[willed]

With the Pound approaching double the value of a Dollar, I was wondering if it's possible or, more importantly, at all legal to buy a Mac from the US?

Can this be done at all? Would the power supply be compatible with the UK mains? And would I have to provide my own British keyboard?

[philm]

Various problems in doing this.

US suppliers will not ship to the UK. It violates their supplier agreement with Apple. Or something.
It will almost certainly come to the attention of the Customs people at the incoming airport, so you will have to pay excise duty.
I think all Macs will accept 110-240V so at least that side of things is OK.
The plug will be a US one, so you would need to fit a British plug, or get a UK lead.
There are the problems of the Mac having a fault and what you are going to do about it.

The US and UK keyboards are not sufficiently different to be problematic.

There are probably other issues which I haven't mentioned.

[Peter]

I beleive applecare plans are world wide (check this)
get one off ebay -- no supplier agreement, and you can make them send it marked as a gift.
Plugs are easy to find

as are keyboards

[Naplander]

I am thinking of buying a MacBook when I am in the US next month.

So the only real issue is the difference in keyboard layout?

Can anyone confirm that I'd just need to get a new power lead for UK..

Cheers

[kmkkid]

Apple usually adjusts its exchange prices when a new product is released. Just wait until they update the product you want and the exchange rate should be fairly close.

[Troll]

Depends on what kind of Mac. Desktops may need a different power supply. Laptops will work with just a lead or you can buy the travel pack at the Apple Store and use the UK adapter.

With the Dollar being so weak at the moment, it's cheaper to fly to New York, buy a laptop and bring it back. That way will probably get through customs without them slapping VAT on you.

[Doofy]

Mac Pro is just your standard UK kettle lead. Don't know about the iMac or Mini.

[Nivag]

Originally Posted by Peter 

I beleive applecare plans are world wide (check this)
get one off ebay -- no supplier agreement, and you can make them send it marked as a gift.
Plugs are easy to find

as are keyboards

Q: What does “global repair coverage” mean? Can I purchase the AppleCare Protection Plan anywhere?

A:If you carry your Apple computer or iPod when you travel and happen to need repair service, AppleCare Protection Plan offers global repair coverage. You can either go to an Apple retail store or contact Apple, and they’ll provide you with specific information on how to obtain service.

We recommend you purchase the AppleCare Protection Plan in your country of residence as each AppleCare Protection Plan has Terms and Conditions specific to consumers of the country or region where offered. Service will be limited to the options available in the country where service is requested. Service options, parts availability and response time vary according to country. Please see the AppleCare Protection Plan Terms and Conditions for complete details.

from here http://www.apple.com/uk/support/products/faqs.html

personally i've heard it only covers the portable devices not desktop ones.

[cenutrio]

I have done it with some iBooks G4, AluPB 12" (2), iMac G5 20", MBP 15" rev. A, etc. I bought all those for friends and family while living in the States.

Ok, all but the iMac G5 had no problem whatsoever, 1 year and applecare are international, power supplies hold 110-240V, only problem keyboard, which is not a problem (at least for me).

The iMac G5 is a different deal (as any other desktop), originally 110 V, my brother had to use a power converter (or wherever they are called), anyhow after 8 months the power supply died and Apple Spain wouldn't fix it. He got a new international one 110-240V, the repair cost around 180 euros.

Not more problems since them.

So, laptops? yes, you can get great deals.