Parallel Imported Surface Pro??

Forums › Laptops and mobile computers › Parallel Imported Surface Pro??

Lipo

12 posts

Geek

#217830 14-Jul-2017 08:20

I was looking at purchasing one of the new Surface Pro tablets and see I can get a better deal purchasing in the States.

Anyone able to offer advice on the wisdom of this?

Warranty issues?

Thanks

sbiddle

30853 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 9996

Retired Mod

Trusted

Biddle Corp

Lifetime subscriber

#1822223 14-Jul-2017 08:25

Well you won't have a warranty in NZ. This will mean if you have a warranty issuer you'll need to return it to the US.

timmmay

20858 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 5350

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1822226 14-Jul-2017 08:34

Are you sure you want a surface pro? I have the surface pro 4 with Microsoft keyboard, it's an odd machine. It's particularly poor when hooked up to monitors via the microsoft dock, I pretty much have to reboot when I redock because it just behaves weirdly, including sometimes turning itself off. It's sometimes difficult to turn on, and occasionally I have to pretty the power button for 20 seconds to really tell it to turn off before I can restart it. It only has one USB port, and it has a weird port / cable to connect to a monitor. It's also slower than the Toshiba ultrabook I had before this.

To counter that, it's light, it's fast enough, and the keyboard is good considering the size.

I wouldn't buy a surface pro if you use it at a desk regularly. For purely mobile use with occasional docking maybe it's ok.

If you buy it the NZ warranty has some value.

tchart

2396 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 577

ID Verified

Trusted

#1822280 14-Jul-2017 09:54

sbiddle:

Well you won't have a warranty in NZ. This will mean if you have a warranty issuer you'll need to return it to the US.

On a side note, a colleague purchased (for work) a Surface Book from a well known reputable computer seller in NZ. Developed some problems so rang Microsoft and was told it was US model (i.e. grey import). Luckily they still came to the party and replaced it but I'd suggest if you are buying in NZ make sure its from a proper channel.

Lipo

12 posts

Geek

#1822331 14-Jul-2017 10:57

I will not be using it in place of a desktop. Going to the States soon and do not won't to drag a laptop around. I do not have any other tablet so this will sort of do both jobs

gzt

18679 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 7813

Lifetime subscriber

#1822339 14-Jul-2017 11:05

Personally I wouldn't buy without NZ warranty. Earlier models were known for a high replacement rate. This would not bother me much, I still like them, but NZ warranty would be a must.

That said, many other manufacturers are making similar models to surface now, it's not a one machine market anymore. Maybe look for something with international warranty.

timmmay

20858 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 5350

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1822342 14-Jul-2017 11:08

The surface is quite heavy compared with my Android tablet.

Lego

Shop now for Lego sets and other gifts (affiliate link).

scuwp

3927 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2510

#1822386 14-Jul-2017 12:00

These have just been rolled out at work. Very high failure rate, I would buy in NZ if you are absolutely set on one to ensure you get the warranty. Personally have found mine slow and full of weird glitchy behavior. The single USB port and display connection are a PITA. Also quite heavy for portable use and the battery doesn't last anywhere near as long as expected, in fact I would rather go back to my 12 month old laptop...

Lazy is such an ugly word, I prefer to call it selective participation