Buying Laptop from USA Issues?

Paul_Mc_2

I am looking to purchase an IBM thinkpad on ebay from america. I have read on this site that laptops come with multi voltage transformers. If I buy one with an adaptor or British transformer will I have any issues, software, compatability etc? Your Help is appreciated thank you.

evilgoose

I trying to think of any issues (assuming that the power is all sorted)
If there a DVD drive in there it maybe set to the American region.
Possible warranty issues.
Watch out for customs costs if importing.

tiff

I have an American laptop, bought over there rather than Ebay. No issues at all, we just took a lead from a radio/cassette player and plugged it in.

totalsolutions

The keyboard will be different

fiish

The difference is mainly the keyboard layout. I grew up with the US keyboard layout and although I've been using the UK layout for some time I sometimes crave having the backslash next to Enter rather then tucked in a corner.

The DVD drive in a laptop, when newly bought, should have no region code set. In any case the code can be changed up to 5 times.

If it's a fairly recent model (less than 4-5 years old) it should come with a universal adaptor which will be compatible with UK as well as US voltages. You just need to find a suitable lead with a UK plug - Maplin will help you there.

Also, as evilgoose mentioned, there are potential customs issues as you might have to pay 20% import duties plus 17.5% VAT which could instantly wipe out any savings you made.

vaio

If the keyboard is really a problem you can convert it, you need a couple of new key caps & a small software change.

If it get picked up at customs on the way in you will pay duty at what ever rate applies plus a handling charge to the courier plus VAT on the everything including the carriage cost.

I recently imported some tools which cost $200 plus $200 postage so say £220 total, ended up paying £8 duty, £13 handling & £40 VAT.

Bob63

Duty on laptops is zero, so you will pay VAT on the cost of the item and the shipping charge plus whatever handling fee the shipper decides to charge you - £30 in not uncommon.

superscaper

There may also be warranty issues.