Finding the latest computer technology is easy; bagging a bargain is not. Computer goods tend to be more expensive here than in the United States, particularly Apple products. ATELCO Computer (which has an English-language website and offers technical advice and service), and Saturn (whose slogan is ‘we love technology, we hate expense’) are major chains that stock a vast range of both PCs and Macs at decent prices. The newest (and Europe’s biggest) outlet of Media Markt at the Alexa shopping centre at Alexander Platz has an Apple Centre, but advice can be a bit thin on the ground. Competent sales support can be found at Mac House in Steglitz, the Apple Computer@Max Schlundt in the Stilwerk centre and M&M Trading in Charlottenburg. The helpful team at K&M Elektronik can advise on the latest PCs, games and accessories, while a wide range of used laptops are available from as little as €280 at the Laptop Centre in Steglitz.

Computers bought at electronic shops are usually sent back to the manufacturer for repair, so be prepared to wait several weeks. Warranties are generally covered for 12 months (often with the option to extend at extra cost) and are covered in Germany only, so you’ll need to send your hardware back to Deutschland if anything goes wrong while in another country.

If you strike data trouble while in Berlin, add the 24 hour Crash PC Service hotline to your speed dial. For online technical support in English, try www.vesalia.de.