I need to buy a laptop and I was wondering if it is possible to buy from the USA to take advantage of the exchange rate. Is there a difference in a laptop from over the pond or are they all the same? if it helps i was thinking about a vaio
2007-05-11 10:02:24 · 9 answers · asked by 0scar 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Laptops & Notebooks
For the most part they are all the same. Although there are some key differences, for instance, the DVD players in UK laptops are different than US laptops because of the difference in DVD standards, and burning methods. Also there is a version of Windows Vista for the UK that is slightly different than US versions, mainly that everything is in metric, it will also work for sure with any laptop bought in either country.
I recommend buying from the country you are from, just because then if something goes wrong with it in the future, it won't be a huge hassle to get service on the computer.
2007-05-11 10:08:58 · answer #1 · answered by Matt 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The only two differences I can think of are that the mains plug will be US but that is not a problem as converters are cheap and readily available.
The second one can be a bit of a pain though. The keyboard would be American. Certain keys are different on an American layout keyboard and sometimes there is no pound sign.
Also there may be issues with the warranty but I would doubt it as Sony VAIO laptops are available in the UK and support is too. You might want to check this one though.
If you can live with this then I would say that they were the same.
2007-05-11 10:07:43 · answer #2 · answered by wizardryuk 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Apart from price you mean. Well my advice to you would be don't buy it from outside of the country you live in. If anything goes wrong you will need to ship back to that country. I know people who have purchased abroad for the money saving. Only to end up paying more latter when things went wrong.
Most PC's have a return to site etc in the warranty, it could be expensive as you would need to send it record/special delivery. You should check very carefully where you would stand if things went wrong during the garantee period, and after for that matter, becuse you may be surpirsed!
2007-05-11 15:16:17 · answer #3 · answered by ReBecca_Oraya 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you going to get a laptop, if you can afford it get a mac.
They are super intelligent system, the only thing you might have to change is the cord to work from US vac to whatever is used in the UK. They have an automatic switch built inside, at least the one I brought to Italy and that is all i needed. As for the keyboard, mac has a software built inside to change to different style keyboard symbols. Check it out first, you won't be disappointed. If you can, try to get some info. from the Macmall.com or if you go with a Pc go to Pcmall.com.
2007-05-11 10:50:40 · answer #4 · answered by saint71 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The power cord is different. But that would be easy to solve.
The AC input voltage is different. But I would suspect that the power adapter will cope with 100V AC up to 240 V AC.
The keyboard layout will be different. You could get a replacement keyboard in the UK, but that would probably negate the savings. You could run with a US keyboard definition, but that will be a pain next time you need to use a pound symbol.
If it breaks you may need to ship it back to the states. You would need to see the T&Cs of the warranty.
2007-05-11 10:10:18 · answer #5 · answered by Simon T 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
: uk keyboard format the united kingdom format is comparable to u . s . format. Hong Kong makes use persons and chinese language (classic) keyboards particularly than uk ones. See the object British and American keyboards for information. See additionally Technical standards in colonial Hong Kong. be unsleeping: * the important to the prompt left of numeral a million (backtick, `) factors (logical now no longer, ¬) even as shifted (rather of ~) and with AltGr the two ** vertical bar | (OS/2's UK166 keyboard format, Linux uk keyboard format, and as many times imprinted on the important on keyboards presented indoors the united kingdom), or ** broken vertical bar ¦ (Microsoft residing abode abode windows' uk keyboard format); * the important to the prompt left of Z factors, even as shifted, the two ** broken vertical bar ¦ (OS/2's UK166 keyboard format and as many times imprinted on the keytop on keyboards presented indoors the united kingdom), or ** vertical bar | (Microsoft residing abode abode windows' uk keyboard format and Linux uk keyboard format). US :: middle North American keyboard format the U. S. keyboard format would not use AltGr or any ineffective keys, and subsequently can provide no way of inputting any style of diacritic or accessory; this makes it improper for all yet a handful of languages. U.S. keyboards are used now no longer purely indoors u . s ., yet besides in optimum English-talking international places, e.g. Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. indoors the united kingdom, uk keyboards are used. See British and American keyboards for information. US-international pass to the internet website under for extra information
2016-12-17 10:16:39 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should just go with buying it in your own country with disadvantages of importing mentioned above. Also, that Mac supporter has NO IDEA what he/shes talking about. DO NOT GET A MAC. No matter what.
2007-05-11 12:34:52 · answer #7 · answered by Jake 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you do you'll be slammed for excise tax and VAT. The keyboards can be different. It's just not value, besides what will you do if it goes wrong. Buy from home and be safe.
2007-05-11 10:08:14 · answer #8 · answered by tucksie 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
us are mostly better for value uk companies are out to take your trousers down (rip you off)
2007-05-11 10:14:35 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋