iMac - Can I buy in the USA for use in the UK

Rocket_Dog_2

Hi.......going to the States in March and have been looking to buy an iMac but wondered if it would be worth my while waiting to buy over there. Would I be able to use the iMac back in the UK with the relevant adapter ? Thanks.

isofa

Yes, no problem at all.

All you'll need is a different power lead or a US to UK plug adapter. The power suppliers are multi-voltage.

BillScarab

The only issues is if customs pick up on it on the way back inwhch case you could get hit for duty.

Andy_L

Make sure it has a worldwide warranty. You wouldn't want to have to return it to the states if it breaks

isofa

AFAIK Apple's laptop warranty is worldwide, so it's worth checking if the desktop one is too. If the saving is great, it might not be worth worrying about anyway, you'll always be able to get it fixed in the UK, just it will cost if out of warranty, or if the warranty doesn't apply...

toasterman

I'd have to weigh up whether it was worth it.
Take the base model iMac - £799 here, $1199 in usa (prices from apple store).
$1199 = £607.

Now presumably to bring it back, you'd have to pay extra, because of the extra weight. Then if it goes wrong.. I don't know if you can get it repaired under warranty from a uk store?

You're highly likely to have to pay duty on such a big heavy item..its not like a phone you can conceal, or a laptop you could have travelled out with. Even the smallest iMac has a 20" widescreen display.
Say duty is 5%, plus vat at 17.5%. That brings it to nearly £750, even if you don't need to pay extra for weight.
(Guesstimates for percentages from http://www.dhl.co.uk/publish/gb/en/information/shipping/about_duty_and_vat.high.html#aPar0005 )
It also sounds like that like they calculate how much it would cost to post the item worldwide, and add that on, just to make definitely sure it wouldn't be cheaper to import it yourself.
I've never imported anything bigger than a dvd, so I don't know if there's a way round this.

Now a Macbook or an iPod, I might consider...just unbox and carry back with you, for no extra luggage charge, etc...and you'd never get stopped through customs for that.

isofa

Some great advice and logic from toasterman above, personally I'd only ever consider bringing back something small like a camera, laptop or iPod too.

Bob63

Apple's warranty is worldwide so no problem there. Using and getting support for a US-sourced laptop is no problem whatsoever.

As highlighted the issue is on of physical size. A Mac Mini or a Macbook/Pro/Air are easy to carry back and can go with you on the aircraft. I wouldn't trust an expensive flat screen to the luggage handlers.

Another issue, whatever you buy, is keyboard layout. The US layout is quite a bit different from the UK it isn't as simple as not having a £ key. Buy a Mac Mini though and you can buy just the base unit and get keyboard/screen over here.

Don't forget to add tax onto the purchase cost unless you are going to New Hampshire, Washington state etc.

Mike