Is Australia being ripped off for computer gear?

[silicon_toad2000]

Communications minister Stephen Conroy has requested the Standing Committee on Infrastructure and Communications, chaired by Nick Champion, investigate whether Australians are being hit harder for technology prices, and look at ways of limiting the gap.

The investigation comes as a result of a lengthy campaign by Labor backbencher Ed Husic, who late last year attacked IT vendors for ripping off Australian customers.

He told Parliament in November Australian buyers were paying up to 80 percent more for comparative technology products and vowed to improve “value for money”.

"I want to keep the spotlight on and let the vendors know that if they think they can ignore the issue or ignore Government, well in fact Government has a very big interest in ensuring prices are fair,"

http://www.crn.com.au/News/302034,it-vendors-in-spotlight-over-price-hike-claims.aspx

[Hooked]

Show me the real numbers.  Eighty percent is a large chunk of change.

[silicon_toad2000]

New iPad wifi 64gb = $899
13" macbook air = $1449.00
17" macbook pro from $2,899
Western digital Caviar Black 1TB = $139

1 Australian dollar = 0.9779 U.S. dollars

I'd be curious how they compare

[White Stripes]

what about non-mac computer gear.... mac stuff is always overpriced no matter where you go....

[silicon_toad2000]

i picked mac as there's not many options, most of the non mac laptops differ in model numbers between countries makes comparrison hard.

my hardware place is at the lowest end of the price range I'll list a few components.

1155pin i7 3770 $326
kingston sandforce2 120gb $145
netgear dgnd3300 $120
netgear readynas RND2000 $169 (no drives)
logitech quickcam c270 $27
toshiba satelite pro c850 $599
asus eeepcepc1011px $299

[Hooked]

I looked at the 1TB HDD.  Depending on which model you get, prices range from about $80 to the posted $140.  ...that was Newegg.com.  Not the cheapest, but not the most expensive either.

[silicon_toad2000]

The $140 was for the western digital black sata3
I can get other models for just under $100 but nowhere near $80

[Hooked]

The $140 was for the western digital black sata3
I can get other models for just under $100 but nowhere near $80

That's some crap.   

[Bluey_412]

Microsnot Wireless Mobile Mouse 4000

USA RRP $29, and available in a changing range of colours

Australia RRP $64 and available in a wide range of blacks

[¿Åliçe]

 $79.00  + free delivery (NZD)   same price at two other places and yeah.. black.