Using an Apple Computer in Beijing

One of the largest problems I have had in Beijing is support for my computer. Luckily at least I know something about what I am doing. I have some time to kill, so I will try to help some others out by sharing my experiences in Beijing with my powerbook.

The first problem I had with my computer was getting connected to the internet. On campus my only choice was to use CNC (中国网通). When the guy came to set up the internet on my computer he asked me what kind of computer I was using and what the operating system was because he had never seen it before. As far as I can tell the people who are told to set up the internet are told to just install the drivers and special software on the clients computer. Other than that it doesn't seem they have much else knowledge. I was worried until a friend told me about PPPoE. I was in the clear.

If you are trying to connect to the internet with service through CNC and you have OS X all you need to do is set up a new internet connection through system preferences. Click on the PPPoE tab and put in your username and password and then you will be ready to go.

As for buying new accessories or toys all you need to do is go to one of two places. Depending on where you are one may be more convenient than the other.

If you are near Beijing University, Tsinghua University or Beijing Language and Culture University then you should head for Zhonghuancun Road. There is an authorized Apple reseller across the street from Carrefour. Look for a silver sign that says:

苹果体验中心

北京海淀区中关村大街1号
海龙大厦1317室
北京 100080
中国

The prices are comparable to those in the states, but sometimes you can haggle with them, but not too much. The staff is super friendly as well. There phone number is (86-10) 51195500.

If you are closer to Tiananmen Square you should go here.

北京市东方长安街１号东方广场首层 A206-208

This is the address for an Apple Center in the Oriental Plaza at Wangfujing. If you enter the shopping mall from Wangfujing Road it will be on the same floor on the right handside of the mall. You have to walk towards to the middle of the mall to find it.

The repair center listed below recognizes AppleCare Warranties so you should take your warranty information with you. All I needed was the serial number for my laptop, but it doesn't hurt to have more information than you need. Sometimes they need to order parts from other places, so be prepared to wait up to a week before your problem can be solved. There phone number is (86-10) 65888833.

北京
朝阳区
朝外大街
联合大厦905B室

If you need to have your computer repaired you need to go to 朝阳区. Simply take the subway from 五道口to 西置门. From 西置门 take the subway to 朝阳门. Once you have arrived leave the station from Exit A. If you are facing the street you will see a bridge to your left. Cross that bridge. At the bottom of the steps there is a Starbucks Coffee shop. Avoid temptation and walk to the building behind the one with Starbucks. The building you are looking for is called:

联合大厦

You need to go to the 9th floor of the building. There are 2 rooms with number 905, 905A and 905B. You need to go to 905B.

If you are new to the city, here is a map of the Beijing Subway System and some tips on how to use the subway in Beijing.

There is also a Mac support group in Beijing. They have a website http://www.beimac.com/. If you have any questions about using your Mac or getting support in Beijing you can be sure to find answer there. They even have listed locations in wireless hotspots in Beijing. Of course you have to pay for a cup of coffee or tea before you can connect.

I hope this helps somebody in the future.