Off to Japan in the middle of new mbp suspense

[miles01110]

The apple store was in Tokyo, i *think* it was Ginza.

The first food pic is in Osaka (the stand not too far from the Aquarium, nice old woman runs it) The other 2 were in Kyoto.

Yeah, that's Ginza all right. Ginza was WAY too expensive for me to buy anything (not just the Apple Store). I kind of like the up-close and personal feel of Shibuya better

 

[shiv]

Here's something I was just thinking about last night:

I was told a little while back that North American DVD players would not work with Japanese (coded?) DVD's. Is this true?

So, what does this mean if buying a Japanese spec notebook? Will I not be able to play my N. American DVD's on the system when I get back to N. America? Will there be a different type of DVD/CD I will need to burn using this DVD drive?

 

[Gaijin de Moscu]

Here's something I was just thinking about last night:

I was told a little while back that North American DVD players would not work with Japanese (coded?) DVD's. Is this true?

So, what does this mean if buying a Japanese spec notebook? Will I not be able to play my N. American DVD's on the system when I get back to N. America? Will there be a different type of DVD/CD I will need to burn using this DVD drive?

As far as I understand, the DVD allows you up to 5 changes in the DVD system. Then it just locks into the last system you played.

Not a big problem if you just go to Japan and then return to the US, but a bit of a nuisance for me when I keep travelling between Japan and many European countries.

 

[shiv]

.. up to 5 changes in the DVD system. Then it just locks into the last system you played.

oh! that sounds like it's a very concrete situation. I wonder if you can reset the dvd player?

 

[AppleinJapan]

Dont forget you can order your computer in English if you want to...There's an English phone line for people who can't speak Japanese and whne you get the computer - you can choose English as the main language on start up..

I just got my Imac 24" today so Im really happy !!

 

[miles01110]

oh! that sounds like it's a very concrete situation. I wonder if you can reset the dvd player?

You could copy it and remove the region so it doesn't matter where you watch it. Not too sure about the legality of this, but if you own the DVD it shouldn't be too bad....

 

[sushi]

Here's something I was just thinking about last night:

I was told a little while back that North American DVD players would not work with Japanese (coded?) DVD's. Is this true?

So, what does this mean if buying a Japanese spec notebook? Will I not be able to play my N. American DVD's on the system when I get back to N. America? Will there be a different type of DVD/CD I will need to burn using this DVD drive?

US/Canada use DVDs that are coded for Region 1.

Japan/Europe use DVDs that are coded for Region 2.

You might find this article interesting:

http://hometheater.about.com/cs/dvdlaserdisc/a/aaregioncodesa.htm

The standard DVD player used in a computer allows for 5 Region changes. Once you get to the 5th change, you are stuck with that Region. Yes, there is hack software to reset the counter so that you can continue to change the Region. Usually this software works well. However, they can damage your player.

What many folks do here, that want to play multi region DVDs on their TV, is to purchase a regular region free DVD player and connect it to their TV. This way they can play any DVD with no hassles. Others set their Mac to Region 1 and then get a portable player for Region 2 DVDs. Then depending which region select the Mac or portable player to play their movie. It all depends on your preference.

On a side note, there are region free DVDs that can play on any player. Unfortunately, most mainstream DVDs are region coded.

Hope this helps.

 

[shiv]

Sushi!
That was incredibly thorough, and I now have a much more complete understanding of the situation. So, regardless of which version (canadian/us vs. Japanese spec notebook) it will be the same scenario. I will have 5 region changes with either available.

Much to think about, as far as whether to even play movie dvd's on the laptop, and if I do, which region dvd's.

Thanks all for the help on this issue.

now if only I can have some real-life options for a competitive apple notebook. <sorry, just some semi-venting> <sniffle>

 

[kalun]

oh btw shiv, if you plan to setup a wireless lan at home, please buy a wireless router in Canada!!! Wireless routers here are mad expensive. That's probably because linksys and d-link don't exist here!

I went to Akihabara last weekend, and the cheapest router I found was 60 bucks (5980yen)!! Granted, it was a nice router, support a/g/b standards and can host 2 wireless lan at the same time with several other features...but you probably won't need all these features...

 

[shiv]

Kalun, that's a great suggestion. I didn't even think of that. So, some apartments come equipped with an internet connection, but you still need to buy router? My wife and I both have/will have notebooks, so two feeds for the connection would be important.

 

[kalun]

Kalun, that's a great suggestion. I didn't even think of that. So, some apartments come equipped with an internet connection, but you still need to buy router? My wife and I both have/will have notebooks, so two feeds for the connection would be important.

Some apartment comes with internet. My apartment is a good example of that. However, there is only 1 RJ45 port from the wall....

If you have 2 / more computer, I suggest you get a router/wireless router in Canada. I only have 1 computer, the reasons why I got my wireless router is because my TV-cable box also uses the internet, and that my bedroom is located at a strage position that no wires can get to...

You are going to love internet here. You will have a chance to experience REAL highspeed interent, and I mean FAST. 200kb from North America is just pathetic here....I am talking about 1mb (depending on the source ofcuz).

Finally, just a friendly warning, if your apartment don't have internet, setting it up may take up to 2-3 months! So be prepared for that.

 

[YS2003]

What many folks do here, that want to play multi region DVDs on their TV, is to purchase a regular region free DVD player and connect it to their TV. This way they can play any DVD with no hassles. Others set their Mac to Region 1 and then get a portable player for Region 2 DVDs. Then depending which region select the Mac or portable player to play their movie. It all depends on your preference.

On a side note, there are region free DVDs that can play on any player. Unfortunately, most mainstream DVDs are region coded.

Hope this helps.

So, does that mean that the internal DVD drive in the Mac and the external DVD you can buy separtely does not interfer with each other in terms of region coding? For example, if you set the code 1 to the internal drive (OEM drive) and the code 2 for the external 3rd party drive, the external drive's code does not affect the internal OEM drive? I just to make sure whatever I do with the external DVD player does not affect the internal OEM drive. The external DVD player is so cheap now and I would rather chaning the external drive's code instead of the internal DVD (which is difficult to replace).

 

[Kaiser Phoenix]

Kalun, that's a great suggestion. I didn't even think of that. So, some apartments come equipped with an internet connection, but you still need to buy router? My wife and I both have/will have notebooks, so two feeds for the connection would be important.

Sorry if this has been brought up, but if you order Mac computers in Japan, you can have it BTOd to have a US keyboard as well.

Having a Japanese keyboard is very annoying for the macbook for example because your home position is slightly to the left meaning your palms will keep hitting the track pad.

Many Japanese get the US keyboard layout instead.

Just my 2 cents!

 

[sushi]

So, does that mean that the internal DVD drive in the Mac and the external DVD you can buy separtely does not interfer with each other in terms of region coding? For example, if you set the code 1 to the internal drive (OEM drive) and the code 2 for the external 3rd party drive, the external drive's code does not affect the internal OEM drive? I just to make sure whatever I do with the external DVD player does not affect the internal OEM drive. The external DVD player is so cheap now and I would rather chaning the external drive's code instead of the internal DVD (which is difficult to replace).

Sorry, but I have not personally tried this nor know anyone who does it this way.

I believe what you said is correct. As long as you put the correct DVD in the correct player I think there should be no issues.

Edit: Grammar.

 

[shiv]

So... to just update everyone.. I had took my flight to Osaka with my wife on Oct 24, yes! the tuesday! ... I was thinking.." Great, the day I leave is the day that the mbp should be coming out finally..." It's right now 7am Thursday, october 26. I just woke up and used my wife's Macbook and found a random connection. We came in yesterday, and had just a phone card, and our aparmtent. I was frustrated because I didn't know how I could find out whether the mbp came out or not. Imagine the 11 hours flight on the 24th from 8 am wondering and not being able to check apple or macrumors for 13 hours!!

All in all I'm glad it came out!!As soon as I got this random internet connection, I checked the site and jumped around like a litlle kid on christmas. I haven't even checked out the specs!! No matter how impressive this update is I need the notebook. Finally one year of waiting is over!!

But here's the thing, I live in Den Den town of Osaka. I want to go check out the apple store to see what the Japanese style keyboards of an apple notebook looks like. I want to order my mbp asap, but I want to see whether I should go with Japanese or American style keyboard. Should I order online? If I decide to get American keyboard, can I get that from the store or do I have to bto it online?

A Sigh of relief on my part. It's been a long time of checking macrumors every few hours to see of new rumors and any release info... it's bee mentally exhausting and I'm glad it's finally here, no matter how much the machine got updated.

Hope everyone else gets what they need from this rev!

oh, and I CAN'T BELIEVE I'M IN OSAKA!!

 

[kalun]

gratz buddy.

Now to your question. Yes you can have a US keyboard (given that if they have it in stock) instead of a Japanese one. It will, however, take 1-2 hours for them to replace it.

good luck to you in Japan.

 

[shiv]

thanks Kalun for the info.
Is there an apple store close to Den Den town?
I'm going to research the stores online here and see what I can find, but any advice is definately helpful!

 

[YS2003]

Yes you can have a US keyboard (given that if they have it in stock) instead of a Japanese one. It will, however, take 1-2 hours for them to replace it.

Do Apple Stores in Japan actually change the keyboard on site? I thought changing keyboard for MBP is a little involved. Do they change the keyboard without scratching MBP?

 

[kalun]

Is there an apple store close to Den Den town?

Not sure...I haven't been to Osaka yet, but I will probably go there during new years

But I know there is an apple store in Osaka, address is:
〒542-0086
大阪市中央区西心斎橋1-5-5
アーバンBLD心斎橋
06-4963-4500

Do Apple Stores in Japan actually change the keyboard on site? I thought changing keyboard for MBP is a little involved. Do they change the keyboard without scratching MBP?

I went to the Apple store in Shibuya before (a month ago) and asked them to change if they have one with a US keyboard if I decide to buy a Macbook. They told me they don't have one in stock, but they can change the keyboard. However, it will take 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Unfortunately, I did not have time on that day (needed to catch the bus) so I couldn't get it done. I assume they can change it without scratching the MBP. If they scratch it, you can always demand for another one.....

 

[shiv]

hey Kalun,
My katakana/hiragana/kanji knowledge has become weak. I'm pulling out my japanese dictionary and shall decifer the address

My wife and I are going to be heading down to the apple store today. I am going to try and find some of the other apple dealers around here. We live in the electronics district so hopefully I can find one!


Thanks for the help!

Shiv

 

[kristiano]

hey Kalun,
My katakana/hiragana/kanji knowledge has become weak. I'm pulling out my japanese dictionary and shall decifer the address

My wife and I are going to be heading down to the apple store today. I am going to try and find some of the other apple dealers around here. We live in the electronics district so hopefully I can find one!


Thanks for the help!

Shiv

Congrats man Keep us updated

 

[kalun]

hey Kalun,
My katakana/hiragana/kanji knowledge has become weak. I'm pulling out my japanese dictionary and shall decifer the address

My wife and I are going to be heading down to the apple store today. I am going to try and find some of the other apple dealers around here. We live in the electronics district so hopefully I can find one!


Thanks for the help!

Shiv

No problem

Luckily, google maps are everywhere. Here is a map:
Link

 

[shiv]

Finally took the dive!

Alright! so I called the English Line for Japan Online Store. I got my macbook pro on order!

15" 2.33 standard order, exceeeeept I ordered with US keyboard. I have been really on the fence lately on whether to get japanese keyboard or not. Because I have been so indecisive with the keyboard situation, I decided on going with the safer option I could make.

Oh, so I got it with the education discount. It came to 278,820 Yen. Originally, in Canada, I was planning to go with the lowest end MBP. In Japan, I've had a bit longer to save a little more, and I also decided to hold off on the Apple Care Plan till later in the year. I've waited long enough, and I think I deserve to spend the little extra for that much more longevity.

They have sent me a "welcome to apple!" email that was all jumbled. I called my orderperson back and she said that they have been having this scrambled email situation/problem with other online orders not just English orders either. Long story short, I will be getting a confirmation email tomorrow morning!

Yaye!

I forgot to add also that the orderperson said it should take about a week to get.
I have to anyways go to the bank and get some traveller's cheques cashed for COD anyways. So, the wait time is worthwhile.

 

[YS2003]

Alright! so I called the English Line for Japan Online Store. I got my macbook pro on order!

15" 2.33 standard order, exceeeeept I ordered with US keyboard. I have been really on the fence lately on whether to get japanese keyboard or not. Because I have been so indecisive with the keyboard situation, I decided on going with the safer option I could make.

Oh, so I got it with the education discount. It came to 278,820 Yen. Originally, in Canada, I was planning to go with the lowest end MBP. In Japan, I've had a bit longer to save a little more, and I also decided to hold off on the Apple Care Plan till later in the year. I've waited long enough, and I think I deserve to spend the little extra for that much more longevity.

They have sent me a "welcome to apple!" email that was all jumbled. I called my orderperson back and she said that they have been having this scrambled email situation/problem with other online orders not just English orders either. Long story short, I will be getting a confirmation email tomorrow morning!

Yaye!

I forgot to add also that the orderperson said it should take about a week to get.
I have to anyways go to the bank and get some traveller's cheques cashed for COD anyways. So, the wait time is worthwhile.

Look forward to your post when you get the MBP. I am thinking about going back to my home country as I am getting tired of the place I am living now (it's time to move on). The only thing I will miss would be Apple Computer; but, as long as I can get the Mac with the good customer service locally, that is what counts for me.

 

[shiv]

I got my order confirmation this morning!

Item No. Product Num. Description Qty Unit Price Subtotal
__________________ ______________________________ ____ ________ __________
000010Z0DQ MBPRO 15/2.33 CTO 1 265,543 265,543
Estd Ship on/Before : 2 November Estd Dlvy on/Before : 9 November

Processor 065-6642 2.33GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
Memory 065-6619 2GB 667 DDR2 SDRAM-2x1GB
Hard Drive 065-6623 120GB Serial ATA Drive@5400rpm
Optical Drive 065-6625 SuperDrive 6X
Display 065-6631 15" Widescreen Display
Modem 065-6645 None
Apple Software Solutions 065-6200 None
Keyboard/Mac OS Language JA065-6627BkLit US Keyboard/Mac OS-JA
Country Kit/AEX J065-6628 Country Kit-JPN
_______________________________________________________________________________

COD SERVICE FEE 500 YEN

Subtotal: 266,043 yen
Sales Tax: 13,302 yen
Total: 279,345 yen

So I'm presuming that this means it will be shipped on November 2nd, and will be recieved by the 9th. Is this correct?

YS2003, I know what you mean about the importance of good customer service. Today I went to the Shinsaibashi Apple store. Wow! beautiful store. The sales reps are very polite and really do make sure you are helped. The sales rep said that they had recieved 4 mbp 2.16 configs today. They still haven't recieved the 2.33's.

The sales rep was willing to drop off about 10,000 Yen (approximately 100 US) if I bought my mbp there. However, I was able to get almost 30,000 yen off with the online store with the education discount. I think the total without the education discount on the japanese online ordering (through the english number ) was 308,000 yen. I will definately be back to the apple store though to check out the accessories, and maybe some stuff for the ipod.

I'm loving it here!