Buy American?

carlcon

I'm no expert on laptops, but it's not hard to see that the quality of laptop you can get in the States for a certain price is at least 50% better than what you can get here for the same price. Or at least from what I've seen on the internet this is true.

I already have a post asking for specific help for my laptop needs, but here I just want to ask if anyone has ordered a laptop from America and had it shipped over, because I'm very tempted to do that myself.

I have friends who can send it over to me, if needed.

Is this the way to go?

carlcon

Just as an example, look at this beast for under €380

Gateway with Intel® Core™ i5 Processor / 17.3" Display / 6GB Memory / 500GB Hard Drive

It's refurbished, but sold by a very credible company over there that will refund or replace instantly if required.

When I see this kind of thing, the mind boggles.

Alanstrainor

Link doesn't work for me.

The main reason people dont go this route is because of having to pay the tax when it lands in Ireland which is about 25% of what you paid. Plus the high shipping costs involved.

And then there's the lack warranty when you get your laptop. Some may come with international warranties, but not all.

carlcon

Weird, I had a look at the link and it's working from here (?). Here's the full link: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Gateway+-+Factory-Refurbished+Laptop+/+Intel%26%23174%3B+Core%26%23153%3B+i5+Processor+/+17.3%22+Display+/+6GB+Memory+/+500GB+Hard+Drive+-+Velvet+Blue/3011122.p?id=1218370887894&skuId=3011122

My plan, if going down this route, is to transfer the $ into a friends account and have her buy it. Best Buy don't accept a shipping or billing address from this side of the pond, so I would be having it shipped to a US address for a minimal fee, then having them send it to me independently from Best Buy. I'm sure it'll cost a bit more cash to ship a package that size to Ireland, but we're probably talking less than €50-80, right? It'll just be a box with a gift inside it for all anyone else needs to know.

So in this case, I could probably have that laptop for about €400-450, unless I'm missing something?

MarkR

Even if it's marked as a gift, it can be opened by an post etc. You'll have to factor in possible customs duty.

If you know someone going to the states, then that's an option...

Alanstrainor

A friend did this with a guitar. Got a friend to buy it in the shop, and then send it over. He was done for customs on it, despite his efforts.

Worth keeping in mind. It could be more hassle than its worth/.

Overheal

For all the logistics, brainpower and effort involved, and the taxes, it really works out the same as getting one domestically.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1blsZxXDCU

carlcon

It all seems like madness to me.

Someone can carry a brand new laptop in a bag and take it on a flight in a laptop bag for free, but then if you pay up to $100 to ship it, they want more money?

Yeah I'll just keep looking for a decent laptop here for a good price, although I'm not sure that exists if you're looking for anything with a 2.5Ghz processor or better.

OR, I'll wait even longer until I'm in the States myself. Argh!

chiloutus

I dont know if this thread is alive or dead, but I think OP might want to have a look at this! http://www.pcworld.ie/Product/TOSHIBA-Satellite-C660D181-156andquot-Laptop-Black/306703/304

No idea how much quality you are getting, but for the specs alone the price is fantastic!

carlcon

Thank you, but the processor is much too weak for what I'm looking for. The price can be explained by the 1.6Ghz AMD processor, which makes it not such a great deal.

Thank you though for taking the time.

ED E

Even as a gift over €22 you're liable for vat, and you will get done. Also, add a vat handling fee too (now even with an post).

And you cant return it easily, and it'll be US layout, with a us charger. Not really worth it, buy UK.