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Gadget hunt can leave you feeling wired

By Thomas Leskin (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-08-16 08:02

Being the obsessed gizmo-lover that I am, whenever I visit an Asian city, my top priority is to find and explore the local gadget markets. Let's face it, a greater selection of electronics items are offered this side of the globe because most of them are made in Asia, and top among the production areas is Shenzhen.

So far, I can say I've checked two markets off my list, one being Akihabara in Tokyo and the other being in Beijing. After my experiences shopping in Japan and those from my home country, nothing could have prepared me for what was waiting in Beijing.

Exiting the train at Zhongguancun, China's own Silicon Valley, and making your way to the sea of vendors, it's almost as if you're entering an unknown world. Gone is the easy browsing Best Buy and megastore experience where the most attention you receive is a kind "may I help you?" from staff, which one can easily decline.

Beijing is a whole different experience; a ferocious monster is a better way of putting it. Maybe it's because I'm a foreigner but, upon entering the bazaar, clerks bellow at the top of their lungs "Hello, Sony!" "Hello, Nikon!" "Hello, computer!" as you pass by. Fliers are shoved in your face, featuring a collage of deals and information to satiate any gadget hunger.

While browsing the aisles for the latest mobile phones and peering into the glass display cases, clerks will not let you peruse their prized merchandise but are instantly trying to strike a deal, grabbing items that you had been trying to look at.

While I know that these people are only trying their best to "make bank", it's the overwhelming nature that turns not only the average foreign customer off, but also me, the gadget junkie.

Before coming to Beijing, I too was part of this industry, slumming at an hourly-wage job selling video games to America's youth or the parents willing to buy them. I was encouraged to approach the customer and help as much as possible. Those lines can easily be crossed and I have a feeling these shopkeepers never got the memo.

You can only aid the customer to an extent - after that, they are completely turned off. To me, this is the biggest downfall of Beijing's electronic markets, but I understand it's part of the culture and accept it for what it is.

No matter where you go, whether you're shopping for gadgets, designer handbags or custom-knockoff Armani suits, it's always the same service. That won't go away.

With bottom-notch customer assistance aside, Zhongguancun's electronic markets still offer a one-of-a-kind experience. Unlike Best Buy and the now extinct Circuit City where you - for the most part - knew what they had to offer, markets in Beijing are an adventure in themselves and you never know what you're going to find. Treasures both real and fake are hidden among the stalls and the lucky ones can find great deals.

I discovered one item, the Hanvon T61, an ebook reader/Google Android tablet, which I wasn't aware was available due to zero advertising in the US and available only through the developer at the Spring Design website, yet it makes an appearance here on market posters.

Therefore, no matter what gadget fix one needs satisfying, whether it's a new iPhone 4, real or fake, there's enough tech to go around. You definitely need to remember to be prepared, as the unwritten code of 5-star service doesn't exist, but it's worth the trip back, time and time again.

For China Daily

(China Daily 08/16/2010 page26)