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I seem to be having a problem recently with cheap goods that I've bought on eBay (from various Hong Kong sellers) that simply do not work (I apologize if you're from Hong Kong). So far they have been:

- DVI-A to VGA adapter - a mound of plastic with 2 connectors floating loosely in it.
- HDMI to VGA adapter - not possible since you're converting a digital->analogue signal and you'd need some sort of DAC, but I gave the cable a chance, and it seemed like whoever made it connected both ends up randomly.
- 1m HDMI cable ($3 compared to $50 in local stores) - doesn't work at all.. I don't know why but I suspect the worst.

The only thing that has worked is a VGA gender changer. I'm going to limit my purchasing to brand name products from now on.

Keeping in mind that you're in Australia as well, may I suggest http://umart.com.au?

I've found them to be fairly reliable and very cheap, with quality hardware (so far I've only had one problem with hardware purchased from them, which was a global manufacturing hiccup ). Most of their stuff is brand name but much cheaper. Where you'd pay something like $50 for 30 m of Ethernet cable at **** Smith, for instance, you can pick the same amount for only $10

No stores in Adelaide though, just Brisbane (and surrounding locations: Gold Coast and Maroochydore) and Melbourne.

Yes, Umart were great - and I found their automated sale system really easy and efficient (order what you want online, go in, get given a ticket, then get called up when your item is ready). Things started to go south when they gave me the wrong item and a glitch in their system showed I ordered the wrong item - eventually they decided to waive the shelfing fee after a long argument with a guy kept muddling up his English. But I would go back to them again, as long as I check the item they give me before I leave the store!


Unfortunately I live full time in Adelaide now, so I won't be visiting Umart any time soon. MSY (http://www.msy.com.au/) is cheap but they rarely have anything in stock, and their staff are awkward to talk to over the phone: "Hello... yes.. okay.." *hang up without saying good bye*. GetRight (http://www.getright.com.au/) are great, though not as cheap as MSY, and lastly I have to give staticICE (http://www.staticice.com.au/) a mention since I use to to find the best price locally on computer hardware.