Buy Ipad 2 in USA good or bad idea?

bikebarbie

Hi
My friend works in USA and Im thinking of getting her to buy me an Ipad 2 as they are cheaper over there.
I only want to get a Wifi version but wondered what the pros and cons are.
Most importantly, would it effect my warranty should I need to make a claim in the UK?
Thanks

robt_2

bikebarbie wrote: »

Hi
My friend works in USA and Im thinking of getting her to buy me an Ipad 2 as they are cheaper over there.
I only want to get a Wifi version but wondered what the pros and cons are.
Most importantly, would it effect my warranty should I need to make a claim in the UK?
Thanks

How much cheaper is it once you have added on Sales Tax, Customs etc?

paddyrg

Apple UK may not support it fully if it is faulty (they may count it as a grey import)
You need to consider US sales tax, postage, UK duty and VAT
It will have a funny plug.

toptobottom

Ilooked at doing this when I went to Vegas in April. With the exchange rate and customs tax the costs were very, very similar.

And as I eventually bought an IPad2 when I got home I have no problems/worries with warranty etc. (not that I know if there would be any)

thescouselander

If you're actually travelling to the USA you can buy electrical goods tax free in the shops in the terminal. That way you buy the item at a reduced price and you can leave it at the airport for collection on your return trip - it will be a proper UK item too. I saved around £200 on my Macbook by doing this.

boxst

Apple wiill support it, as it doesn't care where it comes from.

The price is *slightly* cheaper as long as you don't have to pay VAT (i.e. you get a friend / you bring it through customs).

Example: 16gb = $499 / £399

To the US one you have to add sales tax, this varies but averages at about 9%, so you are up to $543. The exchange rate at the moment is terrible, so ignorning commission, lets say $1.52. You are at £358. You will have to add a charger as Apple wont sell you the little bit that connects the universal charger to a specific country socket. On eBay they are £5, from 'proper' places around £15. So you are looking at £365 vs £399.

You *may* get stopped at customs, but I have known many, many people (myself included) who have come back many times without being stopped.

Steve

boxst

thescouselander wrote: »

If you're actually travelling to the USA you can buy electrical goods tax free in the shops in the terminal. That way you buy the item at a reduced price and you can leave it at the airport for collection on your return trip - it will be a proper UK item too. I saved around £200 on my Macbook by doing this.

That is the best idea. It doesn't work very well on most items as (price at airport - VAT) is still higher than most discounted places.

However, Apple products are not discounted, so you are almost guaranteed a 'bargain'.

Steve

marvell-kid

boxst wrote: »

So you are looking at £365 vs £399.

Just to let you know. If you still feel like getting one. Apple Store are doing referb at £40 off RRP so 16GB is £359 so cheaper than Steve has calculated.

An apple store referb is a open box return that has had a new battery and back cover. And any faults are repaired by apple with new parts. You also get a full 1 year apple warranty

bikebarbie

Thank you very much for the useful replies. I was not thinking of getting it posted, my friend travels often between USA and UK, and has bought me another electrical item without occurring customs charges (I know cant be guaranteed). I already have a USA compatible charger/connector ect so that is not an issue, but had not thought of actually buying upon arrival at Gatwick so I might give the Duty Free shop a ring (is it still just Dixons??) and see how much they are selling it at.
Also forgive me if I am wrong but my foreign currency calculator app gives me £310 to $500 not £399???

Last but not least the refurb option is very good

Can I just add a quick question, is it true and no fuss, using the Iphone as a modem for a Wifi only IPAD??

boxst

Remember that the iPhone charger doesn't work with the iPhone (if it is convertor that you already have?) as the iPad needs 2A to charge properly otherwise it takes about a week ..

My conversion was based on $544 as you need to add sales tax to the $500.

Yes, you can tether the iPad to the iPhone very easily if your network provider doesn't detect it and block you.