Need to buy a laptop online - advice please

top_drawer_2

Hello

I am in need of buying a new laptop, its been around 8 years since I last researched this topic (when I bought my Dell Inspiron 1501). I am currently working abroad and am in a completely different time zone / currency so I will need to purchase it online (as retail options are actually more expensive here) and then get it shipped to a UK family member who will send it on to me.

I've previously had a Dell and I liked that I could customise it to (to a point, at least) I also like samsung brand and other well made brands. I would prefer to pay more and wait while I save a little as opposed to buy cheap and cheerful.

Plus I want the English OS and service support (obviously they wouldn't be able to send a technician out to me but online / telephone support). I love technology but I am not the bang-up-to-date type who must own the latest gadget for the sake of it, I'm not into online gaming either. I use my laptop for netflix / tv (as no English tv available here), Microsoft office type functions / banking / internet. I like the idea of a laptop come tablet but am unsure of the ergonomics and concerned about how long it will last...

Any advice would be hugely welcomed.

Thanks

neilwoods

top_drawer wrote: »

Hello

I am in need of buying a new laptop, its been around 8 years since I last researched this topic (when I bought my Dell Inspiron 1501). I am currently working abroad and am in a completely different time zone / currency so I will need to purchase it online (as retail options are actually more expensive here) and then get it shipped to a UK family member who will send it on to me.

I've previously had a Dell and I liked that I could customise it to (to a point, at least) I also like samsung brand and other well made brands. I would prefer to pay more and wait while I save a little as opposed to buy cheap and cheerful.

Plus I want the English OS and service support (obviously they wouldn't be able to send a technician out to me but online / telephone support). I love technology but I am not the bang-up-to-date type who must own the latest gadget for the sake of it, I'm not into online gaming either. I use my laptop for netflix / tv (as no English tv available here), Microsoft office type functions / banking / internet. I like the idea of a laptop come tablet but am unsure of the ergonomics and concerned about how long it will last...

Any advice would be hugely welcomed.

Thanks

Wouldnt it be an idea to tell people where you are, as some companies will post to certain countries.

top_drawer_2

You would have thought so but no ... the import tax on electric al items is huge so its far better to get it sent the UK.

Cisco001

top_drawer wrote: »

You would have thought so but no ... the import tax on electric al items is huge so its far better to get it sent the UK.

If you have to pay import tax, would it be cheaper to buy from US website?

BTW, What is you requirement and budget?

e.g. size, weight, main use, etc...

top_drawer_2

Possibly ... although im hoping to avoid paying the i.port tax. I dont have anyone in the US who could ship to me and while its possible I may know a willing US soldier who could accept it at the barracks, irs not guaranteed (not even 100% sure if that's how it would work).

I'm in South Korea if its relevant. I'm looking at around 17 inch screen, would prefer slim (better for travel), main uses are microsoft progs, internet, watching internet tv and movies. Must have longitivity ....

Budget is upto around £600

Muut

If you were happy with Dell's service and support before, I'd go with another one. My brother just bought an Intel i5-based Dell, 6Gb RAM, 17" laptop, very slim and portable, for a fair bit under your budget, for similar things, and has been delighted with it.

One thing to research is battery life, I'd look at some reviews for whatever model looks good to you and check that it gives you enough away-time if you intend to take it places without a power outlet.

I wouldn't go under 6Gb RAM if possible, and wouldn't go under an i5 CPU. Don't pay extra for an i7 - not worth it unless you're doing something heavy like movie editing.

Some of the Dells have an option of touchscreen or 3D; I'd go with touchscreen for Windows 8 if you're not a gamer.

Anne_Marie_2

Would you still not be hit with import duties if a family member sent it to you?
I live abroad too, and either buy whenever I'm back in the UK, or have a family member bring over something when they come to visit.

top_drawer_2

Anne_Marie wrote: »

Would you still not be hit with import duties if a family member sent it to you?
I live abroad too, and either buy whenever I'm back in the UK, or have a family member bring over something when they come to visit.

I'm in South Korea, there is no chance anyone will visit and its unlikely I will be able to go home for a visit in the near future : (

I would be forced to be "naughty" and get it sent to my family's address and then have the repackage it as a secondhand laptop to send onto me.

Obviously there is a risk as there isn't much in the way of argument here with official bodies as the English / communication level tends to be extremely low. If the customs held it in their possession, I would have to battle to get it released. However, its not an infrequent issue so I wouldn't be alone in having (success) in doing the above.

Hence, I'm trying to work out the options on balance to get the best outcome.

Knarf44

How are the prices laptops in South Korea? Are they more expensive than in the UK?

The reason for asking is that if you can get a reasonably priced Asus, Lenovo or Samsung laptop locally, then with the help of people on this board or family back in the UK, you could perhaps source a UK keyboard and an English language version of Windows 8.1 and get them sent out to you by recorded delivery.

Any reasonably competent techie could install both for you.

Just a thought as obviously receiving a small package from the UK is less likely to attract the interest of the Customs people.

NiftyDigits

Knarf44 wrote: »

How are the prices laptops in South Korea? Are they more expensive than in the UK?

The reason for asking is that if you can get a reasonably priced Asus, Lenovo or Samsung laptop locally, then with the help of people on this board or family back in the UK, you could perhaps source a UK keyboard and an English language version of Windows 8.1 and get them sent out to you by recorded delivery.

Any reasonably competent techie could install both for you.

Just a thought as obviously receiving a small package from the UK is less likely to attract the interest of the Customs people.

First post;

so I will need to purchase it online (as retail options are actually more expensive here) and then get it shipped to a UK family member who will send it on to me.

NiftyDigits

Toshiba have a 4 Years International Warranty EXT104I-V for £60 + VAT.
Check if other manufacturers have a similar policy. Otherwise consider Toshiba.