Buying in the U.S for use in the U.K

[JJBreeze]

Hi everyone,

I am going to be in the U.S for a month or so this summer, and I am considering picking up a macbook while i'm out there, as it would work out quite a bit cheaper than buying one in the UK.

Can anyone see any problems with doing this? I'm guessing i'm not the only one who has wanted to take advantage of the favourable exchange rate, but wanted to know if it would cause me any problems in the future.

This would be my first ever mac so i'm quite excited about the idea!

JJBreeze

 

[D3v1L80Y]

Welcome to the forums. :black:

There are several issues with this, many have been discussed here previously. Rather than reiterate them here, I would suggest doing a search of the forums for some more info on the subject.

 

[MartinS]

What would you suggest searching for? I've just done several searches on what I'd consider relevant keywords and they either come up with nothing or thousands of posts that don't seem to be in any way relevant.

 

[hagios1972]

JJBreeze, I think it would be just fine. I bought mine in the US and am using it in New Zealand. The power adaptor is 100-240 volts. I used it while in the US in 110 volts and now here in NZ which is 220 volts. You just have to buy a powerpoint (electrical outlet) adaptor so you can plug it in hte UK. The warranty is international as well. It may be worth buying Apple Care to extend warranty to 3 years. Hope this helps.

 

[symondavis]

If you already own an ipod you may have the powerpoint adapter already, I know my 4th gen ipod's power connector fits perfect into the ac adapter of the macbook psu.

 

[miss_ing]

as far as i'm aware the only difference is the power supply cable and there is no, £ sign on the keyboard.

 

[knightlie]

I have a refurbished US MacBook and it's fine, the seller included a plug adaptor for the mains lead. As miss_ing says there's no £ on the keyboard, but my UK iMac doesn't have one either, and you can use Alt+3 to get one.

 

[JJBreeze]

What would you suggest searching for? I've just done several searches on what I'd consider relevant keywords and they either come up with nothing or thousands of posts that don't seem to be in any way relevant.

Yeah I had the same problem, wouldn't find any relevant threads.

Well, sounds like good news and I shouldn't have too many problems, thanks for the help!

 

[Jammers]

If customs stop you they will sting you the VAT and import duties making the price difference nothing. Post all the stuff back to you and carry the Mac through customs as if you had owned it for ages.

 

[Brown Study]

Don't play any DVDs on it without loading VLC first.

 

[symondavis]

With regards to Jammers post.

You'll only get charged for VAT as 'automated data processing machine' and parts thereof (computers and parts) are duty free in the UK.

guess what I do for a living?