There are no community per se, but I was recently considering the idea of building a MUG (Mac User Group) here... If there are any volunteers with a little bit of time left...

yep, i'm in!
i know there is a Veitnamese MUG, but they seems quite hermetic to foreigners. Probably the language barrier.

Any how, i would be happy to be part of a MUG in Hanoi. I've been using Mac for....humm...i can't even remember exactly. So sharing this interest with others would be nice.

AS for getting Apple hardware, there are the normal FPT shops but i think they are boosting their price quite nicely. i'm not even sure they are allowed by Apple to mark up that much. I know there are a lot of restriction and guideline to follow once you become authorised reseller by Apple. but T.I.V

Alexis we can maybe start with a friendly meeting in a cafe or something, no?

Many thanks for the answer and I would like to chip in as well. Count me in if you guys are really interested to set up a MUG in Hanoi.

Since I run a bar & restaurant in Hanoi. I would be more than happy to provide the venue for meet up's or other activities. Keep in touch guys.

I'd be interested in joining as well - although not sure I have a lot of knowledge to share.
Have been using a Mac for about 4 years, but really just the core applications.

Ditto... Am a rather new Mac convert at less than a year though. :)

I'm in...I'm a long time Mac user and now own a Mac Pro, with which i am in well over my head, so i would also be happy to talk shop and put this machine to good use (or offload it to someone who can).

oO Mac Pro is some serious stuff. The response is quite good so far. What do you guys say for MUG hanoi ?

Can't help with pricing, but I can give you vague yet sufficient directions to three stores. If you come from Kim Ma a ways before it turns into Nguyen Thai Hoc, there is one on the right (on Kim Ma). The other is on the left on Nguyen Thai Hoc, near the big intersection with Hang Bong. Look for the large ridiculous laptop on the top of their store. Ly Nam De also sells many computer accessories for mac & pc.
Make sure you don't buy a mac with Windows Vista. They actually sell those here.
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LOFThanoi's venue is here:
http://newhanoian.xemzi.com/venue/show/1994/Loft-Bar-and-Restaurant
and here:
http://www.1oft.com/

I just thought I'd share my Mac repair experiences here in Hanoi.
My logic board fried on Valentine's Day this year and I took my G4 Powerbook (12") into the FPT on Yet Kieu. The dude there... I think his name is Thanh, ordered me a new logic board from Singapore, which proceeded to sit in customs in limbo for the next month. When he finally got it and installed it, it was a dud.
The next day he ordered another one - express this time - and within 5 days my laptop was back to me and working perfectly.
While my laptop was being serviced he lent me a big, nasty Windows laptop of somesort, which was a big help.

If your Mac breaks down, go see Mr Thanh at 1A Yet Kieu! He reads English better than he speaks it so he's great to communicate with via text.

Hi All,

Ive spent the last 7 months trying to find software for Macs and finally found 'aqualaptop'(393 Trường Chinh- near the big intersection with the overpass). They stock Macs and non Macs and installed software for me for a very small price. They are also expanding into a proper, authorised Mac store I think (not that my software was 'authorised'). Im not sure about other places, but i would certainly reccommend aqua laptop for software.

http://www.aqualaptop.com/Web/Product.aspx?subzoneid=15&lang=vi-VN

Guys, you have pm. Let me know if you're interested.

there is another alternative on Le Nam De, but i haev to find the address again. I'll let you know at the meeting.

Other wise, if you want to purchase expensive hardware, it could be worth going to Bangkok with airasia. Since we are leaving the country after the purchase you get the VAT refunded at the airport.

Just need to check if it's still worth it with the exchange rate if you use USD, and for those lucky ones with Euro, it should be definitely worth it.

So you get a nice new little toy, you can go to Pantip plaza to refuel in Mac software and enjoy Bangkok for the week-end.

Woooaaaa, sounds good.....i'm leaving now!!!

Would like to join the group if it is set up. I'm a new Mac user, my mac book is about a year old now. I bought mine in HK and if there are no authorized resellers or service centre here, I think I'd rather take it back there for servicing (especially since I still have 2 years on the international warranty, i think).

There are indeed authorised Apple resellers and repair people in Hanoi. The state-owned FPT is one of them.

This is a follow up on last weeks discussion. I am planning to organize a meet-up on this Thursday ( 3/6/08) around 8pm just to get to know each other and discuss further on setting up TNH's very first MUG.

Bring your mac & friends along and join us for dinner. Share experiences, tips, tricks or knowledge on that day.

I've got the management's approval for free food and the first 2 beers to be on the house that night.

Day : Thursday
Time : 8 pm
Venue : Loft Bar & Restaurant. 143 Ba Trieu Street

Let me know on how many people is going to attend so that I can prepare in advance.

Cheers
Kay

Hi,

i'm definitly interested by a MUG ;)

About fpt, i tried their customer service to repair a fan on my mbp. They didn't contact apple (maybe they misundertood it was still under warranty), they did nothing + closed it badly, a few months later i did much better myself when i changed the hd... flee from fpt mac repair services!

heya, let me know next time MUG meets! i'm a longtime mac user, and would LOVE to learn MORE tricks, and share our mutual love for our babies....!

bethanybauman and edouard: i just sent you an invite to the group so you can keep track.

also, i invite you to check our friendly forum: www.hnmug.com

Enjoy and hope to see you soon.

cheers

Hi, My Macbook just fell down on the floor from my bed, a half of screen can't show anything. I think it need to be replaced. Can I get the screen changed in the Apple shop of Nguyen Thai Hoc? If yes, how much will be that? I don't have apple care... So sad...

There is a big mac users comunity in Vietnam called Macvn, they have their own forum at www.macvn.com

The Macvn has 18 thounsands (you read it right!) members. They've just opened a new box "international corner" for you English speaking people.

If you looking for a trustworthy Mac service, here is the address:

MacFriends Service
H&J Studio 875 Hong Ha road, near (dốc Bác Cổ), or really near The Museum of History, or the Opera House.

Tel: 3 932 9221 or call Mr. Hung 090 342 8874

FYI: The Macvn day is held every 2 weeks at above address. The next Macvn day is on February 15th, they will talk about new iLife '09.

I met the fellows down at MacFriends/Macvn this afternoon, and I found them to be extremely friendly, helpful, and passionate about Apple products. As useful as their knowledge of Apple products is, they are also keenly aware of Apple's presence in Hanoi and the availability of various Mac products. If you find yourself in need, I feel confident telling you to drop in on them and they will either help you directly, or refer you to a place that can.

On a side note, I highly recommend the Hanoi MUG to meet Mr. Hung and hopefully begin what should be an extremely fruitful partnership with Macvn. There's strength in numbers, as evidenced by the opening of the Apple Vietnam online store.

Many thanks Gojira for your kind recommendation/review!

Macvn is looking, and now have found Mac group of expats in Hanoi. We would like to communicate to group' management team in order to connect the group with Macvn, exchange knowledge and experience in common/advance issues of Apple's hardware and Macintosh OS.

Could you lead us to direct contact to MUG? is there regular meeting/conference? If yes, where, when?

MacFriends is a newly set-up service, but we have done this for Macvn for years.. As introduced, we have Macvn day twice a month, usually starts 9am Sunday morning at 875 Hong Ha, 2 minutes (motobike) from Opera House. The next Macvn day will be on 15th February.

Looking forwards to hearing from you, soon.

Hung.

Does anyone have an opinion about Mediafe on Chan Cam? I just dropped my Macbook Pro there after the screen stopped working and went entirely black and they say they have to send it to Singapore which will take atleast 30 days.
Is that absolutely necessary?