Monday, May 22, 2006

I've got these 3 things which I would like to acquire, in order of importance:

1) a laptop -- I've wanted it for a long time, plus I can work on projects from my hostel
2) a digital camera -- it's more useful than an MP3 player but since my dad has just got a new one from his office, it doesn't matter that much now
3) an MP3 player -- it's the least impt as I already have 2 CD players, both of which are in good working condition and I don't have many MP3 songs in my PC

So I might be getting a laptop!! But that still has to depend on my budget which has yet to be worked out.

And should I go for a second-hand one or a new one?
A decent second-hand one would cost between $500 to $1000 and a new one with the lowest specifications would cost me around $1200 to $1400.

Besides, I am currently considering whether to stay in a hostel. If I were to stay for one semester, that would set me back by
$1080 (single room) + $357 (food catered for halls only) + $ 31 (electrical + registration charges) + $15 (admin charges) = $1483 (for staying in a hall)
or $1126 (for staying in the residences)

That's a lot of money for staying a tiny room of not more that 9 sq.m. And don't expect it to deviate from the concept of spartan living too.

Let's say if I were to stay in a hall for one semester and buy a laptop priced around $1300, I would be spending about $2800, or almost three-quarters of my annual scholarship allowances! This means that if I were to stay in the hostel for another semester, I would not have enough money for the books. So, that's why I should really take my time to consider how I would spend my money. Over time, more information may be revealed which will guide me better towards that.

Posted by charles at 9:18 PM