Slashdot Mirror
Getting A Laptop With The Low U.S. Dollar
An anonymous reader submits "I am heading to the U.S. pretty soon and am keen to take advantage of the low US$ to buy a laptop. The differences in prices are astounding - on dell.com (US) you pay $2049 for a Precision M60 - in the UK this costs 1620.33UKP, or $2999. That is a fair difference! It makes it cheaper for me to fly to the US to buy it and carry it home than it is for me to buy it in the UK. Now, that said, it isn't particularly easy to find a place to buy a laptop from, since most of the places don't ship to the UK (or it takes weeks) and it is difficult to get stuff delivered to your hotel ... any suggestions of how I can get a good laptop in the New York area when I am only there for 4 days?"
First off, I'm assuming you want a mail order dell laptop. The simplest way to go is to get a mailbox in New York via a company like The Mail Box or a UPS store. They give you a full address that is not a PO box, and they will sign for packages for you. Pre-pay for 1 month. That's step 1.
Step 2 is order your laptop and have it sent to your brand new address. You are going to want expedited shipping here - probably next day shipping because it might take a few days for them to ship it.
Step 3, pick up your cheap laptop when it arrives and consider the difference as... profit!
Karma: SELECT `karma` FROM `users` WHERE `userid`=138474;
Not sure why this warrents an ask slashdot when a quick search found this:
Gateway Stores
Circuit City
Dell Direct Stores
Or if your feeling artistic:
Apple Stores
Try J&R near city hall.
Try the Apple Store in Soho. They'll have great laptops.
<tongue_in_cheek>Don't forget to declare your new laptop to customs, though--if you don't, you'll be a damned, dirty tax cheat. Nobody likes a damned, dirty tax cheat.</tongue_in_cheek>
(Oh, bear in mind--you'll be stuck with a US QWERTY keyboard. No Euro key or Pound key, among other things--you'll need to remap and remember...)
Obliteracy: Words with explosions
No, damn-near impossible. No company will ship to a hotel unless they want export controls to prosecute their asses into the ground. There are laws specifically to prevent what you propose doing.
That said, you'll have to find a place to buy a computer face-to-face, then you get to either mail it to yourself or explain it to customs.
REM Old programmers don't die. They just GOSUB without RETURN.
Order laptop in advance via credit card. Have the laptop shipped to a trusted friend or colleague. Pick up when you are in town.
Many retail establishments can offer mechandise on the spot here, thought not always the same level of customization that Dell offers.
That in the USA we have different voltages, frequencies and plug shapes for power than you do in the UK.
Also, we drive on the right; you should catch the hang of it quickly if you cross your hands before putting them onto the keyboard.
"Provided by the management for your protection."
Wouldn't you have to pay duty on the laptop? $2k in purchases over a four day stay probably exceeds any allowance the U.K. has for computers.
Maybe Best Buy or Fry's? You know, small little niche shops like that.
Seriously, unless you're hung up on Dell, any computer store will fall over themselves selling you a laptop.
Or am I missing a US/UK difference here? Does the UK just not have these kind of "walk in and buy it" type shops?
It goes without saying I'm not affiliated with them in any way, just an extremely happy customer. The inicial cost might appear steep but it's offset by your first major spend, really.
Mother is the best bet and don't let Satan draw you too fast.
if not other customs payments. So it is a little more than the $2000, but probably still less than $2999. Or you could smuggle it in, but a large notebook may be hard to hide.
***Quis custodiet ipsos custodes***
Brand new, just fell off the truck....
Free Mac Mini Yeah, it's
Also depending on the value - and your opinion of smuggling of course - you might have to declare the laptop as a foriegn purchase on returning to England. In that case you might have to play duties on the laptop.
I would hate for all of your "profit" to be eaten up in random taxes - so find out what taxes, duties, shipping, etc. you will end up paying. As I recall England has a VAT tax rather than a sales tax - might be where much of the 900 dollar difference lies
I have mod points and I am not afraid to use them
It will cost you a crap load of money for customs. If you don't declare it, it would be illegal to "carry" it across your border. If customs questions you, they will want proof of purchase for your laptop, if you can't prove it, and they find out your lying (i.e. checking the serial #), then you will be charged with lying to a customs offical and be fined well over $2000. Make sure you do some research, it's not your buying a $50 sweater and wearing it across.
Mod +5 Drunk
Make a sign that indicates you have a couple thousand on your person and that you are in the market for a laptop. I helpful citizen sales rep will shortly arrive to arrange your purchase.
The US has become Mexico.
People are coming here to exploit our weak currency!
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
This
I believe that Costco sells Dells now...here's their computers & peripherals page. There are a few of these stores in the NYC area. Go to their site and find a retailer closest to you. It's far easier than doing it mail-order (with your specific case in mind). You'll also (unfortunately) need to get a membership there which will cost you about $75 -- unless you've got a friend in the area with a membership or are really crafty.
-Turkey
As an ex Dell laptop user and current Toshiba Laptop User, let me recomend you stop off at the nearest electronics dealer and pick up a Toshiba laptop. I've had four laptops from them, and I've never had a single problem with any of them. They are stable, WELL constructed (example, instead of the crappy laptop speakers that Dell includes they have Harmon Kardon speakers, with a built in subwoofer, not exactly audiophile status but a hell of a lot better than most.) My current laptop has a 17' lcd who's native res is 1600x1200x32 Everywhere I go the first thing that people comment on is the quality of my screen. That on top of the fact that there is a minimum of crappy software installed, and a tech support line that is actually helpful puts Toshiba at the top for me.
This is not a sig
Seriously, the best place to buy stuff. I got a genuine Rollox wristwatch from a dude there.
Where does the school board find them and why do they keep sending them to ME?
Doesn't Dell ask you to affirm that you will not export the computer from the United States as part of their checkout process?
From Dell's shopping cart:
Export Intent
I WILL NOT export this order outside the United States.
I WILL export this order outside the United States.
The export of any product and software purchased from Dell must be made in accordance with all relevant laws of the United States, including and without limitation, the U.S. Export Administration Regulations. This may require that you obtain a formal export license or make certain declarations to the United States Government regarding product(s) to be exported, their destination or their end-use.
Ship-To Prohibitions: Please be informed that your designated ship to address must reflect the address of the ultimate end-user. Dell will not process any order which specifies an address of a freight forwarder, warehouse, distribution center, airport, hotel or PO box.
Any good hotel (4 star and up, and good chain 3 stars) will sign for packages for you; just call the hotel, tell them you have a reservation, and ask how can you send a FedEx package to them for your personal delivery when you check-in. Get the name of the concierge/manager that gives you this information and ask for them by name on any follow-up calls. Give the info to Dell, make sure they put your name and "(Guest)" on the delivery and make it c/o of the person you have the name of, if possible. And don't forget to tip.
I can't imagine a decent NYC hotel not doing this; as a long-time business traveler, it's a perk you expect and is quite common.
I think they are looking for a cheap laptop...
Great ideas often receive violent opposition from mediocre minds. - Albert Einstein
The $2999 includes a 17.5% VAT ($446), whereas the $2049 price doesn't include 8.625% NY tax ($176). I don't know the UK import laws, but be prepared if they ding you with an import tax (which may be the full VAT) when you come back with your new computer.
HIV Crosses Species Barrier... into Muppets
The best reputable dealer in NYC is J&R Music and Computer World. They have a good selection of laptop computers that you can buy and take away right there; naturally they don't have Dell since Dell sells through the web only.
You can start by taking a look at their selection on their web site here. You'll pay the relevant sales taxes for New York (under 10%) but you'll get a much better deal than the Dell you are looking at.
Of course it's totally you to you whether you declare the thing when you arrive back in the UK and pay the relevant UK taxes.
John.
Follow this link to IBM's Authorized eBay store.
Heavily discounted new laptopts, directly from IBM. Usually 35 bucks for next day air.
They set up this site to clear old stock, old as in 3-6 mos.
There's also the IBM Ebay Global financing eBay (seach the eBay stores section) store, they do all refurbs. That's were I got my X22 almost 2 years ago, still runnning without any problems.
Disclaimer: Thinkpads are my favorite laptops.
Good Luck.
If it's that much cheaper, buy me a plane ticket and I'll buy the computer, then you pay me for it. I get a trip to London, you save even more money (no hotel costs in NY).
J&R is a good place both for new & refurb units, I'd definitely go there. The other big chains (Best Buy, CompUSA, etc) might be worth a visit, but J&R will price match any local competitors.
If you're also looking for a camera, be sure to hit B&H Photo & Video. They have the most amazing conveyor system for moving things around the store, it's worth it to stop by just to see that!
Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage. - Anais Nin
All Apple machines use US keyboards anyway. This is why UK customers have email addresses like toomuchmoney"mac.com .
My two powerbooks have Irish keyboards, the Swedish G5s i've used have swedish keyboards, and the '' symbol is where it belongs, over the number 2.
BUT remember NY's friendly 8.25% sales tax. When possible, it's best to buy via mail-order from a company that doesn't have a NY presence. And remember to ask about the return policy.
Here's what I do: Bitty Browser & Andromeda
> Wasn't there a 110v/60Hz versus 230v/50Hz issue?
That's why he's buying a laptop!
Everybody knows that Laptops run on batteries.
Norman Cook's Ode to Sl
Hey, be very careful, or Her Majesty's revenue collectors will nab you off the plane and charge you VAT on it.
I had that experience coming back to the UK during a break in working in the US, and the SOB's saw my newish Apple 5300, and whisked me off to a cash machine (ATM) to pay 300 quid (450 dollars). Which for a research assistant was a lot of money. Mofo's. They know their stuff, and the guy who got me (I wasnt hiding it btw, just wasnt declaring it either), said it is something very common to happen.
Anyway, I got the last laugh as their delaying me in the middle of a British Airways transfer from the international flight to a domestic one ending up costing BA a 2 hour security related work stoppage and a 737 sitting at its gate for 2 hours while they argued about who would take my dangerous transferred luggage off... apparently around a million quid.
Winton
Find out in advance if the power socket on the power suppy is detachable. If it is, buy a UK lead for it before you go out. If it isn't buy a UK power supply for it before you go out. Also bring a US->UK plug converter. Make a CD of any of the kind of software you'd normally have installed, plus a selection of your normal documents/family photos etc that you'd have on your computer.
After you've bought your laptop, install the software and copy over some of your documents. If possible swap the backdrop to a picture of your kids or Mum or something like that. Change the regional settings to match the UK.
Then throw away all the packaging, CDs US power lead etc before you leave the hotel. Just keep the kind of things you'd normally take with you on a trip.
When you go through UK customs, it's not that likely you'll be stopped. If you do get stopped, the UK power supply and the fact that you've got lots of crap installed already will make it look like you just took your laptop with you anyway.
Lovely.
Er. I didn't say that.
Pay a large chunk of change to Customs...
If the item has been used by the individual before returning to the UK, it is considered "personal effects". More details can be found here
It's something I'm interested in. Especially since the Dell Dimension XPS isn't available in the UK.
J and R (www.jandr.com) down on Park Row (N, R train to City Hall, 2,3 train to Park Place) has reasonable prices, wide selection, etc.
As a former Best Buy employee, I've seen this happen a lot.
It happened mostly during the holidays. People are visiting relatives in the states, and they're taking advantage of after-Thanksgiving sales and such.
Let me first say, the pricing has very little to do with the 'weak US dollar'. It's just simply cheaper to buy things like computers here. How many computer manufacturers are based in England, compared to the USA?
Basically, they'd give us the same reasons you are. They'd typically buy a machine for $2000 which would cost $3000 or more in England/wherever they were from. They'd buy a notebook bag and pack it all up and leave the box and everything at the store, so it looked normal when they went back through the airport.
We actually had some repeat customers every year, and they would buy more than 1 laptop, and sell them when they got home!
There is no import duty on computers, however VAT at 17.5% is payable with an exemption on the first 145. It is fairly easy for a dishonest person to evade this but you are risking seizure of goods and possibly a gaol sentence if you do so.
Also, there is no way of claiming back the NY sales tax (~9%).
Even with this, you will still make a saving - my girlfriend bought a Mac back in 98 and even with the dollar quite strong she still saved quite a lot of money.
You also need to note that you will find it hard, if not impossible, to make any claims on the warranty, and you will not be covered under UK consumer protection should something go wrong.
If you combine the last paragraph, with the fact that you are buying a Dell laptop, you should think twice...
Cheers,
Nick
Those tards at the airport are checking for bombs, not to see where you bought your laptop. As long as it is not in the original shrinkwrap, you should be fine. Like customs has the time nor inclination to check whether your power adapter fits the local plug. On the one in one million chance you get questioned about your system, just have some random CDs with you and make sure they're in the same bag, also tweak the UI a bit, and if they ask about the keyboard just say you work for an American company and they provide the equipment (so it isn't localized).
Slashdot, always over-thinking everything. You guys would make such horrendous liars.
Why buy in the US when if your in NY for four days take a trip up to Canada and get it even cheaper! Save yourself about $100 more bucks.
Just a little sugestion.
I will mail you a money order for $5000 sent to me by a business associate. Please deposit this and send me the laptop plus the excess funds.
I liked the idea of having the computer shipped to a friend in the states, and then going to visit the friend. It gets around various issues, and you get to visit your friend and take her or him out to dinner for the trouble.
That said, if you still want to buy it yourself, try J&R Music World in lower Manhattan.
For camera equipment, try B&H near Penn Station.
While you're in NYC, go to Katz's Deli and get some pastrami. Best in NY, and plenty of local color, too.
(Be aware that you may have trouble making a warranty claim on a US product outside the US.)
Have a nice trip!
1) Call the Apple Store ahead of time and make sure that they will have exactly what you want set aside for you when you arrive.
2) Purchase a UK power adapter from a UK Apple dealer before you go. The day before you leave the US for home, ship all the manuals and paperwork back to the UK, along with the US power adapter. Take nothing but the laptop and a UK power adapter in your bag through customs.
3) Call your credit card company beforehand and make sure that they will clear your charge for the purchase.
4) When you get back to the UK, look into buying a UK keyboard for your PowerBook. IIRC, the key faces can be detached and replaced from the notebook fairly easily.
This only applies if you've owned it for more than 2 years (last time I checked).
Carrying it through yourself you have an allowance (which is more than the shipped import allowance), but it's no more than 200 IIRC.
Unless you are dead-set on a) Dell and b) New York, consider flying to Boston, MA (or better yet, Manchester NH) and buying your laptop in that area. There is no sales tax in NH, and there are CompUSA, Best Buy, Circuit City and Apple stores all nearby.
The reason why your laptop is so much more expensive in the UK is partly because of rip-off Britain but mainly because the people who imported the laptop in the first place have paid the UK's import duty, VAT and any other taxes as well as shipping costs.
If you import goods into the UK yourself, you are also expected to pay those VAT and tax charges for anything over the value of 250. If you try to avoid it, or lie to customs officials about the nature of the goods you're carrying, they'll not only seize the goods but slap on a hefty fine. For something expensive like a laptop this is a big risk. You can't necessarily get away with saying that it was your property and you brought it with you; they can still seize it while they wait on you to provide proof (receipts or a letter from the retailer) indicating you owned it.
In the UK these customs and excise folks absolutely do not dick about. I read a story about a woman who (probably innocent of the regulations) filled up her car with cheap wine, beer and spirits from France and drove it back across on a ferry (some people are under the misapprehension that there is unrestricted alcohol trade between EU member states - but without a trading license, the booze must be "for personal consumption"). Not only did customs seize the booze, but they also fined her and worst of all - seized the car she was driving at the time.
read about another example
But you don't! I found visiting the US highly confusing because I'd expect to pay the price on the tag, instead of the quoted price plus some awkward percentage that varied from place to place... You never know quite what you're going to have to pay.
Instead, here in the UK everyone quotes the price you actually pay, including VAT! (They have to, by law.) After all, that's the most important thing at the checkout. You can work out how much of that goes to the government if you want to, but that's hardly a major concern when you make a purchase.
VAT is hardly exploitation. It's not as if we don't know it's happening. Look on it as a public contribution to ensuring our country is run reasonably well and that it looks after its people. After all, you generally get what you pay for -- if you don't pay much, then you get a country that doesn't look after its people very well, as the US has found...
(Oh, and please don't call all other governments 'socialistic'. It doesn't do much either for international relations, or for your image here.)
Ceterum censeo subscriptionem esse delendam.
If you are buying a laptop to take home to India, do not worry about duties, since according to new regulations, a single laptop is permitted per passenger. (which means that it won't be written down on your passport).
"When the only tool you own is a hammer, every problem begins to resemble a nail." - Abraham Maslow (1908-1970)
I'll give you a P.O. Box that will accept it. Talk to me offline.
nb: if flying thru germany, ensure you have either a charged battery or sufficient spare time for them to pull you luggage apart plus plug your charger in: as part of their safety tests, not only will you be hoover-sniffed for TNT/semtex, you'll also be required to demonstrate that it's a real laptop by starting it up.
--
for future reference:
Singapore is your best bet as a UK resident: you get the best of:
ps Sorry, forgot to say why: the reason for the customs faff is they'll stick you an extra 17.5% as you walk in the door IF it's "new", which sharply reduces your discount. The remainder of the discount is due to the UK's stalwart protection of monopoly/oligopoly premia, the reason for e.g. Renault historically earning 50% of its profits out of the UK despite making only 10-15% of its sales there by unit.
--
Sal
Writings: saltation.blogspot.com
Wravings: go-blog-go.blogspot.com
The information in the drive is actually just a number that says what region the drive is supposed to be. The drive will still read all of the information off of the disc. A software player is supposed to read the variable from the drive and refuse to play an out-of-region disc. All licensed players are required to do this. However, it is true that Linux/BSD/etc players that are totally unlicensed won't care what this variable says.
I've actually used a locked region 1 dvd-rom drive to rip region 2 (Japan) DVD's with no problems. DVD Decryptor doesn't care at all either.
My other first post is car post.
I came from the states and currently work in the UK. None of the above-mentioned problems are that difficult:
All you actually need is a socket with a US pinout. All dell laptop power adapters have been 50/60hz and 110-240v adapters for quite some time now.
Most everything these days comes with dual-voltage power supplies: I run a projector, computer, two musical keyboards and a laptop - all from the US - off UK mains. Some might say the easiest solution for the laptop power is a travel plug adaptor but for long term use the best idea is a replacement power lead. Most computer stores should have replacement leads that will plug into the power adaptor.
I agree totally on the mappings bit. Pain in the ass to use certain keys "If you know how to touch type, it's not a problem. I switched my UK keyboard at work to the US layout and there was not even a day's worth of annoyances. I'm sure it's not that different going the other way.
Spread, my little hegemony. Spread.
First the keyboards, then the language! Before long, we'll have them speaking English in the UK! Mwahahahaha!
...I'd be a little suspicious when looking at a keyboard with a dollar sign instead of a pounds sign, American punctuation layout, etc, etc.
Pity "export LANG=en_GB" doesn't affect the hardware. :-)
You cannot apply a technological solution to a sociological problem. (Edwards' Law)
Er, dieing.
Customs was not even a theoretical problem in my case, as there are no duties for importing computers to Germany. If you bought your iBook in a U.S. state that doesn't have sales tax [yes, my European children, there are whole states in the U.S. where there is no VAT. Remember this when your politicians try to tell you why your national sales tax has to be raised to 18 percent], you might have to pay a certain amount so they are satisfied you paid at least some sort of tax to somebody. This is the Einfuhrumsatzsteuer and German customs describes the details here. In my case, the Euro was high enough that it was still well worth it.
Other advice: Go on Apple's website (come on, you don't really want a loud, heavy, ugly Dell, do you), find a store in easy distance of where you are going to be, and email or call a few weeks ahead. IBooks are currently assembled in Taiwan, and take five to ten days if you want anything but the standard model (larger harddrive, for example). Remember, too, that America might have the most advanced stock market on the planet, but its bank system still hasn't gotten beyond the stage of sending little slips of paper around by mail: Most Americans have trouble understanding how an EC card even works, and happily go throught an 18th Century ritual called "balancing the check book" once every few days without complaint. You will have to pay cash (don't worry, these amounts in cash are not considered unusual in the U.S.), or better, get yourself a credit card.
German readers will want to take a look at this article about importing iBooks from the consumer test group Stiftung Warentest. Note that there are some minor mistakes in there, however, like the need for an adapter for the plug.
In my case, there was no question that it was worth it: In fact, I could have probably flown there and back just to pick up the computer, and still saved money. And best thing: With 220 volts, my iBook is twice as fast as it was in the States. No, really. The trouble is, it sends my fingerprints to Donald Rumsfeld every time I touch the escape button...
myUS.com looks pricy, especially if you don't make many purchases due to the $132 annual subscription!!
The Rio Karma is more expensive here in the UK, so I found someone selling them brand-new on eBay who was prepared to ship to the UK. I bought a brand-new one including shipping for GBP198. They're about GBP269 + shipping here!
I ordered a laptop from dell a year ago. I waited and waited as parts were coming in.
I never recieved a shipping notice.
Unfortunately, this was all very close to finals and I was busting my ass writing a compiler. I didn't exactly have to time to screw with these guys and occassionally I checked the website. Still, every single time I checked it was in waiting.
Finally, finals were over and I decided I had better get this going. My order is still in limbo and the service rep says it got lost in the system. However, all my rebates and deals had passed now. The rep said I could build a whole new laptop, but there weren't any great specials now.
Immediately, I threated to get a toshiba. I already owned a toshiba, but at the time the Dell was cheaper then an equally stacked Toshiba. So, I chatted a bit about the toshiba model I wanted and went over the reasons I liked the Dell.
The rep finally started discouting everything and tossed in special after special. I couldn't get the model of cdrw I wanted, so they split the cost difference of the faster one. (Hell the original combo drive was free.... so I only paid 50$ more.
All in all, I don't recall paying anymore and I got a better laptop.
Sure, I had to wait a while, but I wasnt really in a hurry.
"You should always go to other people's funerals; otherwise, they won't come to yours." -- Yogi Berra
Hi,
I'm from Belgium and am planning to be in Tijuana later this month. I will be there for about four hours.
My employer would very much like it if I could get our company a good grid of either IBM eServes or Apple Xserve RAIDS. The Mexican peseta is cheaper than ever.
I was chosen for this assignment because I speak pretty good Mexican. I've been listening to the US president's speaches in Mexican and I can follow along pretty good.
Anyway, my question is: are there any good/big IBM/Apple outlets in Tijuana? Are there any Apple Stores there? If so, how many?
We'd like to buy somewhere between 64 and 96 units. We run an illegal gambling establishment outside Antwerp. We need to save this money if at all possible.
Slashdot, please help!
J&R Computers are located not far from Wall St. near NY City Hall...
c ti ons.tem
http://www.jandr.com/templates/information/dire
Good selection, great prices. I've been to the store and mail-ordered, always pleased.
Oh yeah, before going there do check out the Apple Store at 103 Prince Street in SoHo (Prince St. just a block or two west of Broadway), just for the pure tourist value (nudge nudge, wink wink).
I'd also recommend buying Euro-style: have the computer plugged in and be satisfied with its performance prior to paying and walking out, and definitely ditto on ensuring transferability of warranty overseas. Being stuck with a lemon with no recourse sucks.
Mail the accessories, instructions 'n guarantee home, using USMail. Then just carry the bugger on board, odds ons customs won't even notice, particularly if you wear a business suit while flying back.
If you know anyone with the same laptop, you could ask them if you can clone their hard drive before you leave to go to the US (back in the W98 days I use to make cloned HDD backups using some Powerquest or Quarterdeck program), then when you buy your laptop you make some ghost image backup of the new Dell default install on the HDD & put it on a CD, & then install the clone. Then if on the odd chance that customs challengers you on the laptop, you can show that all those pre-trip dates on the HDD. Even better ask for a copy of your mate's receipt & stuff it in the back of your wallet & cover it up with old train tickets & supermarket receipts, then you can say "actually I haven't cleaned out my wallet since then, so I've probably still got the receipt"
Or while you're in the US you could buy a pair of official looking overalls & then have some sort of 'quarentine' marking put on it. Then you get some bong water from someone & stick it in one of those little spray things that people use to spray their indoor ferns. Then you can walk along as people are queuing up to book their luggage in, & spray the stuff along the luggage, like ailines use to have to do on flights coming into Oz about 20 years ago. Then hopefully customs in London will be destracted by their dogs going crazy with half the luggage coming through.
I use to bring professional Nikon cameras & Sony Camcorders (like the DCR-VX2000) into Sydney from abroad just by carring then in as luggage & never got pulled up by customs. Mind you'd I'd always pre declare some Asian wood carving so I'd go through quarentine instead, where they paid less attention to synthetic & mineral based products. I'm not sure you can pull the same stunt at Heathrow.
hello, dear sir:
i know my email will come as a surprise to you as we have had no contact before, but i am urging you to have no concern. i got your name and address from the girl who operates the computer.
my name is gen. imaskammer withnopekker. i have come to you with the blessings of god for an urgent and confidential business proposal to import a dell laptop computer from my home country of lagos, nigeria to your...
I have a friend who is a customs officer. If they take a dislike to you, they can make life very difficult for you immediately by ordering a body cavity search. In addition every time you ever travel by air again, you will get stopped and searched. Furthermore, in Australia, the little immigration man who checks your passport, and idly asks you one or two penetrating questions, scribbles a little code on it. When you pass the card to the customs officer he looks at the code and decides there and then on a spot check. Dumb things include: Going away for four days to New York without a valid reason and coming back with a brand new laptop. Customs guys know the street price of most electronics and the difference between an pentium III and IV. My frined catches most of these dimwits with the simple request to turn out the pockets and open their wallets. That Amex reciept is a dead giveaway. Suspicious
Just because I'm Paranoid doesn't mean they are not out to get me.
Im sorry I have to set you straight. 80% of these Slashdot fcuks don't know what they are talking about. They just try to act intelligent on something they don't know about. I don't know why I bother reading the "ask slashdot" posts... =)
I have done this already, several times.
Don't try sending it to the UK. Customs will seize even 5 year old laptops and charge you VAT and or other fines. I have seen this happen twice.
Buy it at a retail store. (Best Buy, Circuit City, ect...) There is no way in hell your going to get something shipped in 3 days.
Throw away the box. Ship the literature that comes with it to yourself or just throw it away... its pretty useless anyway. Who needs instructions? You can get manuals online if you really need them.
As someone put it, make it look used. Take all of the stickers off. Install other programs. Customize it to look like it has been yours for a while. Finger prints ect... (this tip comes from a friend who works in customs),
You will not need a voltage converter or a new AC adapter. You have two options. Get a plug adapter for less the 5 bucks which changes us two prong to uk 3 prong. The AC/DC adapter is already built for both 110 and 220 and 60 and 50 hz... Your second option which is a bit nicer and is the same as if you bought it from the uk is a lead from the ac pack to the wall. You can get one at most electronic stores, or just walk down Tottenham Road London and you will find one in one of those shops. That's where I get mine.
Remap the keyboard. Go to Control Panel > Regions and Language Settings > Languages > Details > Add then add the UK setting. Or just get used to the 3 keys that are different. And if you really wanted to you can replace the keyboard with a UK one that you can order from the manufacturer in the UK (if that brand is also sold in the UK) but this may cost a bit.
I went through customs with two laptops before in my carryon. I was never questioned. You don't have anything to worry about.
Sorry to be intrusive but I had to step in and clear up the bullshit. Unlike most of the rest of the slashdoters I have done this already.
Anyway... just trying to help =)
Also I am a fan of the Sony Vaio I have two. That would be my choice.
You don't want to tease an American customs or immigration officer as a foreigner. They can and will throw you out of the country if they get pissed on you, no appeal, no coming back for at least six months and you have to explain every time you do come back why you were thrown out that one time ("Well sir, I was teasing this customs officer and he took it badly...").
No, I haven't done it, but I read what it says just above where you sign on the entry cards.
Head over to Central Park, the part by the mansion (accross from Beth Isreal) and ask any of the brothers pitching quarters on the wall behind the mansion where you can get a "discount laptop, very quickly" (Sup dawg? Shit, my thing is down. Needs me one a thems lapstops come-pute-hers. Shit, I means like NOW, dig?). It should not be much of a problem.
Oh yeah, don't take any money with you, you should wear $9.99 shoes from Discount Shoe Warehouse (old would be best), old clothes from salvo, and fer jeff's sake don't wear ANY jewelry.
Or, maybe you could just go to Manhattan Computer World? There are lots of stores in NYC where you can buy laptops... It only seems primative. Let your fingers do the walking!
BTW - Almost any place will FedEx or UPS to a hotel. It's done quite often, actually.
- God is pretend...
I think you missed the point. The friend flys the new laptop to the UK from the US. He is issued a note upon leaving the US, but neither the laptop or the note is brought back to the US, so it doesn't matter whose name was on the note.