Does anyone here know if a laptop computer would work in the UK if it was bought in America.  i know they have different plugs and voltage but I know I could get a laptop quite a bit cheaper across there and have friends that could bring one back.  the other place I could get a fairly cheap one would be from Canary Islands but I don't know if that would work here either.  Any techy champdoggers able to solve this mystery for me coz I'd be well gutted if I got one and it didn't work.  Thanks in advance

The first issue is power - you would need an adaptor of some description. Then there is the issue of warranty, you will need a world wide one. Also it will be liable for at least vat and probably import duty from anywhere outside the EU, so expect to add about 20%.

thanks for that Bluebell.  I saw sony Vaio's in America last year for approx £600 and even with 20% added I still think that is a bargain but will give it some serious thought.

You also need to check the specification quite carefully, they can vary even with the same model number.

I'm not sure but don't you also have to pay 17.5% VAT on top of the 20% import tax?

whats the chances of smuggling it through in my case without the box etc like its always been there!  I'm not usually into fraud but they are so damn expensive

If anything goes wrong with it you will have no warranty. So it's probably just better and safer (legally :) ) to buy one over here :)

Daisy

The actuall amount will vary depending on where it is purchaced. It will be at least 17.5% plus what ever else customs specify. To get the exact amount you need http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pageImport_InfoGuides

You will need to go to classify your goods and get a code for them then look up the tarrif. I normally end up phoning them, cos it is not the most straightforward thing!

Yes it will work over here we have a US vaio and just use a adaptor plug - if you are looking at Vaio's make sure you are looking at the Sony USA site, the warranty is an issue not sure exatly what sony offer but with such a big company would probably be a worldwide one?!?

And not that i encourage sneaking things through customs but if you want to bring it back get your friend to pick up a carry case, ask them to keep the boxes and bring the laptop through in its carry case as hand luggage, then it looks like they own it and its not being "sneaked through" i often take my laptop abroad so it obviously doesnt look dodgy! Also suitcase is a bad idea as hard drives can / usually do break if they are down in the luggage hold because of the pressure down there - much safer to have it as hang luggage

thanks everybody for the info.  I'll bear it all in mind as I decide whether to do this all above board or a wee bit shadily!