical equipment. Although you don't have to, like I said.
Saludos :-)

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Lionheart says on May 22, 2005, 20:56:

based on my experience I talk with many computer people in Colombia, I am one myself, and I just repeat what they ask me for, because it is either expensive, hard to get, not available at all, or any combination. High end and/or newer stuff seem to be the big problem, and replacement parts and supplies seem to be also a big issue.

In Bogota you have Unilago, what about the rest of Colombia? nothing much.

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cosmos says on May 22, 2005, 23:42:

hi thanx,, i've got the picture :)
one correction, i'm coming in bogota on 15.6. and will stay there for about 6 months :)
Ok, I hope that there where I will work,, have unleast one part of your standard,, I will bring only that software that I need in my work so I dont need to depend on their software there.
I will bring only my dig. camera with,, nothing of other hardware :)
after all,,quote yooaxe :) there are someother thing to do in bogota :)

enivey,, I will discover my location where I will be setup in bogota,, and than I will torture you again :)))

thanx :)

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Lionheart says on May 23, 2005, 01:13:

concerning cams my friends are having problems getting 5-6 Mpixel cameras and SLR digicams. also hi-res videocams are a problem.

Be sure to check on the brands available there. One friend bought a cam and notebook in Germany, they can only be sent to Germany for repairs.

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kernow62 says on May 23, 2005, 04:11:

Unless you need a digital SLR for your work it might be risky wandering around snapping photos with such expensive gear. I took an older 2 MP camera with me, if it happened to get stolen no big deal, it didn't, but then again it is very small and easy to conceal.

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cosmos says on May 23, 2005, 08:34:

foto jea,, dslr (digital slr)..
yes, I know that is risky,, so I will take only my small camera with me.
thanx enivey for advice! :)

c

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