Marzouq and I had a chance to check out InfoConnect before the doors open to public tomorrow:
The good:
Qualitynet is offering huge price cuts in addition to ‘extras’ that will only be offered when you subscribe/renew at InfoConnect. In addition to a ‘Sky DSL’ service which possibly means two way satellite service (as UCC). They also are offering a raffle for a Mini (might be one of the ‘extras’) with Al-Ghanim.
TechSys has a ton of new products from Planet and Silverstone, from HTPC/High-End cases, quiet/ultra-powerful power supplies to affordable networking products like smart switches and ip-cameras.
Lastly, E-Government is in full effect this year; Bahrain and Oman’s governments showing off their e-capabilities alongside Kuwait’s MOI, MOC and PACI. There are Several Kiosks, payment devices and even a decked out BMW Police Car on display.
The bad:
No Zain (they have their own event in April?), No Zajil, No Fasttelco, and not even Wasel (new Internet Company). For those looking to get a new deal on their EGO or DSL lines… You might be out of luck with the big players sitting it out. However, Zajil has already slashed prices with 3mb going for less than 850kd for a year’s subscription.
The ugly:
Aside from the cheaper yet still over-inflated pricing on the same old items… There is not much that InfoConnect has to offer. Without the Internet companies using February as a time to introduce their new offerings… you might as well take a stroll down any Ibn Khaldoun for the same experience.
The reality is that InfoConnect is a second rate bazaar with local stores trying to unload the remaining stock from their warehouse. Everyone from ElectroZan, Yousifi, Al-Ghanim Electronics and Sony are busy selling Televisions and DVD players than showing off new technology.
On the bright side, this might be a good chance to pick up that TV you have been thinking about. In addition to the electronics… there is an endless supply of Phone stores, two bit computer shops and Chinese stands selling items which can probably be found for cheaper in Hawalli.
I put up some pictures on my Flickr page [here].
-Posted by K
I will be posting tomorrow the ISP cost comparison.
8 replies on “InfoConnect 2008 Preview”
it will be crappy every1 knows that , u know it, i know it.
We (heart) Dubai
I’m looking to buy a high-end gaming PC for around 500-600KD. I’ll check InfoConnect tomorrow if nothing interesting I’ll buy parts from Amazon and build it my self.
by preview you mean you just walked in the hall like i did , typical local organization lol
I’m planning to find a digital camera there, hope they have some good quality cheap ones.
SWOS:
Sadly, yes. Dubai’s IT-show has evolved into something else, half the world flies in to check out the new technology.
Lucky_Boy:
I would suggest buying the heavy parts from Kuwait (Case, PSU) .. then get everything else from NewEgg or amazon.
Damon Dash:
I agree the organization was terrible .. but we actually had official access.
N.:
You are better off buying one from Amazon.
do you think they are going to have a shawerma stand outside?
LOOOL @ Zahed , there has to be one! if they dont have it am not going!!!
looool well the best thing yet is that I use to check amazon but now i found newegg
thanx K.