Computer prices in Algeria.

[7ooda]

Saha shabab,

Just arrived from Algeria after a very successful trip.

Just wanted to know why are the computer so expensive in Algeria? I mean the brand names and the clones!!

Also, I found that the maintainence is also very expensive. What are the reasons for that?

Regards,
7ooda

[TonyStarks]

Its a specialized market and too many people supplying stuff, so they can afford to up the prices. A lot of people get stuff from Europe instead.

[lazzhar]

What's really annoying in the algerian market is that you don't find what you want easly. I was looking to buy a new Hard Drive these days because I was feeling that mine could crash at any moment, but I was very disapointed to find out that it wasn't an easy task. I didn't update my computer since 2003 but at that time there was more choices in all computer components availble.
Why don't you start providing the market with good and cheaper computers 7ooda?

[TonyStarks]

Its a very lucrative market opportunity. France (and Europe) is very close and with the many ferries and flights and constant influx of European-based Algerians, its quite easy to minimize costs. However, you have to really wonder what kind of demand exists for these products. Most Algerians are not into computers and of the ones that are, how many are constantly looking to upgrade/replace hardware?

[Khokom]

Yes its a lucratice and emerging market... Algerians will have to adapt to modern technology, so computers will enter homes sooner or later. Its the requirement of this time and age.

I noticed that everything enters Algerian markets, but the quality is poor, no quality control whatsoever,... they call it el "taiwan" and for good quality goods "el hurra" usually coming from europe/America.

Unfortunately, the poor can only afford poor quality products.

Khokom.

[phylay]

The problem is that computer stuff are very expensive compared to other emerging countries. As if Algerians were wealthier...

[Khokom]

Salam si Phylay, good to see you bro.

Looking back to Lazzhar's suggestion, its not a bad idea to bring in good quality computers/components at cheaper prices. More computers will sell, more people will bring computers into their lives,... I mean when I went to Algeria, the word computer was connected with Cybercafes. .... thats the level of knowledge a typical Algerian has,... Cybercafe level.

And most of them dont know what computers can do, what they can be used for.

IT Training courses need to be introduced too, in colleges, universities, everywhere.

Khokom.