Tech spending still tops priority purchases in RP

Technology spending continues to be one of the priority purchases of Filipino consumers, amid the projected retail slowdown starting next year, an Information Technology (IT) expert said.

 Intel Technology Philippines country manager Ricky Bana-ag said despite the "belt tightening" measures adopted by consumers, because of the financial crunch, more and more Filipinos are expected to buy PCs (Personal Computer), as this basic gadget has become one of important tools nowadays.

Bana-ag however, warned that consumers should be wiser in buying PCs, avoiding buying second-hand computers, as prices of these products have become more and more affordable.

"Who would think that one can own a notebook [laptop] these days for less than 20 thousand pesos? Today, cost of notebooks has become less expensive," Bana-ag said.

He said buying a second hand PC is no longer a good idea these days, as cost of PCs has become less and less expensive. Ultimately, it would cost more for the second-hand buyers.

"If they opt to buy second hand PCs, they may not be able to take advantage of the technology, and the new innovations the market is offering," he said.

Belt-tightening efforts among consumers, should take into consideration the value for money of the technology tool they are buying, he said. Now, high efficient PCs, and laptops can be bought affordably, even at the cost level of a cellular phones.

"We continue to make people aware of the technology and that these are more affordable now," Bana-ag said adding that Intel's campaign is to "make computing more affordable."

According to Bana-ag although "everybody is looking at 2009" for a possible consumer spending crash, he said technology vendors is still expending growth, because of low PC penetration rate in the Philippines.

He said amid the projected slowdown of buying interest of Filipinos especially next year, as the effect of the global crisis, he said technology spending is still expected to grow, while PC rate in the Philippines is still relatively low, compared to other Asian countries. —Ehda M. Dagooc