(UPDATE: NagaTech confirms that they will be offering laptops with Ryzen processors)
One of the scoops that caught everyone’s attention lately is NagaTech, a homegrown startup that aims to make affordable laptops starting with the SIPAG. We we’re told that they have a gaming laptop in the works called the AHAS, and while we’re waiting for that, people are curious about this homegrown startup. The people behind NagaTech are active on Reddit, and they answered a few questions that we want to ask.
Their OEM is from Taiwan. The biggest question that pops into mind is where they source their components before assembling the laptop locally. NagaTech responded that the SIPAG is an OEM made by TongFang. The company is known for making laptops, and some are good ones according to what we read through Reddit.
What Nagatech is doing is white-labeling: they order pre-made models from TongFang, add their logo on the lid, and add the SSD, RAM, and OS installation. The latter three parts is where NagaTech gets its bragging rights as a laptop that’s assembled in the Philippines.
They have other models in mind. Aside from the SIPAG and AHAS, NagaTech is open to suggestions as to what models they will offer in the near future.NagaTech confirmed to us that they will be offering a Ryzen variant for the SIPAG and a Ryzen model for the AHAS as well (the SIPAG version they shared uses a Core Ultra 5 125H) Aside from what we know about the SIPAG’s specs, NagaTech also adds that it has Thunderbolt 4, allowing support for external GPUs.
However, for them to fabricate their own laptops (made from companies like Foxconn, Pegatron, and Quanta), Nagatech would need to be a billion-Peso company, so it is starting with one to two models for the meantime as it assess consumer interest.
Aftersales is their main priority. Outside of their plans to offer the SIPAG at a competitive price point (they quoted anywhere between Php 39k to 45k), they want to make sure that their aftersales service is good. As of the moment, they are offering 1-year warranty in parts and labor and are talking to two known repair shops: Team Spike in Quezon City and Rosarito in Parañaque. Currently, their warranty is limited to Metro Manila, but they are working to expand coverage–and possibly extend warranty to 2 years.
Their priority for aftersales is also part of their plan to maintain a no-storefront business model for at least the first two years. The reason for this is that they want to see consumer interest first before opening an actual store and showroom.
We’ve seen something similar before. Aside from NagaTech saying that he has been in the laptop/PC business for over 7 years, what they are doing reminds us of what NEO and Redfox used to do a few years ago in the local laptop industry. We haven’t heard from both brands in a while, and this is a great opportunity for NagaTech to stand out as a local computer brand.
Should things go well with the SIPAG and AHAS, NagaTech is looking to export its products eventually to other countries like Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and India. Those are ambitious, but who knows–NagaTech might be able to pull it off if it has enough support.
Overall, what NagaTech plans to offer looks promising on paper, and we can’t wait for their first batch of laptops to try out soon. Will you consider buying a laptop from a local brand?
