Tech: laptop purchase

Subject: RE: Tech: laptop purchase
From: GUEST,chris
Date: 07 Nov 06 - 04:31 AM

thanks everyone. Most helpful
chris

Subject: RE: Tech: laptop purchase
From: Uncle Phil
Date: 07 Nov 06 - 12:02 AM

Chris -
If you buy your laptop in the US and take it back to the UK then HMRC will tax it when you arrive. Basically you pay an import tax just like a vendor would pay to import the laptop and sell it to you there. Buying in the US may not be an inexpensive option especially if you also have to pay to swap out some keycaps and change a plug.

When I travel to the UK I carry paperwork to show US Customs when I return to prove that my laptop and software were purchased in the US and don't need to be taxed.

I'll second Bernard's of Toshiba laptops BTW. I've never had a bit of trouble with mine.
- Phil

Subject: RE: Tech: laptop purchase
From:
Date: 06 Nov 06 - 10:02 PM

As Bernard said, the current Voltage Convertors have a wide input rating. I bought my HP/Compaq laptop in March and the power supply brick says 100-240 volts input 50-60Hz. So, it would work around the world just by changing the input cord or putting an adapter at the end that plugs into the wall.

Subject: RE: Tech: laptop purchase
From: JudyB
Date: 06 Nov 06 - 08:48 PM

I've had good luck with Dell - but maybe it was luck. The one time something really strange happened, the nice support person from heaven-knows-where talked me through reinstalling all sorts of things I'd have been reluctant to do myself, and nothing vital was lost.

JudyB

Subject: RE: Tech: laptop purchase
From: Bernard
Date: 06 Nov 06 - 06:29 PM

My experience with Dell was a disgrace, too... a fairly elderly laptop had a few problems, and I needed to get into the BIOS. Unfortunately, there was a generic password to protect it, and I rang Dell to ask for the password (which, apparently, applies to all their machines).

They wanted me to prove ownership by quoting a code from the sales invoice...

Whilst theft is a problem, this was somewhat heavy-handed, considering the fact that the password wasn't machine-specific...!

I explained that I was on site, and unable to access the invoice, but I was made to feel like a criminal - and didn't get that vital password in time. Daft, really, because someone who was dishonest would hardly ring the Dell helpline using a traceable mobile phone... would they?

I won't deal with Dell anymore - I've had no such problems with Toshiba, or Sony for that matter.

I bought a second-hand Sony Vaio a couple of years back from an acquaintance. It had a bootleg copy of XP Pro on it, so I was rather wary that it may have been stolen. I contacted Sony, who said they had no report of that machine having been stolen, and they would register it in my name if I provided them with the name and address of the person who sold it to me. It is now registered in my name, and has a legal copy of XP Home plus all the downloads needed to make it work properly.

We've had two instances of a Toshiba laptop going faulty under warranty - they send a courier to collect, and it's back within a week.

Subject: RE: Tech: laptop purchase
From: gnomad
Date: 06 Nov 06 - 05:44 PM

You may also wish to check what duty and/or taxes [VAT in particular] will be due when you bring it into the UK. I have been led to believe that these may largely offset the cost saving unless you will be using the gear overseas for quite a while before you return. HM Revenue & Customs should be able to advise.

Subject: RE: Tech: laptop purchase
From: NH Dave
Date: 06 Nov 06 - 04:47 PM

I believe that even if you buy a laptop with "American" keyboard layout, you can tell Windows to use the British keyboard layout and be away, except for having to relabel some of the keys. If you buy a brand that is sold in the UK, you can buy key caps for your US purchase when you get back to Blighty, and simply switch them out.

Dave

Subject: RE: Tech: laptop purchase
From: Rowan
Date: 06 Nov 06 - 04:45 PM

The comments above bring two experiences to mind.

A friend in the US, who worked for a large institution doing web development, bought a Dell (desktop) so she could work on he work projects at home. She used to be a sysop so, when the Dell started misbehaving she thought she could fix it; she couldn't, and neither could the sysops at her work. Her description of the helpdesk at Dell was that they were a waste of space, as she got nowhere with her requests. Until the purchasing manager at her work reminded Dell that their institution bought a lot of Dell machinesand nobody was happy with this treatment Dell was giving their employee on her personal machine. It was replaced within a couple of days at no cost.

The software that will come with a machine from the US will have everything defaulted to 'the American Way'. Even in Australia the software wants to correct the Systeme Internationale Unit for length, officially spelled "metre", to the spelling for a dial that measures things ("meter"). [Micro$oft's dictionary descibes "metre" as "the English way of spelling meter."] If this bothers you, you're in for some bother. Changing the default dictionary in Office from English US to English Aus is no improvement; apparently the Americans from Seattle think Australians do everything the American way. Sigh! If you're in the UK, at least you can use Micro$oft's version of English UK, which seems to work well in Australia.

Cheers, Rowan

Subject: RE: Tech: laptop purchase
From: Bernard
Date: 06 Nov 06 - 02:47 PM

I've got no axe to grind here, but I work in the AV Hire business, and we only use Toshiba laptops these days, as they are the most reliable. They do everything the way they are supposed to, irrespective of the ability of the client...

We've tried others, but always end up with Toshiba. When your income depends upon the machine delivering the goods...

Try here!

Subject: RE: Tech: laptop purchase
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 06 Nov 06 - 02:41 PM

As I was saying, we have had the most wretched, unprofessional, abysmal service and product from Dell. I recommend that you don't even consider a Dell because (a) we had three out of three defective products) and (b) the most horrible customer service you can imagine...and this was an office of a major university....ABD. mg

Subject: RE: Tech: laptop purchase
From: GUEST,mgarvey
Date: 06 Nov 06 - 02:40 PM

i COUNSEL

Subject: RE: Tech: laptop purchase
From: oggie
Date: 06 Nov 06 - 02:30 PM

Unless you are after a high spec machine I must admit I would be tempted to buy one in the UK and organise a different charger for the States. That way you can set it up with all the programs, files etc that you need rather than trying to do it on the fly so to speak. UK prices are falling fast so long as you do not want the most up to date model.

All the best

oggie

Subject: RE: Tech: laptop purchase
From: Bernard
Date: 06 Nov 06 - 02:29 PM

On the good side, most laptops these days have a power supply which accepts most input voltages - all you'll need to do is either change the mains plug, or use an adaptor.

My feeling, though, is that you'll do a lot better just shopping around people like Morgans, Dabs and Misco... you can get an excellent spec Toshiba (or similar) that way.

Subject: RE: Tech: laptop purchase
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 06 Nov 06 - 02:22 PM

There is also the issue of software on your US purchase laptop.

The Windows that comes with most US purchased computers, desk or laptop, is subject to some export restrictions. Because of antitrust decisions, the Windows you get in most of Europe is slightly different than what will come on a machine purchased here. I don't know that you'd have any problems taking your machine (and software) back to the UK, but it might be wise to ask your travel agent before you plan to far ahead. US travellers carrying US laptops to "foreign places" often have to make advance arrangements for the software, and sign lots of papers.

If you decide to bring a computer with you, you should check on ex/import regs at both ends before you finish packing.

A number of other programs that might "come with" a US purchased machine are likely to be subject to some export restrictions. Windows 98 "survives" only because it's illegal to export any later versions to China (and elsewhere), and lots of people there thus are still using Win98 (probably mostly counterfeit).

If you deal with one of the majors, it might be possible to order a computer from your homeland for "drop shipment" delivery at a US address where you could pick it up when you arrive. Ordering from home you'd likely pay the local taxes so the price advantage might disappear. I'd suspect you'd have to make a direct (email?) contact to investigate the possibilities.

John

Subject: RE: Tech: laptop purchase
From: Rasener
Date: 06 Nov 06 - 01:17 PM

The grass always looks greener on the other side :-)

Subject: RE: Tech: laptop purchase
From: treewind
Date: 06 Nov 06 - 01:06 PM

If you buy it in the USA you'll get a US keyboard layout.
'#' above '3', no '£' anywhere (most likely) and a few other keys in different places from where you expected.

The power supply issue is easy to solve, but the solution involves spending money that may seriously erode the price saving you were looking for in the first place. And the resale value...

Anahata

Subject: RE: Tech: laptop purchase
From: Bunnahabhain
Date: 06 Nov 06 - 01:01 PM

Assuming you're buying from Dell/HP/Sony/etc, a big global company they will have a European customer service lot, but do check the paperwork first.

Subject: RE: Tech: laptop purchase
From: Rasener
Date: 06 Nov 06 - 12:49 PM

I think the big issue is on the maintenance side. Who is going to look after your Laptop if you drop it and it gets damaged, or it gets stolen etc etc etc.

Subject: RE: Tech: laptop purchase
From: Leadfingers
Date: 06 Nov 06 - 12:39 PM

As Laptops dont usually run on mains , but from a voltage dropper box , all you need to do is get the appropriate power source when you get home !

Subject: Tech: laptop purchase
From: GUEST,chris
Date: 06 Nov 06 - 12:35 PM

Hi all
I am going to the usa in a few weeks and the thought occured that it may be cheaper to buy a laptop there. It sort of looks like it but I guess there must be 'issues'regarding the 'set up' voltage etc. the question really is: are the likely problems easily resolved.
thanks
chris