buying a laptop at walmart

[richtomas]

having looked at laptops at walmart {web site},they seemed to be a lot cheaper than the uk .
what would i need to buy so it works in the uk?

would i have to pay tax on this?

has anyone brought one in the us and had problems ?

thanks

 

[Lobey]

Hi,

Unless the laptop is going to cost you less than £145 (and if it is I want one too ) then you will have to pay duty and VAT on the full purchase price.

From a technical perspective, here are some things to think about:

- The keyboard will be a US layout. A bit of a pain, but you would probably get used to it.

- The warranty might not cover international use (ie in the UK) although Walmart's ownership of Asda might help you here

- Check the power supply supports 240V (most do)

- Check any built-in wireless card supports the 802.11g and not just the 802.11b protocol

- Any pre-loaded software may not include UK spell checkers etc.

Paul

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

You can get a wireless keyboard from a shop in the Uk and get round the problem that way.
When I have looked however, they cost about the same as in the UK

 

[jockey]

Bought an Averatec laptop in Walmart back in September 2004 and saveda few hundred $$ in comparison with a UK Spec! Had no problems at all with it! Just got rid of it a few months ago as we have replaced all our pcs with macs

 

[wayneg]

The cost in Walmart will also have local tax on top of website price.
I have looked before and the savings are not worth the risk of import duties on return to UK plus other difficulties above.
I bought 2 last year from Dells outlet site here in UK one at £250 and one at £400. Similar price to US but full 1 year UK warranty, delivered to door. One had a slight mark on lid other was perfect. Stock changes all day everyday. Sometimes they have lots cheap, sometimes you don't see a bargain for weeks.

 

[jns]

I know lots of yanks take their's over here with them on holidays and they work fine here on my wireless internet