£500 to spend on laptop which is to be purchased in America

Jo4

This is not for me but I was asked to ask on here what laptop would you recommend which has a good all round spec, could be purchased cheaper in America and used here in the UK? The budget is £500.

The person whats a specific model recommended to them as they know very little about computers.

Gloomendoom

By the time the person has paid the import duty, it will hardly be worth it.

Jo4

Gloomendoom wrote: »

By the time the person has paid the import duty, it will hardly be worth it.

A family member of theirs who lives in America is buying it for them and they will be home shortly.

CKhalvashi

Gloomendoom wrote: »

By the time the person has paid the import duty, it will hardly be worth it.

No import duty on electronics to the best of my knowledge, but there will be VAT. HMRC guideance is here.

It's probably cheaper overall buying in the UK IMO, as it will cost either flight/postage, plus VAT is payable, as it would be directly paid for by the OP's friend.

System

Apart from which, would they be happy with a US layout keyboard, US style mains plug etc

Jo4

Can anyone recommend a laptop with a touch screen for £500 even if it is purchased here?

Cisco001

Please note that these machine not suitable for gaming.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834317286

Edit. It is black friday soon. You can keep eye on deals at newegg or bestbuy. And order it to your relative in US


http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing/laptops/laptops/lenovo-flex-2-14-convertible-touchscreen-laptop-grey-10022784-pdt.html#cat-0

Cisco001

CKhalvashi wrote: »

No import duty on electronics to the best of my knowledge, but there will be VAT. HMRC guideance is here.

It's probably cheaper overall buying in the UK IMO, as it will cost either flight/postage, plus VAT is payable, as it would be directly paid for by the OP's friend.

He got a family member travelling from US.
I would suggest his family member open the box and use a few days before bring it over such that he can make sure the machine is in working condition
And since it is already been used, it shouldn't be caught for VAT.

JJ_Egan

Warranty and repairs is the first question .
XXX brand bought USA vendor return to USA for problems .
Manufacturers warranty not all are worldwide .
USA bought no UK warranty in some cases .

CKhalvashi

Cisco001 wrote: »

He got a family member travelling from US.
I would suggest his family member open the box and use a few days before bring it over such that he can make sure the machine is in working condition
And since it is already been used, it shouldn't be caught for VAT.

I would suggest that this is still fraud on the revenue.

As mentioned, no warranty, no power cable, I don't think it will work out cheaper.

Gloomendoom

Cisco001 wrote: »

He got a family member travelling from US.
I would suggest his family member open the box and use a few days before bring it over such that he can make sure the machine is in working condition
And since it is already been used, it shouldn't be caught for VAT.

I've paid VAT (and duty) on obviously secondhand goods.