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From: harkcom@spinach.pa.yokogawa.co.jp (Alton Harkcom)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.next,soc.culture.japan
Subject: Re: NeXT computers in Japan
Message-ID: <HARKCOM.91May9083633@spinach.pa.yokogawa.co.jp>
Date: 8 May 91 23:36:19 GMT
References: <1991May1.032402.29281@engin.umich.edu>
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In-reply-to: satch@engin.umich.edu's message of 1 May 91 03:24:02 GMT

In article <1991May1.032402.29281@engin.umich.edu> satch@engin.umich.edu
   (SATYANARAYAN CHADA) writes:

 =}(1)  Can I use the machine in Japan? Is it a simple matter of plug-&-play
 =}	or will need some special adaptors?

   Should be no problem. I have seen various computers from the states used
here in Japan with no special adapters.

 =}(2)  What type of hassles will I need to go through to get this machine
 =}	through Japanese customs?

   That depends. Usually there is no hassle at all. Just bring it with you...
(You like that idea? A CUBE... bring it with you... Ha! Ha!)

 =}(3)  Where can I get support for this machine in Japan (Tokyo)?  

   Since you will buy it in the US, the Japanese service centers will
refuse to service it or over-charge you. I am not sure about the NeXT,
but Macintoshes get such treatment (or got???).

 =}(4)  Just as an aside, how do the prices compare in Japan vs. the US?
 =}	Does Canon offer any special incentives to students as most of the
 =}	vendors in the states?

   No special discounts (unless you are a large company and can threaten
to wait the half year you are allowed to pay). If the NeXT is like almost
all other computer products imported, then it will be several times more
expensive here (especially since Canon is handling it).

 =}(5)  How are the sales of NeXTs in Japan?  I am sure that the lack of
 =}	kanji support must be an hinderance.

   Lack of Japanese language support? At a computer show almost a year
ago, the were demonstrating Japanese text handling... I would guess that
by now there would be no problem.

 =}(6)  Are there any other questions that I should be asking ?

   If you are planning to buy software in Japan, then you might want
to ask how much software for it will cost (that will at least give me
a few more chuckles ;-). You might want to ask about getting access
to the net (and how much it costs. You might also want to find out about
user groups and availability of pds...

   Sorry I couldn't be of much help. It has been a couple of months
since I have taken the time to read anything about the NeXT...

Al