Is it worth getting a laptop When I am in the US

Forums › Laptops and mobile computers › Is it worth getting a laptop When I am in the US

jaybeedee

64 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 4

#75363 17-Jan-2011 12:57

I am going to LA in a couple of weeks and I need a new laptop. I did a quick search for equivalent models and figure that by the time I add salestax and credit card exchange rates it is only going to be about ~50-100 bucks cheaper than buying here once the GST is taken off. (so not worth the hassle - better to buy here and have someone to take it back to)

Or are the models on sale in the NZ so far behind what is available there and/or the configurations there superior to what we get here ?

Any opinions/experience appreciated?

corksta

2405 posts

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#427990 17-Jan-2011 13:07

Plus if you declare it (like you're supposed to) when coming back to NZ you might get slugged with paying GST on it as well, assuming you're buying an expensive one?

Mprezd

119 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 3

#428017 17-Jan-2011 13:51

really depends on what you want. you will often notice that specs here/there are different. I am looking at asus ultraportables and often they only get i3 models whereas we get an i5 model.

Warranty is also an issue as not everyone provides international warranties.

if you aren't even saving $100 I doubt it is worth it

scuwp

3927 posts

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#428018 17-Jan-2011 13:52

Checked this situation out when my wife travelled to Chicago a few weeks back and came to same conclusion. The little bit we could save (based on the exchange rates at the time) on an ipod/ipad, laptop, or other such device compared to the hassle if anything went wrong just wasn't worth it...not to mention if customs decide to make an example of you and hit you with import tax and GST!

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