A computer user demonstrates the versatility of laptops.

LAPTOP computers hit the global consumer market in the mid 1980s with the introduction of the IBM PC Convertible, a design that soon after was cloned by Toshiba and other companies.

Since then laptop (also called notebook) computers have simultaneously become more portable and more powerful, and therefore more useful to business people, students, teachers, professionals and others across the globe.

Laptops can be just as powerful as desktop PCs – and in fact those available today are more powerful than the high-end desktops of even a few years ago – and add the additional benefit of freedom to roam.

However, despite their numerous benefits, their high price relative to desktop PCs remains a barrier to more widespread use in Myanmar.

“The use of laptops among students is still low because their prices are still high,” said Ko Tin Htun Aung, the sales engineer at Parami Group Co., Ltd.

Ko Nyi, the managing director of Notebook City in Yangon’s Sanchaung township, said that until two years ago computer users in Myanmar were barely even aware of the existence of laptops.

“The terms ‘notebook’ and ‘laptop’ are still Greek to many people here, but the words are becoming more familiar to government officials, business people and IT students as more people recognise the usefulness of portable computers, and as the number of users grows dramatically,” he said.

Well-known international brands – including Dell, HP Compaq, Toshiba, IBM, Apple, Sony, Gateway, Fujitsu and Acer – are now available in Myanmar at a wide range of prices, depending on the make, model, and number and quality of added features.

“There is no technological gap between the laptops available in our country and those being sold in Japan – we can use the most up-to-date laptops, like in other countries around the world,” said Ko Nyi.

“When laptops first became available in Myanmar people bought only cheap, low-tech used models because they were afraid they would lose money if they broke down, but as consumers have become more familiar with the technology they have come to prefer high-tech models, whether they are new or used,” he said.

Ko Nyi said he thought the most popular brand of laptop was Toshiba because it is more suited to the heat and humidity of Myanmar than other brands.

He recommended buying a new laptop, and only from dealers who can offer a warranty since few shops in Myanmar are capable of repairing them.
Ko Tin Htun Aung agreed.

“I would suggest to customers that they buy only new computers or used ones under warranty because it is difficult to know how long the parts will last in a used laptop,” he said.

Ko Tin Htun Aung said demand is high for used laptops in good condition in the K600,000 to K650,000 price range.