For overall VALUE (= price, service, genuine goods with REAL international warantees), Singapore is the place. I've lived in Hong Kong and Singapore (this century) and Hong Kong has a lot of parallel imports which invalidates some warrantees.
In Singapore, Sim Lim Tower is the most popular place. More locals than tourists. Funan Centre is a little more central and you will find most of what you want including consumables and excess stock sales. Picked up a Creative speaker set with sub-woofer for my PC for just AUD25! Flash cards 1GB for around $95 (Jan ’05). If you’re staying for a while or have reason to go to Holland Villiage, Parasilks there have great prices and service.
Japan is great if you want the absolute latest gear. It will be there before anywhere else. Stores in Akihabara (like LAOX) have overseas versions with the correct system and voltage. ALSO [big tip] they will courier your purchases (through Yamato/Kuro Neko) to your departing airport for a very reasonable fee! This is especially convenient in Japan where the airports are so far away from the CBDs. You pick them up in the airport terminal and check them in. Most reliable (isn’t everything in Japan).
In Hong Kong, if you don’t want to go all the way to Sham Shui Po, Windsor House in Causeway Bay has a lot of electronic gear – notebooks, PCs, displays plus all the add ons as well as MP3s and cameras. Again, mainly locals wanting genuine gear. It may be a few $s dearer; you really need to know your stuff to get a reasonable price.
Malaysia is a little more difficult if you don’t know your way around. Also, great for rip-off DVDs if you want to risk it. Most are VERY poor quality and some won’t even work. Also, risky at customs, especially if you’re going to Singapore after Malaysia. They charge a fine of $1,000 a piece.
Bangkok is, well, Bangkok…
Key is to know what the prices are back home and just be prepared to save some money – enjoy yourself and don’t stress about having to get the absolute best deal possible.
**Sorry for the essay**