BRINGING YOUR OWN COMPUTER

There are several factors to consider in bringing your computer to Japan. Bringing your desktop unit may be expensive as it is heavy and breakable, incurring high excess baggage fees or courier fees. Unless it is a flatscreen, it is not worth taking the monitor. If you have a laptop then definitely take it with you as you will be familiar with it and have all the software you need. If you intend on bringing or have brought your own computer to Japan there are a few considerations:

Japan runs on 100 volts and on a frequency of 50 Hz or 60 Hz. If you have a relatively modern laptop then it will most likely have a universal voltage supply and allows for usage anywhere in the world. Some desktops also have this facility but many do not, voltage adapters are available in Japan but are invariably expensive. You will need a plug adapter if you are bringing a laptop or desktop from Europe.

Phone jacks for your laptop modem will be compatible with the Japanese system. New modems should support the v.90 standard which is the international replacement for the two older competing standards and thus you will be able to connect at 56k. If you can't connect, check that you've got a touch-tone phone line. If when you dial your phone you hear a series of clicks and no tones, you have pulse dialing. Either upgrade your line to touch-tone or set your computer to pulse dialing in the appropriate control panel.

If you want to buy a computer in Japan there are a number of factors you should consider. Firstly, if you buy a laptop or desktop in Japan it will come with Japanese windows installed. If your Japanese is poor or non-existent but you know your way around windows blind you should be ok. You will be able to install western programmes on top of the Japanese operating system. But note that Japanese windows runs about 25% slower than western windows due to the Japanese character set it has to handle.

Prices for new machines are slightly roughly the same as they are in the West. You will also be able to pick up equipment not yet launched on the western market as Japanese manufacturers test their new products out at home first. Shinjuku, Tokyo- Akihabara and Osaka's Den Den town are prime shopping territory.

The second hand computer market in Japan is rapidly developing. Stores like Sofmap are expanding their second hand stock and offer a wide range of equipment, however, only with Japanese operating systems. The classified ad sections of the English language papers also offer a few good bargains, but we urge caution.

FOR THE EXPERTS

Computer aficionados may like bring their favourite English software and operating system with them. You can then buy a computer erase the hard drive and install your English software. BE WARNED that if you wipe the software that came with the computer your warranty will be voided and you are on your own support wise. You might like to research that the same model is available outside of Japan as you may not be able to get English windows drivers for all the components built into some Japan only models. We have a number of downloads which will get your computer running for Japan, see Useful Downloads and Configuring your computer for use in Japan.

Note that Japanese keyboards have a slightly different layout. You can always take your own English keyboard and plug it in to your new computer. It is possible to pick up an English keyboard in large stores in major cities.

Another option is to buy a PC which is fully set up for use in Japan, with an English operating system and Microsoft Office. Although your choice will be more limited, there are companies in Japan that will supply English language systems such as Toshiba, and TNT PC. It is best to go with a recommended supplier who can provide strong after sales service so be careful to research this before you go with a purchase.

Such systems will allow you to input and read Japanese characters at the click of the mouse. Jetset Japan has negotiated an exclusive deal with TNT PC to supply custom built PCs and laptops to members of the JET programme. There are a variety of system specifications of Desktop and Laptops to suit your needs and price bracket. They all offer good value with their competitive pricing policy. You will also be able to take them back to your home country once you finish on the JET programme as they have multi-voltage power supplies. Their systems are Internet ready so you can get online as soon as you get it.

TNT PC have a long tradition of serving the JET and international community and their computer needs in Japan. Their staff are natural English speakers and are thus fully able to assist you in your enquiry. They can supply computer hardware and software, printers, cameras and scanners as well leading brand desktop or laptop systems, to run on either Western or Japanese operating systems. They will also deliver to your door via a leading national delivery service.

TNT PC have put together custom-built JET computer packages tailored to the needs of every JET whilst in Japan, and beyond. These packages include both desktop and laptop models of differing specifications ensuring you will find one that suits your needs. Details of these exclusive JET packages can be seen in the Jetset Japan DealZone and their website holds details of their range of stock. Visit the DealZone for more details and remember to tell them you are a Jetset Japan JET to claim your discount.

Finding computer companies in Japan which know how to operate western operating systems (Windows) or repair machines running them is difficult. You will see many computer shops in Japan, stocking Japanese computer systems with Japanese software whose staff do not speak a word of English. This leaves you with two language barriers to cross, Japanese and then computer speak. If you are looking for simple peripherals such as a mouse then you will be fine using these shops. But if you are running a Western version of Windows then you are going to experience problems in installing the software to run larger pieces of kit such as printers and scanners. Check to see if the same model is sold outside of Japan, and that you can download the appropriate drivers from the internet.

Japan is the second largest market for Apple after the USA. Macintosh is becoming increasingly popular in Japan and all the models and peripherals available in the west can be found here. The new OSX operating system is multi-lingual, meaning that you can purchase a Japanese model and switch the entire operating system into English with great ease. You will find a range of Mac hardware and peripherals in large electronic retail stores. In addition, Mac are now posting their own staff at these stores and English speaking is a pre-requisite for the job. In addition, there are two flagship apple stores in Japan, one in Ginza, Tokyo and the other in Shinsaibashi in Osaka. The majority of the staff at these stores speak english and you can also put your questions to their experts at the 'genius bar' in each of the stores.