Welcome to the MacNN Forums.

sparkle · Apr 7, 2003, 07:30 AM

Can anyone out there advise the pros & cons of ordering a 17" Powerbook direct from the USA or Asia? What are the issues regarding compatible power imput / adaptor plugs and international warranty. Also interested on any info on duty and freight.

MarkyP · Apr 7, 2003, 07:59 AM

Originally posted by sparkle:
Can anyone out there advise the pros & cons of ordering a 17" Powerbook direct from the USA or Asia? What are the issues regarding compatible power imput / adaptor plugs and international warranty. Also interested on any info on duty and freight.

Well you make it hard to give info on duty and freight by not saying where you are !
However I live in Australia and have looked into this . Another member from Australia has actually done it - try posting again in the 'Australian news ' thread for his experience. Can't remember his name off-hand
Depending what country you are from the only issues are modem and power plug. The U.S. modems are compatible in all countries although some people may refute this. The power adapter on Powerbooks accept 100-240 V inputs - you will just need an adaptor to fit the actual plug .
Different countries of course have different duties and import taxes .
I know if you buy Apple Care - it is recognised internationally.
The only other worry is how carefully it is shipped - it's an expensive computer and the further it travels the more chance of it getting mis-handled.
Hope this helps

Patcarla · Apr 7, 2003, 08:03 AM

Originally posted by sparkle:
Can anyone out there advise the pros & cons of ordering a 17" Powerbook direct from the USA or Asia? What are the issues regarding compatible power imput / adaptor plugs and international warranty. Also interested on any info on duty and freight.

And you are from?

sparkle · Apr 7, 2003, 08:33 AM

yes well - apologies!

I am in Sydney Australia

forcelite · Apr 7, 2003, 11:21 AM

youll be alright, if you want one get one

all2ofme · Apr 7, 2003, 01:09 PM

I've almost always flown to the States to pick up new laptops and camera gear (from the UK, though - probably cheaper flights than from Sydney).

As long as you can have it shipped to you from out of state you can avoid the sales tax, and when you fly back home things like laptops and cameras aren't scrutinised since they can be carry-on luggage and are so regularly carried on international flights.

I'm from NZ and the GST there makes any big local purchases just silly

Be sure to put another (in this case it'd be in the US) shipping address on your credit card before you leave so that the company you order it from will actually ship it to where you specify.

And, finally, don't bring the original box or receipt back with you. Post them home if need be.

PBAddict · Apr 7, 2003, 02:23 PM

The only thing that can be a pain is warranty if you have a problem. But having said that I guess that the cost saving is worth it. If you can physically buy it yourself in the states and spend a couple of days using it there i.e testing everything then should give you some peace of mind.