I bought an Acer Aspire here at Vanguard. It is fine other than the fact that it had illegal Windows installed. Windows would not change languages from Chinese so I had to buy Windows. Yes, that sucks. Not exactly happy. OK I'm unhappy. The computer (netbook) cost about $100 more than home, plus the new OS. I wish I had waited to buy at home.

If you buy here make sure the OS is real. The fakes won't change from Chinese to your favorite language. Test it at the store or just don't bother. I mean, I bought this at Vanguard and it wasn't exactly cheap. I thought that was safe. Hahaha Thanks China the joke was on me. Thanks for reminding me, that's the last thing I will ever buy here. I recommend the Acer, but I would never buy another computer here.

Buy it at home, save some money and grief.

I haven't bought any laptop in China yet, but have had both Acer and Asus computers in the past. I'm not sure what kind of computer you are looking for (what will you use it for?) nor how much money you're willing to spend. Acer tends to make lower to middle range/performance laptops. They are usually of good design and it's my impression that they focus mainly on portable stuff; so if you're looking for a cheaper unit, you'd probably have more choice with them. Asus makes middle to high end laptops but are more pricey. The different Asus computers I've had so far have always worked well but some of the gaming optimized models have overheating issues when pushed a bit.

Either way, I'm not sure I would ever buy a new laptop in China. I've been to Zhongguancun a few times and seen how people solder stuff into second hand iPhone 4S units and resell them as new. A lot of electronics are either made in TW and/or imported from other places. From what I understand, if you live in Beijing that is, everything is shipped to Zhongguancun and then distributed or resold via other shops in BJ.

The difference in price is almost nonexistent between China and certain countries in the west; I would not risk getting a fake or a fixed second hand unit myself. Then again, I guess it depends how much money you want to spend.

Neither, but if you do choose one of those laptops make sure the mouse the part in the middle is smooth. I can't stand the computers that they manufactured to make that part of the computer rough!

My Acer died three days after the warranty period expires.

I had a pirate hard drive installed in Thailand, which has so far lasted twice as long as the real thing (although it's on its last legs now).

I won't buy an Acer again, although the original hard drive was great while it lasted.

Personally, I prefer Asus laptops.  But as others have said, don't buy it in China if you don't have to.  I bought an Asus in Guangzhou, it lasted for about 1.5 years.  I bought an Asus in Hong Kong, 5 years later, it is still running.  (Granted, it has been handed down to my kids, but they are still playing games and movies on it.)

VAIO