Showing posts with label cost. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cost. Show all posts

Thursday, August 16, 2012

iPhone repair - Very Professional / Fast / Value-for-money



Services
Jailbreaking | Battery Replacement | Water Damage | Wifi problem
Unlocking | Unresponsive Button | Cracked Screen | Screen Protector

Website
sg.iphonefix.asia

Address
Waterloo Centre @ Waterloo Street
(behind Bank of China / Bylands Building / GSM Building)

Contact
Look for Vincent or Brad

Operating Hours
Weekdays 11am to 9pm
Saturday 1pm to 8pm 
Sunday 1pm to 6pm

If you have had a damaged iPhone (whichever generation) and tried to search for an official iPhone repair centre, you will find that there is none. Apple does not have an iPhone repair centre in Singapore. So the next alternative will be to search for the most cost effective on one end of the spectrum or the most professional 'unauthorized' service centre in some place nearer to you on the other.

I did, and I found that this store over the internet. iPhonefix and decide to give it a try.

I first called them up and ask if they repair cracked screen, which is what was my problem. Not only did they tell me yes, they also almost immediately told me the price, $X0 (2 digit figure) for an original replacement. They also told me that they can repair on the spot, which was a pleasant surprise for me as I initially thought that I would need to pass the phone to them and collect one or 2 days later. (I even have my spare phone with me when I went to the shop). I was also expecting at least a $100+ for the replacement, especially original parts. 

Upon reaching there, as promised, I saw 2 gentlemen (Brad and Vincent)behind the counter repairing the phones on the spot. There are 2 customers in front of me (with their phones being repaired while I wait). Thus I have the chance to observed their service as a bystander and also while I was served.

They are very professional and everything is done in front of the customers. Before they start, they let the customers know what is the problem and how much it will cost to replace the parts. Once the customer give the go ahead, then they will start work. They then took out the parts (I don't know how to tell if they are original but they are at least brand new with protective stickers on) and replace the faulty part on the spot with you watching.

Beside repairing the phone, if you care to have a small chat with them, they will let you know what is the current condition of your phone (say only your LCD is damaged by water - the person beside me actually dropped the phone into a toilet bowl) and what are possible problems (...if water slipped into the main board, then it is a goner) related to your issue. 

I also went on to check the price of other issues (as I had another non-perfect iPhone) and was also quoted a very reasonable price for spoilt buttons /  battery replacement. They will also advise to go back to Apple to change if you have warranty. All prices are the in 2 digit figures which I don't wish to review publicly but if you want to know, just email me

This store is also reported on Channel 8 news

Update: 
The kind people at iPhonefix found my post and have informed me that they have shifted to 
#02-11(which is just behind the old shop). 
The new shop now comes with air-con and sofa for you to sit  while you wait. Nice!

(First published on 20 Feb 2012)
(Updated on 16 Aug 2012)

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Things you may not know on COE and car ownerships


COE coupled together with import tax becomes a double 'tax' to all buyers. Additional Reg. Fee (or ARF) is 100% of open market value. So even before COE comes in, you are already paying double of what you should be paying. 

COE at $100k means you are paying $10k per year to the authorities. Five years ago, the only people who are paying $10k per year to the authorities are people who own and drives luxurious 5000cc or above cars. 

Singapore hot and humid weather condition contribute significantly to the decision of just sticking to the car no matter what. Because the car comes equipped with this amazing invention called AIR-CON. 

For the money spent A DAY on a $160k 2000cc car, say instalment + petrol + parking (55+20+5 = $80), 
you can: 
- Take public transport with the same amount of money for WHOLE work month based on $4 per day. 
- Dine in a decent restaurant, having decent buffet for 2 with the same amount of money,
- Treat at least 26 person to a $3 chicken rice in hawker centre
- Buy a low end printer or mobile phone, one month you can buy 30 phones or printers. 
- Take the whole family to Singapore flyer or other attractions
- Buy 240 packets of tissue paper from the 3 for $1 tissue auntie
- Feed a person (or family) in India for 66 days. (Not drive for 6 days, you can feed them for 1 year). Some people in India live on less than US$1 per day.


See the point. What's more, I am not talking about a high end high performance luxury or sports car. I am merely taking the figures from an average on-the0-road cars like Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Cefiro which you see many on the roads everyday.