Shareware

Nearly everyone agrees that shareware is a great idea, and many people predict that "try-before-you-buy" is the way virtually all software will be sold in the near future. Just as with the big shrink-wrap companies, though, you should check out the sup port policy (particularly support for foreign-based users) and - especially for shareware - whether the company is still in business.

When you find a program you like, contact the author before you send your check (or pay the fee to the BBS you downloaded the program from. P&A BBS is one of the few local boards that registers shareware for users. This is a great service if you don't have an American checking account or the right credit card. You can call the P&A BBS at 0425-46-9143; 14.4 bps, N/8/1). While several sysops (BBS system operators) in Japan get programs directly from the authors, many good shareware programs don't get to Japan right away. If you're not careful, you may end up sending money to someone no longer around, or for a discontinued product that is no longer supported.

Virtually all of the shareware released in the last couple of years has an e-mail address listed. An e-mail message generally will be replied to within a day or so if the company or author is still around. Some authors will be thrilled that they are e xporting and helping to reduce the US trade deficit. Others just don't want to deal with overseas users. Try before you buy, but buy a product with a future.

Used computers and peripherals

Given the current state of the economy in Japan, selling used computers and parts may become a gold mine business. PCs from 3- to 5-years old and, especially, the parts of a computer that don't move or hum, are in great demand. (One thing I'd love to f ind would be someone trading in used SIMMs. That could be an answer to what to do with your old SIMMs when you upgrade to ones of larger capacity. Most people I have talked with tell me they just keep them as spares. Some even throw them away!)

I haven't found anyone who deals in used SIMMs, but for those who have asked about used equipment, I can suggest two shops that seem to be reasonable places to buy a used PC or Mac. One is the Sth floor of TZone in Akihabara, which has a good selectio n of desktop IBM and NEC PCs, notebooks, Macs, and peripherals (phone OS3257-2659; for English, ask for Mr. Tanaka). Items are sold with a store warranty of anywhere from one month to one year, depending on the item. The other source is the ground floor o f Sofmap #10, located across the street from T-Zone (phone 03-3253-4231; for English, ask for Mr. Horinouchi). Sofmap #10 carries only used Macs and Powerbooks but has a good selection of both. The inventory varies from day to day; if you stop by often en ough, you'll probably find what you're looking for.

I have visited both of these shops on several occasions, and they seemed to have a lot of turn over - a good sign. Most of the equipment was newer models and reasonably priced. (If you know of other places selling reasonable used computers and periphe rals, please contact "The Query Column" by e-mail at COMPJAPAN@TWICS.COM or by fax at 03-3447-4925.)

Used office furniture

Good bargains can be had on used office furniture as well, especially the ergonomically designed stuff that human beings can comfortably use. The collapse of Japan's bubble economy and the subsequent bankruptcies of companies with expensive tastes has lead to a great deal of formerly high-priced, quality furniture being sold at second-hand stores. A traditional August project in Tokyo has always been to redecorate (or at least clean up) one's office, so now may be the time to get rid of those heinous g ray steel desks.

Most used furniture sources are small, local shops, but there are a few larger ones that have good selection and turnover. Two places I have heard about (but not visited) are Nihon Furniture Service and Take-Off. Nihon Furniture Service (phone 03-3643 -8827; Japanese only) deals primarily in office furniture. Take-Off (phone 033358-8415; for English, ask for Mr. Kitagawa) sells both office furniture and equipment (computers, wordprocessors, fares). A friend recently bought four real-leather chairs and a wooden table for only 50,000 yen. The former owners probably paid at least five times that back in the roaring 8Os.

Thomas Caldwell is managing director of CFI Associates KK, a Tokyo-based government and public relations company and is a two-time president of the International Computer Association of Japan. In his spare time, Tom writes for the Japan Times Weekly and Asahi Evening News and is a correspondent for the UPI Radio Network.