[Gohok!]

Couple of questions: I presently live overseas, in a country that exacts hefty import duties. If I were to buy the 20" iMac I want while back in the States- in another weeks time- the savings would be substantial.

So, I would like your opinion as to how travel worthy an in-the-original boxed 20" iMac would be traveling within a checked suitcase. And, for what it's worth, I will fly non-stop on the overseas leg and will stop in two US cities with no other connecting flights. Would you recommend I try this, or not?

Secondly, can someone with an Intel iMac give me the exact dimensions of the box? I need in order to determine if the two suitcases i presently own are big enough to take the packeage on the return leg.

Thanks for any and all help!

PS- Upon my return to the overseas airport, I anticipate- with 99% certainty- no baggage searches upon arrival.

[irus]

In the past, people have recommended getting rid of the original box, and putting all the packing materials in a similarly sized brown box or straight into the suitcase. This way, it will no longer be considered an item intended for possible resale, but merely a personal item, and you're not as likely to have to pay various import duties the mystery country may have. Also it's a good idea to put all the manuals, CDs, and accessories into another suitcase.

[harrisjamieh]

I personally think this sounds like a crazy idea - have you seen the way the baggage guys throw the cases around? no? Well go to an airport and have a look... I very much doubt an iMac will survive that amount of torture...

[uicandrew]

here's another idea. if you're going to be overseas for a while, i would order the iLugger. i am considering getting one because i've had to carry my imac around in the original box, and it is not fun.

you really should look at it seriously. It meets the requirement of a carry-on. i think this is the perfect solution (although a bit pricey, but i would consider it well worth it, especially in your case. luggage handlers don't treat bags gently.

http://www.luggerbags.com/ (and they also ship overseas)

good luck

[Gohok!]

Thank you to everyone for replying.

Yes, i am aware that some baggage handlers are brutes. But I'm not so sure there is no rough baggage handling going on at FedEx and UPS flight centers. What I am sure of is this, solid state electronic components are better able to withstand those shocks than they were not so long ago. As well, the light bags get tossed about more than the fifty pounders. If I do this, I will have it packed as snug as can be and just shy of the bag weight restrictions.

I will look into the iLugger. But, honestly, I can't imagine how the 20" iMac could fit in an overhead bin in that setup. But maybe that comes down to the air ship cabin specs.

Irus- GREAT IDEA! That could make all the difference IF they do open my bags. Thanks!

[Gohok!]

Say, what about the original 20" Intel iMac box dimensions? I really need this to plan!

And I only have one day left that I could shop for anothe pieces of luggage....

Please, anyone?????

[Gohok!]

uicandrew- Super! That's a great looking product, thanks for sharing the URL. I'll look into that further...

[iREZ]

the following made me laugh...