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US Laptop

  • 08-06-2004 9:54am
    #1
    Kappar
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,114 ✭✭✭


    Not sure if this should go here.

    I am thinking of buying something like this but can only find it available from gateway and as we all know they are based solely in the US now.

    What I want to ask is has anyone got any experience of buying from gateway in the US? Will they ship internationally? What will happen if the system ****s up? What are the implications of buying from the states hardware wise; Power etc?

    Does anyone know where I could get a similar system in Europe?

    Thanks


Comments

  • #2
    vibe666
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,016 ✭✭✭✭vibe666


    Originally posted by Kappar
    Not sure if this should go here.

    I am thinking of buying something like this but can only find it available from gateway and as we all know they are based solely in the US now.

    What I want to ask is has anyone got any experience of buying from gateway in the US? Will they ship internationally? What will happen if the system ****s up? What are the implications of buying from the states hardware wise; Power etc?

    Does anyone know where I could get a similar system in Europe?

    Thanks
    well, it's going to come with US power supplies of course, but apart from that you'll get a US keyboard too, but I have a Dell laptop with a US keyboard and it's not that much different to a UK one once you get used to it. the only real difference is the @ key is above the number 2 insead of over on the right hand side, but that's the only real difference really.

    a PSU should be easy to get either an adapter for or if it's a conventional power lead you should be able to find a replacement here (or cut the plug off and replace it). laptops are designed to be used all over the place and as such can handle voltage differences between the US, Europe and Asia, so no problems there.

    as for the actual shipping, i have no idea TBH, but the best thing would probably be to ring (or email) and ask them. only real problem would be support, but I believe cient logic in swords[i think?] handle Gateway's existing customer base iin Ireland, so see if they'll extend that service to you if possible.


  • #3
    Kappar
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,114 ✭✭✭Kappar


    Thanks for your advice. I emailed Gateway and they said they 'cannot ship to Europe because they do not have the CE mark' whatever that is.

    So I might see if I can get one on ebay. But, if anyone knows anywhere in Europe that I can get a Laptop/Tablet convertible I would be very interested.


  • #4
    ressem
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,426 ✭✭✭ressem


    HP have one, chances are you can get one in Ireland at HP prices ;/

    HP Compaq Tablet PC tc1100
    http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/ie/en/sm/WF25a/21675-283229-283229-283229-283239-1726471.html

    probably others also.


  • #5
    Kappar
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,114 ✭✭✭Kappar


    Thanks, I am not sure what to go for because that one although it does have a keyboard is just a tablet insofar as it has no built in CD/DVD drive but the upside is it is much lighter than a laptop/tablet hybrid.

    I have found the Acer TravelMate C Convertible Tablet PC which is just like a laptop but can be turned into a tablet.

    I really am not sure should sacrifice better componants for a tablet functionality. I have never used a tablet but think that it might be handy so if anyone has any advice on tablets let me know please.


  • #6
    Ro-76
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 626 ✭✭✭Ro-76


    On the US laptop issue, I have owned 2 US laptops, a Toshiba and a Fujitsu.

    The major issue, I think is the warranty. Many manufacturers will not cover the unit outside the US. Fujitsu, Toshiba, and I think Compaq used to.

    The only other drawback is the keyboard. The arrangement of the keys is not a major problem, but the Euro symbol is. It takes about 7 keystrokes to type the euro sign.

    Both times, I saved over 1000 euro, so I think it's worth it. BTW almost all laptop powersupplies are dual voltage these days.

    I had it shipped to my brother who lives in the US both times, but if you need a forwarding service, I have also used www.toship.com . It can take about 3 weeks after it's delivered to the US address for it to arrive in Ireland, but it has always worked. You can specify the value that you want on the customs form, so you could put a lower value to avoid import duty, but then it can only be insured for that value. TBH I have only used it for items of less than 200 euro value, so if it was lost I could just about get over it. I don't think I could deal with a laptop getting lost, though!

    Ro


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