Jump to content

Moving To Japan, Should I Wait On A Purchase?

Rate this topic


jazztheglass

Recommended Posts

I'm moving to Japan within the next few weeks, Usui to be exact about an hour + 1/2 from Tokyo. I've read all of the model differences in MDs, and I've long ago settled on the format as the best choice for personal portable audio... I just can't force myself to buy an ipod...

...Anyways, I'd like to get something like the RH10 or RH910, though asides from the OLED and input differences, I'm not sure I want to spend an extra $100, though getting an almost top tier (under the dh10p) model is tempting.

I'm wondering if I should wait until I get to Japan to get an MD, I'm thinking of just skipping the initial format-crash-course and getting an NW-E507 portable player.

Calling Sony about these things usually results in more confusion as their staff isn't all that well equiped to give you information about models, features, or what time it is, frankly.

I'm not asking, "What should I buy!?"... just wondering if it would be better to wait, I do however need music for the plane ride... otherwise, I might go insane.

cheers,

(jazz)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

welcome to MDCF jazztheglass!

I'm not asking, "What should I buy!?"... just wondering if it would be better to wait, I do however need music for the plane ride... otherwise, I might go insane.

best thing to do IMHO... if you're moving there, you probably know at least someone over there already... order an RH10 (or an RH910) from a Japanese ( r)e-tailer and let it be delivered to the person you know... if you can do this quickly you can let that person send it over to you (as a gift to avoid import taxes) so you have it with you on the plane...but I would not do that personally. Just buy the cheapest MP3player that can hold enough music for the trip...use it on the plane and donate it later to some homeless dude when you leave the airport 'cause in Japan there's a brand spanking new RH10 (or RH910) waiting for you so what do you care... laugh.gif

but really, I wouldn't get any other model than Japanese (not if I would buy it myself from Belgium...but certainly not if I was going to use it in Japan! imagine walking around with a no-LCD remote while every RH10-owner around you has one mad.gif )

hope this helps...greetings,

Volta

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks, for the warm welcome(s) and the advice! I'll just get something cheap for the trip and then pick up something good when I get there.

Can one find good things in Akihabara, or is that something to avoid? I won't have any problems with the language as my gf is native (my Japanese is a bit rusty, though I've been studying off and on for 5 years...) I got tired of stale Tokyo dialect tapes and have lately just been listening to a lot of music/news/movies...

I'm pretty excited about my trip, and I know I'll be around here a lot in the future, the quality and the character of the people here is wonderful... (but oddly, not surprising, you expect MiniDisc fans to be a special breed, & to know their business!)

cheers.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Can one find good things in Akihabara, or is that something to avoid?

Yes, one can find good things in Akihabara but the price is not necessarily better. Most large Japanese retailers i.e. Bic Camera, Yodobashi Camera, Ishimaru Denki, have point cards which the Akihabara businesses do not. If you buy something on your point card, you collect 10% of the purchase price toward your next purchase i.e., if you buy an md player for 25,000 en, you will get a credit of 2,500 en on your next purchase or you can store up your points. So if something is priced the same in Akihabara as at a large retail store, in the long run it is more cost effective to purchase from the large retailer.

A neat thing about Akihabara is that they usually have new releases of equipment / goods a week or two before the actual market release. Akihabara has also become known for the manga scene so if you like that also, Akihabara is a place to enjoy two pursuits in one place. I recommend you visit on a Sunday. That is when the main street has street traffic blocked off so you can walk freely in the road which helps since Akihabara can be very crowded. Also on Sundays, bands and solo performers set up in the road and perform.

One other note, after you have visited five stores you will have been exposed to everything the remaining stores offer so....

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...