Yi's trip to HK: Need some buying advice...

bradavon · Post by **bradavon** » 05 May 2008, 18:29

I guess Yi has gone. See you in 9 weeks. I hope have you have a fab time, take lot of photos.

EvaUnit02 · Post by **EvaUnit02** » 05 May 2008, 21:09

Have a good time, Dutch boy.

Yi-Long · Post by **Yi-Long** » 19 May 2009, 20:56

bradavon wrote:I guess Yi has gone. See you in 9 weeks. I hope have you have a fab time, take lot of photos.

EvaUnit02 wrote:Have a good time, Dutch boy.

Wow... thanks guys!

(I really should have checked this thread when I came back, but never thought of it anymore until today

)

Anyway, I'm planning to visit Hong Kong again in 2 weeks. The bump is because I was gonna ask the same question: Any buying-advice?

Last time, I got pretty much most of my list, except for the camera, the Xbox HD cable (useless now that I have a 360), and I hardly bought any DVD's (bought a few WKW movies and some other stuff).

This year, I will look for cheap games (although with the current low pound, it will be hard to beat UK e-tailers when it comes to price), like Naruto Ultimate Storm, maybe Devil May Cry 4 (if it's under 10 bucks orso), and perhaps GRID (again, if it's cheap enough)

Not really any new titles coming out that are interesting, I believe, but maybe something will come out and surprise me...
(Last year, I bought MGS4 and GTA4 and some other games)

I couldn't find the TOMY Hard Gay toy, nor the Ryu Ninja Gaiden statue. I doubt I'll succeed this time.

I don't really think I'll be spending much on clothes. Maybe some new shoes, and a few new shirts or something. Last year I bought so much that I still haven't worn most of it (I didnt think I'd be returning to Hong Kong this soon, so I bought clothes to last me a few years).

One thing I'll look for is new ink-cartridges for my printer. One ink-cartridge is 16 euro here in Holland, and my printer takes 4 or 5 or something (Canon Pixma MP 500). If they're under 10 bucks a piece there, I'll easily save 30+ bucks or something. hat's a lot of McDonalds. Gawd I missed HK McDonald's.

I really hope to find a bunch of cool new artbooks. Bought a few last years, and most of them are under 10 bucks. I'm hoping for a Naruto Shippuuden artbook, and maybe the OKAMI artbooks and some Street Fighter/Capcom stuff.

I'm also thinking of buying a bunch of markers, but as they're quite expensive (although not as expensive as here in Holland), I'm not sure yet. Maybe I'd be better off just using digital media to colour my crap.

Here's my list so far, and again i'll add stuff when I think of them, and I'm very open for suggestions if you guys have any advice on must-have HK DVDs. I'm really 'out' of what good Japanese and Korean movies have been released lately, but if they have a decent HK release, I'd love to know!

DVD
- Ip Man (although I might be better off waiting for a region 2 DVD/BR)
- The Chaser (supposedly a very good Korean movie)

Games
- GRID
- Devil May Cry 4
- Naruto Ultimate Storm
- maybe an extra controller, but not sure yet. All my controllers are still OK so far, but they're so much cheaper when I buy them there than if I would have to buy them here.

- Artbooks.
- Batteries.
- new Crocs (nice looking ones)
- maybe some toys and stuff. Depends on what they have, how much it costs, and if I can be bothered.
- maybe, very maybe, I'll buy some suits. I really don't have any suits, but funerals and weddings they might come in handy.
- McDonald's Hotwings! Gawddddddamn I miss those hotwings!!!!

That's pretty much it so far. My girlfriend might buy a laptop or something, but I guess that depends on the pricing there compared to here, and the OS language etc.

I'm really open for any suggestions on must-have releases.

BUMP!!!

bradavon · Post by **bradavon** » 19 May 2009, 21:38

WTF do you miss HK McD's? They're all shite. Restaurant, my ass!

Windows is Windows, just change the language. Otherwise I'm best not to comment.

Warlords and Infernal Affairs Trilogy BD box set, are the only two HK discs on my radar.

Yi-Long · Post by **Yi-Long** » 19 May 2009, 22:23

bradavon wrote:WTF do you miss HK McD's? They're all shite. Restaurant, my ass!

Windows is Windows, just change the language. Otherwise I'm best not to comment.

Warlords and Infernal Affairs Trilogy BD box set, are the only two HK discs on my radar.

Trust me, Brad, HK McDonalds is MUCH better than here in Holland or the UK. When you eat there, the french fries are actually fresh and warm, the burgers and hotwings are fresh and warm, it's cheap as hell compared to the bullshit prices they dare to charge here, and for about 2 HK dollar you can upgrade your soda to a Chocolate milkshake!

Obviously, it's not ALWAYS perfect, so in some instances you come across a McD. that isn't as good as you're used to in HK, but luckily those moments are rare. It seems that in HK they DO still take pride in their job when it comes to service and giving the customervalue for money, as opposed to here, where you are lucky if at least 1 of the items is fresh and warm, and they havent spat in your burger.

I'm not sure about the whole OS language deal, but obviously a chinese language Vista OS is not something we prefer. If it's in english, I'm pretty sure my girlfriend won't mind.

MAYBE, if the price is REALLY good and the specs are very high, I might think about buying one so I can connect it to my plasma through the HDMI and use it as a media-player/emulator. But TBH I haven't really thought about it and obviously it could cause problems when it comes to warranty etc.

Didn't think about Warlords. I'm not sure if I'll like the movie TBH as I'm not a big fan of those big period army movies.
Might pick up the Infernal Affairs boxset if it's cheap, but otherwise I'll stick with the great HK DVD versions I have. Brilliant trilogy though.

Also came across Wushu on DDDhouse when I was looking for new titles. Might pick that up. I remember the trailer looking quite interesting.

Shingster · Post by **Shingster** » 19 May 2009, 22:33

I heard that Mcdonalds in Cairo do home delivery, beat that!

Can't say I can give you much advice on HK Blu-rays Yi, but I've recently reviewed Beast Stalker and If You Are the One on Blu-ray (Tai Seng rebadges) and can recommend botht the discs and the films. Dunno if you'll find the Joy Sales/Megastar BDs much cheaper in HK than what Tai Seng are flogging them for in the US though!

As for Ip Man, you'll be waiting a while for a UK BD, don't think it's due until October! Sky Crawlers is out on HK BD now as well I think, Panorama release though.

bradavon · Post by **bradavon** » 19 May 2009, 23:18

Yi-Long wrote:Trust me, Brad, HK McDonalds is MUCH better than here in Holland or the UK. When you eat there, the french fries are actually fresh and warm, the burgers and hotwings are fresh and warm, it's cheap as hell compared to the bullshit prices they dare to charge here, and for about 2 HK dollar you can upgrade your soda to a Chocolate milkshake!

Dude! it's a two bit fast food outlet. What you say is probably true, you're still giving it WAY to much grandeur. You go all the way to Hong Kong and even contemplate going to a fast foot outlet, seriously? WTF!

I may consider a western restaurant on my first night but otherwise local food all the way.

Yi-Long wrote:I'm not sure about the whole OS language deal, but obviously a chinese language Vista OS is not something we prefer. If it's in english, I'm pretty sure my girlfriend won't mind.

It should only be a few clicks to change. Even during installation it asks you what language to use. You should be able to get hold of an English disc (as in English writing on the disc) and re-use the code on the laptop. That works in most cases.

I reformatted my Toshiba laptop, used a proper Vista ISO and the code on the bottom. No more shite Toshiba recovery disc.

Yi-Long wrote:and obviously it could cause problems when it comes to warranty etc.

Yeah that could be problematic.

Yi-Long · Post by **Yi-Long** » 20 May 2009, 00:16

Shingster wrote:I heard that Mcdonalds in Cairo do home delivery, beat that!

In HK we live extremely close to 2 Macs, plus in every mall we have one as well. I rather visit there and get the food when it's still fresh

Can't say I can give you much advice on HK Blu-rays Yi, but I've recently reviewed Beast Stalker and If You Are the One on Blu-ray (Tai Seng rebadges) and can recommend botht the discs and the films. Dunno if you'll find the Joy Sales/Megastar BDs much cheaper in HK than what Tai Seng are flogging them for in the US though!

As for Ip Man, you'll be waiting a while for a UK BD, don't think it's due until October! Sky Crawlers is out on HK BD now as well I think, Panorama release though.

Beast Stalker might be interesting. I believe I've seen a trailer for that a few months orso ago. Not sure about You are the One.

I don't mind waiting till October for a good R2 BR of Ip Man. Might get the DVD to hang me over till then.
I downloaded Sky Crawlers, but haven't watched it yet, so don't know if I'd want to buy it. I quickly checked the quality after I downloaded it, but wasn't overly impressed with the art-style (although that might change when I watch the movie)

Any good Japanese or Korean movies you'd like to recommend!?

Yi-Long · Post by **Yi-Long** » 20 May 2009, 00:29

bradavon wrote:
Yi-Long wrote:Trust me, Brad, HK McDonalds is MUCH better than here in Holland or the UK. When you eat there, the french fries are actually fresh and warm, the burgers and hotwings are fresh and warm, it's cheap as hell compared to the bullshit prices they dare to charge here, and for about 2 HK dollar you can upgrade your soda to a Chocolate milkshake!
Dude! it's a two bit fast food outlet. What you say is probably true, you're still giving it WAY to much grandeur. You go all the way to Hong Kong and even contemplate going to a fast foot outlet, seriously? WTF!

I may consider a western restaurant on my first night but otherwise local food all the way.

Dude! When I'm in Hong Kong it's not as if I won't eat the local food (far from it), but trust me when I say that you will want a bit of variety between eastern and western food when you're there

We usually have breakfast on the foodcourt above the fishmarket (I usually order Ho Fan with beef, and usually I got a free soda (in a can) with that, which often I'd just put in my bag to save for later that day

During the day we'd often find a nice place to eat and take advantage of the 'afternoon-specials' (or tea-sets or whatever they'd call it), so we might check out a nice thai or vietname restaurant, or go to a steak-restaurant and have a nice but cheap meal, and at night we would often find a chinese restaurant or something. We try to spend the money wisely and choose the right places at the right time to take advantage of the best prices

I'm guessing we would spend 10-15 euro per person a day for 3 meals. Occasionally it's cheaper, and sometimes it's a bit more expensive (like when you go to a nice Thai restaurant at 7 o'clock or something)

But believe me, I love my french fries and steak, or burgers, or hotwings! There's almost NOTHING that can beat a nice quick McDonald's meal when it's fresh, warm, and just 2-3 euros for a menu!
And it tastes good. I know that's not a 'popular' thing to say, and I know that here in the west it's often true that McDonalds isn't really all that great when it comes to taste, but in Hong Kong it IS (usually) very good quality, and I love it

Yi-Long wrote:I'm not sure about the whole OS language deal, but obviously a chinese language Vista OS is not something we prefer. If it's in english, I'm pretty sure my girlfriend won't mind.
It should only be a few clicks to change. Even during installation it asks you what language to use. You should be able to get hold of an English disc (as in English writing on the disc) and re-use the code on the laptop. That works in most cases.

I reformatted my Toshiba laptop, used a proper Vista ISO and the code on the bottom. No more shite Toshiba recovery disc.

Yi-Long wrote:and obviously it could cause problems when it comes to warranty etc.
Yeah that could be problematic.

Yeah, we'll look into it when we're there, and if it's completely english it shouldn't be a problem and we might pick something up. Not really sure yet.
For me personally, it's certainly not on my must-have list, but my girlfriend has been looking for a good laptop for a while now.

bradavon · Post by **bradavon** » 20 May 2009, 00:42

Yi-Long wrote:Dude! When I'm in Hong Kong it's not as if I won't eat the local food (far from it), but trust me when I say that you will want a bit of variety between eastern and western food when you're there

I've travelled extensively the Far East remember, sure some days I want something Western but it's few and far between. I eat Western food all my life.

Asians don't get Cheese, Sandwiches or Food on the Go (outside of Western burgers etc...) though. It can be a right pain to get something to eat while on the train, that's actually edible. Their idea of cheese is major plasticfest.

Yi-Long wrote:And it tastes good. I know that's not a 'popular' thing to say, and I know that here in the west it's often true that McDonalds isn't really all that great when it comes to taste, but in Hong Kong it IS (usually) very good quality, and I love it

I love a good burger but McD's is shit. Even if as you say it's cooked properly, the ingredients are the same, which means shit. A properly cooked burger, with proper burger meat/veggie meat is worlds apart. I still cannot believe you're putting so much weight into what is ultimately just a burger and a "fast food" outlet burger at that.

I presume the burger is still partially cooked? If so meh, it's still not freshly good from scratch, like all proper food should be.

Anyway back on topic.

Yi-Long · Post by **Yi-Long** » 20 May 2009, 00:53

bradavon wrote:
Yi-Long wrote:Dude! When I'm in Hong Kong it's not as if I won't eat the local food (far from it), but trust me when I say that you will want a bit of variety between eastern and western food when you're there
I've travelled extensively the Far East remember, sure some days I want something Western but it's few and far between. I eat Western food all my life.

Asians don't get Cheese, Sandwiches or Food on the Go (outside of Western burgers etc...) though. It can be a right pain to get something to eat while on the train, that's actually edible. Their idea of cheese is major plasticfest.

Yi-Long wrote:And it tastes good. I know that's not a 'popular' thing to say, and I know that here in the west it's often true that McDonalds isn't really all that great when it comes to taste, but in Hong Kong it IS (usually) very good quality, and I love it
I love a good burger but McD's is shit. Even if as you say it's cooked properly, the ingredients are the same, which means shit. A properly cooked burger, with proper burger meat/veggie meat is worlds apart. I still cannot believe you're putting so much weight into what is ultimately just a burger and a "fast food" outlet burger at that.

I presume the burger is still partially cooked? If so meh, it's still not freshly good from scratch, like all proper food should be.

Anyway back on topic.

Sandwiches and stuff like that is indeed a bit harder to get by. They do have bakeries, but it's quite different from what we would eat here. Not that I'm all that much into that anyway.
We did have a few nice lunches at the Delifrance.

The Mac in HK has a wider variety of burgers, so they have nice Chicken burgers, like Crispy and Grilled chicken, and some more other stuff (I can't remember their whole menu, but it's more extensive than here in Holland

If it's prepared well, I certainly like it, especially for just 2-3 bucks for a whole meal. I'm not a 'foody' or whatever. McDonalds is more than good enough for me. If we want a better burger, there's always Freshness Burger or some of the other more specialized and more expensive places to visit

grim_tales · Post by **grim_tales** » 20 May 2009, 09:18

Have a great time Yi

Shingster · Post by **Shingster** » 20 May 2009, 09:27

Yi-Long wrote:Any good Japanese or Korean movies you'd like to recommend!?

Can't really help you there, completely out the loop when it comes to Asian cinema this year, been focusing more on US cinema!

Markgway · Post by **Markgway** » 20 May 2009, 19:47

I like McDonalds but then I'm a junk food addict.

bradavon · Post by **bradavon** » 20 May 2009, 20:23

Who doesn't? But it's hardly a reason to get excited about going somewhere. Yi seems more excited about McD's than the Hong Kong food, culture or what else.

Shingster · Post by **Shingster** » 20 May 2009, 23:18

I think Yi's entitled to get exciting about whatever the fuck he wants!

Shingster · Post by **Shingster** » 21 May 2009, 11:50

You might be interested in a new Naruto artbook coming out in Japan on July 3rd, dunno if you'll be bale to get it in HK though, but this is the announcement in the latest Shounen Jump:

July 3rd will see the release of Kishimoto's new artbook. The mysteries of the Bijuu and such will finally be revealed!

Yi-Long · Post by **Yi-Long** » 21 May 2009, 14:21

Shingster wrote:
Yi-Long wrote:Any good Japanese or Korean movies you'd like to recommend!?
Can't really help you there, completely out the loop when it comes to Asian cinema this year, been focusing more on US cinema!

You useless bastard!

Can someone BAN this guy!?!?!? Any mods around!? Anyone!?!? :twisted:

I thought you were an ace when it comes to japanese cinema, considering your awesome DVD Mystere run where you would guess pretty much each and every one of them ...

Yi-Long · Post by **Yi-Long** » 21 May 2009, 14:25

bradavon wrote:Who doesn't? But it's hardly a reason to get excited about going somewhere. Yi seems more excited about McD's than the Hong Kong food, culture or what else.

I'm excited about the hotwings, cause they're awesome, but more-so I'm excited about the 'freedom' Hong Kong gives me to go where I want and to eat what I want to eat for a very reasonable price. McDonalds is certainly a 'symbol' to me for that freedom, cause their food in HK is cheap and very very taste, plus they have a nice menu to choose from.

Obviously, I'm also excited about all the other good food they have, but to be very honest, there is very little that can beat a simple perfect thing like fresh McDonalds hotwings.

We might be leaving a week orso later btw. My girlfriend has gotten permission to move her vacation up a bit.

Yi-Long · Post by **Yi-Long** » 21 May 2009, 14:30

Shingster wrote:I think Yi's entitled to get exciting about whatever the fuck he wants!

You think!?!?

grim_tales wrote:Have a great time Yi

Thanks Grimmy

Shingster wrote:You might be interested in a new Naruto artbook coming out in Japan on July 3rd, dunno if you'll be bale to get it in HK though, but this is the announcement in the latest Shounen Jump:

July 3rd will see the release of Kishimoto's new artbook. The mysteries of the Bijuu and such will finally be revealed!

I'll be back before July, so I'll probably just miss that one. As long as I can find a 1 or 2 nice ones of Naruto Shippuuden, I'll be satisfied

Shingster · Post by **Shingster** » 22 May 2009, 01:54

Yi-Long wrote:I thought you were an ace when it comes to japanese cinema, considering your awesome DVD Mystere run where you would guess pretty much each and every one of them ...

It's because they weren;t films that came out in 200.! My knowledge is ok up until the start of this year.

APPINESS · Post by **APPINESS** » 22 May 2009, 08:29

...there is very little that can beat a simple perfect thing like fresh McDonalds hotwings.

Are the hotwings spicy and crispy? They started selling chicken wings in my local McDonald's in Japan. I wonder if they're the same. I doubt they can beat the chicken wings (tebasaki) in my local pub though. Deep fried, topped with sesame seeds in a sweet soya sauce.

Yi-Long · Post by **Yi-Long** » 22 May 2009, 19:36

Shingster wrote:
Yi-Long wrote:I thought you were an ace when it comes to japanese cinema, considering your awesome DVD Mystere run where you would guess pretty much each and every one of them ...
It's because they weren;t films that came out in 200.! My knowledge is ok up until the start of this year.

Man, I need advice on ALL Japanese cinema. My japanese cinema knowledge begins with Yojimbo and ends with Battle Royale... as in: those are pretty much the only 2 japanese flicks I've seen(!)

Nah, I've seen about 10-20 I THINK, but honestly, ANY good movie worth seeing and that has a good quality R3 HK dvd with english subs, please PLEASE tell me

Is High Kick Girl almost out!? Or Love Fight!?

Yi-Long · Post by **Yi-Long** » 22 May 2009, 19:43

APPINESS wrote:
...there is very little that can beat a simple perfect thing like fresh McDonalds hotwings.
Are the hotwings spicy and crispy? They started selling chicken wings in my local McDonald's in Japan. I wonder if they're the same. I doubt they can beat the chicken wings (tebasaki) in my local pub though. Deep fried, topped with sesame seeds in a sweet soya sauce.

They've got a crispy outside, yeah. Not sure if I'd call them 'spicy'. They're not bland, but I never thought of them as overly spicy or anything.

You could check out the nice Hong Kong McDonald's website
http://www.mcdonalds.com.hk/english/food/evm.htm

Gawd, I just found out a large Chocolate Milkshake costs only 9,30 HK dollar (which is about 80 eurocents I guess)
If this ain't heaven, Gawd needs to upgrade His place!

Where in Japan do you live btw?
Gawd I love Japan. There's a very slight chance we might take a mini-vacation from Hong Kong to Japan, cause last year it was too expensive, but this year: Hurray for Swine-flu and Economical Crisis!!!

Should be a lot more affordable now, especially for people traveling from HK/China, cause the chinese are notoriously tight with their money in times like these, so I'm sure there will be some good prices!

Shingster · Post by **Shingster** » 22 May 2009, 20:03

Yi-Long wrote:ANY good movie worth seeing and that has a good quality R3 HK dvd with english subs, please PLEASE tell me

The IVL Masayuki Suo boxset immediately comes to mind, each title r2j ports with added English subs (good subs as well). Here's my review. I'll have to go through my collection later and see what nuggets are in there, I own a shitload of Japanese films on HK DVD but most of them are not exactly what you'd call good quality!