looking at sony vaios, they're pretty. So would america be best or asia?
2007-02-22 23:40:58 · 10 answers · asked by Vix 3 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Laptops & Notebooks
Hong Kong is the best bet for electronics
2007-02-22 23:45:02 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Going abroad just to buy a laptop is uneconomic, but if you are going to the place anyway, it makes sense to pick one up if it's cheap. But legally, you need to pay tax on it when you return. Most of the time, they don't ask for it if you don't declare.
So where would you like to go for your hols and buy one? Dubai is a good stop if you want retail therapy and you're loaded. There are very good malls there. Hong Kong is exotic and good bargains to be had, and China is just across the border and if you go to the computer malls, there are goodies to pick up.
Buy branded stuff that have worldwide warranties, e.g. Sony, Toshiba. Get a proper receipt so that you can verify the warranty. Avoid cheaper less popular brands with no worldwide servicing.
2007-02-23 08:14:45 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
America. Japanese products are far more expensive in their homeland than they are at export. And that's true of Korean ones too (I live in Korea). Import duties are lesser on many import products and in many cases non-existent which makes such purchases economical there.
However, many countries impose duties on some items, even when bringing in only a single one, so it's wise to check the customs laws in your own country first before getting unpleasantly surprised at the airport.
BTW, the problem with Hong Kong or anywhere else in China is counterfeit merchandise. Buying any genuine merchandise there is still expensive, and if you bought a fake and it was discovered at the airport, it would be confiscated.
Is it wise to possibly "save" a few hundred quid - only to lose it ALL at the airport? And besides, who on earth would want a fake Sony laptop?
Also, as mentioned, native language software is a legitimate concern. I live in Korea and all the products come loaded with Korean language S/W. The OS is the biggest pain in the butt.
2007-02-23 07:49:46 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on what currency you are working with.
If you are spending UK pounds, then the US will be best place at the moment as the exchange rate is so strong against the US dollar (plus electronics are quite cheap in the US anyway due to the large market).
You may be able to get a good deal in Hong Kong if you shop around and are prepared to take a risk, but the actual retail prices in Hong Kong aren't cheaper than the US at the moment in my experience.
I'm not sure if they sell computers in Japan with English software/Windows? It would be hard to navigate something in Japanese! It depends on your language requirements.
2007-02-23 07:50:43 · answer #4 · answered by PKblue 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not sure - Asia I would imagine , but you have to *** the cost of your flight there - laptops are getting cheaper here- I would stay here and shop around .You might be able to get a reconditioned one or consider a good secondhand one .
If you search the net for "Cheap laptops " you will find loads . I am sending you two
2007-02-23 08:02:11 · answer #5 · answered by jim95 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
asia is so cheap compare here in america but if you are looking for the quality its better to buy here in america.
2007-02-23 07:50:35 · answer #6 · answered by joy emz 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say Dubai but be careful of service warrantys etc
2007-02-23 07:54:55 · answer #7 · answered by jonbug 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
america would be the best choice...
2007-02-23 07:44:24 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
only HK, but you can also buy online on HK websites
2007-02-23 16:53:33 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
japan
2007-02-23 07:43:57 · answer #10 · answered by meeeeee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋