Using US bought Mac laptops in UK?
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- guyb
Does anyone have any experience with buying a US laptop and using it in the UK? (looking at getting a Mac Book Pro core duo 2)
It's cheaper to buy in the US but there may be issues with returns/repair if something goes wrong, plus it would be a matter of carrying a power adaptor everywhere.
Thoughts anyone?
Thanks
- Nairn0
You'll have to get it past customs without paying any tax first?
I know they're trying to clamp down on tech imports from the US.
- mpfree0
Voltage differences?
- acescence0
the apple power adapter is universal, you just need these:
- guyb0
Cool so I would just need the world traveller kit.
Although thanks also for comments on tax etc, it's worth keeping that in mind.
- acescence0
you don't necessarily need the apple made plug adapters either, you can go to radio shack and get the US to UK adapter for just a few dollars, but it can come unplugged more easily and doesn't look as pretty :)
- rafalski0
I live in Ireland and have an us bought macbook. Just yesterday received it from a free warranty repair. Surprisingly, I got a free door-to-door service from http://www.mactivate.ie/ even though my applecare had expired and only the "usual" warranty left. It should be no worse in the UK.
As for duties, there is vat to be paid when sending goods, but according to some international travel treaty you're entitled to carry one laptop, one camera (one electric shaver and some more elec. devices) with you on a plane at NO CHARGE. The computer (or camera) needs to have its own bag where you also keep its accessories.
I have flown a couple of times with my hand luggage at the weight/size limit + a heavy laptop bag + a heavy camera bag full of lenses and accessories.. - never had problems with bringing the the equipment in for free.Note that UK/Irish keyboard is shaped differently, ie. enter/return key is "inverted L"-shaped rather than bar-shaped
- rafalski0
or you better get a cheap ac cable available for peanuts in every electrical store. It's one of those that are widely used with chargers, stereos and whatnot, the small connector being 8-shaped (take the plug out of your charger to see the connector)
- rafalski0
I forgot to add, that you can carry 1 piece of each personal electronic equipment on a plane not only free of charge, but also free of duties.
Disclaimer: check with your lawyer/airline/customs office/drinking buddy to be sure
- guyb0
Thanks Rafalski! :-)
- rafalski0
you're welcome, but really make sure with your airline.
my mom said she only could carry my mb instead of her purse when flying it from the us, but I think she was just being overcautious
- karlo0
Dude
I did exactly what you are wanting to do.
Bought the laptop in vegas
Left the box etc in hotel
Bought laptop back in my own laptop bag
Easy!!
The power adapter is unviversal
DONT but the work travel adapter like I did
You loose half the length of the power cord
Just look on ebay for a mac uk power adapter
It comes apart in two pieces if you know what I mean
take off the US version and put on your ebay version
easy
There is one for sale on eaby now - I just checked for you
Let me know
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/APPLE-MAC-…
I dont know how to do links so youll have to copy and paste
Ta
Karlo
- vespa0
hey guy! k-l here. how's things?
i did that in HK and it was fine, just ditched the box.
going anywhere nice?
- rafalski0
I like that one karlo! But I bet everyone has one of those around, and they do the job just as well:
..or if you feel continental today..
- guyb0
Cool thanks Karlo .. will do.
Hey Vespa ... heading off to NY for 10days for a mixture of business and pleasure .. should be great. I remember we bumped into each other in NikeTown that time :-)
- vespa0
nice! yea that was funny. we were both after the same pair of trainers. i thought you were stalking me when i bumped into you in london after that - how freaky!
have an awesome time, mwah