Hey, I’m an American moving to NZ (Whangerei, Northland) in a few months and am trying to device if I should fly my desktop/server over or just build a new one there.
What’s the general availability of server and desktop parts there? Any recommended local shops, or do I need to import everything from Asia?
Decent amount of parts over here but they tend to be more expensive over here, however, consumers have more protection with decent warranties etc if that’s a benefit for you.
Take a look for yourself:
https://www.pbtech.co.nz/ https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/
He says, forgetting what community he is in.
Bring your existing gear, remembering that we use 240v here. Getting used server bits is pretty difficult and expensive because we don’t have anywhere near the density of data centers selling off old stuff. Enterprise switches in particular seem to be hard to get, I’ve previously had to buy on eBay and pay absurd shipping
I’m not in NZ, but I’ve heard that it’s difficult or expensive to get stuff in. If you have equipment, I’d bring it with you. And it would be cheaper to do any upgrades now, rather than pay the premium later.
Yup. Paying $50 or whatever for an extra checked bag is probably worth it.
Common parts are available and easy to get, relatively cheaply.
Specialist parts are somewhat more difficult.
You may as well just bring your existing gear.
Stuff is expensive and supplies are much lower with a smaller selection outside US and China - Buy there. The smaller boxes don’t really show up as computers as they don’t look like traditional computers. Call them knockoff Alexa’s or something to avoid the massive amount of tax on tech imports.
I didn’t know they had inport taxes on desktops. Thanks for the heads up.
In my experience, typically import taxes are there to try and encourage buying local. Does New Zealand manufacturer their own electronics, or is this import tax just a way to levy money? Or is it to reduce environmental impact?
It’s cause NZ’s tech market is the equivalent of a mid sized uni in the US or China.
Pbtech is one of the major retailers. Their reputation is so-so (in terms of service level and dealing with warranties) but at least will give you a good benchmark on what you can buy and it’s cost.
Now might be a good time to reassess your actual needs, and maybe replace with smaller devices as well.
It’s a developed country, lol
Developed country out in the middle of nowhere. Prices are very high vs the US. Source: kiwi living in the states.
