Will I be able to order a laptop?

[Whistlingmilk]

Hey guys! Hopefully you can help me! We're going to Orlando at the end of August (from Ireland) and I need a new laptop.

I've seen a few deals on websites like HP or Best Buy and I was wondering if you'd know if I'd be able to order the laptop to my hotel? We're staying in Saratoga Springs for 2 weeks, do you think there's enough time for it to come? And one last question, if a delivery won't come in time are Best Buy's usually well stocked?

Thanks a lot for any help you may have ^^

 

[golfgal]

I would plan on buying at the store as a lot of places won't ship to "odd" addresses like that. The stores are well stocked and as long as you don't need anything unusual you should be able to take it with you. Another option would be to order it online and have it delivered to the store (Best Buy). Do you really want to buy a laptop in the US? What if you have service issues-I don't know that they would honor a service contract in Ireland.

 

[NotUrsula]

Yes, you probably can, but most mail-order merchants places will be wary of that delivery address and ask for a lot of verification to prove that you are indeed you.

The biggest issue in buying a laptop in the US is the difference in voltage. You will have to use a converter every time you re-charge it at home unless you can get an Irish-plug power brick that fits it once you get home. Personally, I'm always wary of using voltage converters when charging computers -- one good surge and it is all over.

 

[Whistlingmilk]

Thanks a lot for your replies guys. I'll look into the warranty and voltage issues I think my best bet is to buy it in Best Buy, it's weird thinking I can just go to a store and buy a proper laptop, the only stores we have here sell really crappy ones and everything else is online - with Dell controlling most of the market.

I wonder if anyone knows off the top of their head if there is a Best Buy near Disney's Saratoga Springs, I'll look it up anyway if nobody knows

 

[sbell111]

Yes, you probably can, but most mail-order merchants places will be wary of that delivery address and ask for a lot of verification to prove that you are indeed you.

The biggest issue in buying a laptop in the US is the difference in voltage. You will have to use a converter every time you re-charge it at home unless you can get an Irish-plug power brick that fits it once you get home. Personally, I'm always wary of using voltage converters when charging computers -- one good surge and it is all over.

You should be using a good surge protector whether you are charging your laptop in teh US or abroad.

 

[NHdisneylover]

Just an FYI-- we run our US laptops with converters and have no issues. Yes, something "could" happen but a bad surge could harm them even in the US. For the price savings it can be really worth it, I know many of our German friends also have US lap tops that they bought while traveling. We already had ours when we moved, but I am thinking of getting a replacement for mine which is almost 10 years old, if we go "home" for Christmas.

 

[sbell111]

Thanks a lot for your replies guys. I'll look into the warranty and voltage issues I think my best bet is to buy it in Best Buy, it's weird thinking I can just go to a store and buy a proper laptop, the only stores we have here sell really crappy ones and everything else is online - with Dell controlling most of the market.

I wonder if anyone knows off the top of their head if there is a Best Buy near Disney's Saratoga Springs, I'll look it up anyway if nobody knows

Florida Mall on OBT is probably the closest Best Buy.

 

[Notatourist]

If you want to save a little money, there's a great website from Sony for Vaio laptops that are refurbished. Google Sony and you'll find it.

 

[Whistlingmilk]

Indeed NHdisneylover, the price savings are definitely worth all the hassle and there also isn't as much choice here in Ireland unless I get something shipped over!

Florida Mall on OBT is probably the closest Best Buy.

I've been to Florida Mall quite a few times, I'm really surprised I never noticed a Best Buy :O

Thanks Notatourist I'll look into it ^^ Thanks everyone you're all very helpful !