<p>Does anyone know where a student could purchase a laptop in Beijing and get Microsoft office on it? Or do you have a suggestion about mailing a laptop? My son was told by his exchange program that he should not bring a laptop so he did not but he is finding it difficult to complete his course requirements without one.</p>
<p>What kind of program doesn’t want a student to bring laptop? That’s weird. Anyways, ask your son to bring a local student with him and go to Suning, Guomei or Bainaohui (all are Chinese version of Best Buy) and let the local student bargain with the sales person (or your son can do it himself if he’s comfortable with it). Usually laptop won’t have Office pre-installed on it, unless people ask and bargain for it.</p>
<p>He’s a high school student and I think they thought that the students would not make an effort to fit in with their Chinese peers and host families if they could easily communicate with their friends and family back home. I appreciate your suggestion. How much $$ do you think an adequate (not superior gaming) laptop would cost? Would he need to take cash or could he use his debit card? I think his host brother could go with him. My son’s Chinese is developing but this would be a big purchase.</p>
<p>Oh, that makes sense. </p>
<p>I believe laptops in China should be just a bit more expensive than ones here, at least for international brands, so I assume somewhere around $350. There might be some Chinese local brands that are cheaper, but I can’t guarantee the quality. </p>
<p>Big stores like Suning or Guomei should be able to take credit/debit card, but I’m not 100% sure. Other places usually don’t take cards. I remember last time I visited Beijing bringing cards instead of cash, I barely survived. So, take cash just in case.</p>