Buying a laptop

[scotpod]

Afternoon everyone
Just wondered if anyone has ever bought a laptop while on holiday.
Was having a look at Wal-Mart's ones, not needing an "all singing, all dancing" one, just a basic model.
Any tips / advice welcome.
Thanks

[xmelaniee]

I was going to buy a new Mac whilst over their next year. Whilst you can get some good deals on branded ones like Apple, to be honest if you're looking for a basic model you're just as likely to get a good deal in the UK.

The US laptops also usually come with a US keyboard, which can be a pain if you're used to using the UK one.

[Carolynmf]

Bought a couple in Best Buy over the years, but have seen some goods deals in Walmart.

[TATONY]

have bought lap tops tablets phones you name it never had a problem always go to best buy buy the florida
mall

[Rowlf]

Be aware that a US laptop will have a slightly different keyboard layout from a UK one - no £ sign for example.

[jclutton]

Be aware of guarantees though, I bought one from bestbuy which didn't have a worldwide cover. This was even after I asked for one with the cover. Luckily I went back to Florida within the year and got it replaced. Customer service is terrible too.
My advice is Walmart, asda cover their products over here.
The US keyboard is only slightly different, the " and the @ key are in each others place, but its not that hard to adapt.

[jclutton]

Originally Posted by Rowlf

Be aware that a US laptop will have a slightly different keyboard layout from a UK one - no £ sign for example.

See more...

There is a £, its shift and the 3 key.

[tspill]

For cheaper laptops, you can get just as good deals here in the UK. I personally wouldn't bother with the hassle of doing it in the US.
However, if you are looking for Apple products, then that can be worth while buying in the US. But remember to factor in sales tax and import duties.

[fiona88]

Remember if you're buying a laptop over there you'll need to replace the charger which could be £50-80 or constantly use an adapter. Then I've heard theres the tax as if it has a US plug they can tell you haven't bought it in the UK and are importing it. I know of people buying new macs over there and taking their existing chargers to sneak around this (maybe not advisable).
If you're only getting a cheapy, you probably aren't going to save much and IMO it sounds like more effort than it's worth

[JAF]

We bought a basic one from Best Buy (using to type this reply). The plug will only be suitable for US plugs so need an adaptor for our 3 pin plugs. With regard to the keyboard and layout I have changed my keyboard to UK so the £ is still above the 3 key.