[MacNNUK]

Apart from the difference in power supply voltage & frequency, are there any other considerations in using my UK spec iMac abroad ?

I think my iMac is 100V - 240V 50-60 Hz ?

Potentially, USA, New Zealand or Hong Kong.

(for one, do the different TV standards affect use of my iMac ?)

Your real life experiences appreciated.

Similar question for a (not as yet owned) Macbook etc.

Or should I just buy new one in country after moving ?

Quoted Tech Spec:
Electrical and environmental requirements

* Meets ENERGY STAR requirements
* Line voltage: 100-240V AC
* Frequency: 50Hz to 60Hz, single phase
* Maximum continuous power: 180W (17- and 20-inch models); 220W (24-inch model)
* Operating temperature: 50° to 95° F (10° to 35° C)
* Storage temperature: -40° to 185° F (-40° to 85° C)
* Relative humidity: 5% to 95% noncondensing
* Maximum altitude: 10,000 feet

Why the maximum altitude ?
"Specifically, the altitude concern is for the operation of the hard drive. Above a certain altitude, the low air pressure will allow the drive’s heads to scrape against the platters when in use, resulting in physical damage and data loss."

[seanc]

Should be perfectly fine.

The MacBook and iMac will switch to the the voltage for the country you are in.

[hwojtek]

And since all the airliners (except for those dropping oxygen masks from the overhead compartments automatically) have pressurized cargo bays, you do not have to worry about the transport either. Just label it with appropriate "handle with care" stickers.

[seanc]

The heads will be parked while you're flying (assuming you shut down the computer properly), so you'll be fine.

[tooki]

All Mac hardware since 2005 or so (and most before), all iPod hardware, and all recent Apple networking and entertainment products are universal, and vary worldwide only in the included keyboards and power cords. They will work everywhere.

Airplanes are pressurized so you don't pass out, so there's enough air for your drives to work, too. If you can breathe halfway comfortably, your hard drive is fine and can be operated.

Now, the question of whether it's worth bringing a machine is quite another. Since Apple products cost a lot more in the UK than in USA, you may actually save money by selling yours in the UK and re-buying new in USA, compared to the cost of shipping a computer, which is not cheap. The overall balance may be different for each country, so run some numbers and see what saves the most money.

[JKT]

One (possibly minor) thing to consider if you buy abroad* - you will likely end up with a non-UK keyboard. Personally, I hate using the US/International version as I always mistype returns because of its poor design for that key alone. After developing muscle memory over several years for certain key placements, it is really hard to use a non-UK (or non-Apple for that matter) keyboard. This would be especially true of a laptop purchase.

* It might not actually be cheaper, especially in HK at the moment - check exchange rates and any taxes you might have to pay before you decide to do so. Other country's stores don't always include them in the sticker price.

[hwojtek]

You can order a UK keyboard in the USA just as well.

[MacNNUK]

Originally Posted by JKT 

One (possibly minor) thing to consider if you buy abroad* - you will likely end up with a non-UK keyboard. Personally, I hate using the US/International version as I always mistype returns because of its poor design for that key alone. After developing muscle memory over several years for certain key placements, it is really hard to use a non-UK (or non-Apple for that matter) keyboard. This would be especially true of a laptop purchase.

That's actually a very good point I hadn't considered.

Originally Posted by hwojtek 

You can order a UK keyboard in the USA just as well.

I already have three extra white UK keyboards (don't ask) so I'd definitely take those with me.

[moonmonkey]

Hong Kong uses UK plugs, so if you move here you won't even need to change the plug.

[ghporter]

Originally Posted by moonmonkey 

Hong Kong uses UK plugs, so if you move here you won't even need to change the plug.

Which is a great lead in to my point: if you come to the States or to New Zealand, you'll need a different power cord. I would NOT consider a "travel adapter" for anything like regular use.

[Veltliner]

Don't forget the vaccination.