should I buy a notebook overseas?

missionimpossible

missionimpossible

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I am looking to buy a notebook with the fol specs:
200Gb - 2Gb RAM - core 2 duo - with all the latest features

I'm doing some quotes locally and finding it to be in the R14k -15k range for a good and reliable brand.

I have checked the prices on Amazon UK and can get a notebook like this for R9k updwards (depending).

question:
If I am planning a holiday in the UK, is it worth buying it there?

I am aware that this has to be "declared" when you land at JHB INT.
 
My cousin bought a new HP Pavilion AMD Turion x2 with 250GB HDD, HDMI out, 2GB RAM and Geforce 8400 M for R3000 in Dubai. Can you say bargain?:rolleyes:
 
I bought my HP Pavilion at Best Buy in the USA in December 2005 for around $1100.00.

At that stage it was a bargain! I got nailed for R900.00 import duty when I came back in. I would be very careful of not declaring it, as they will nail you with a penalty if you try to sneak it through. It is a criminal offence not to declare goods which you purchased overseas, and this one would def. take you over your allowance. It makes no difference that you use it while in the UK.

Even with the import duty I feel I still got a bargain of several thousand rand.

My HP warranty is valid anywhere in the world. And the laptop is still going strong.

Edit: Actually, the declaring it was also partly a ruse... since they fussed so much over the laptop, they failed to look at all the DVDs and other stuff in my baggage.
 
Just confirm your price includes taxes. You can also phone SARS or the Airport to find out the import duties. Many people are surprised to find that most (but not all) models cost the same, if not less, than overseas prices. --EDIT-- Low/Mid end models, High end models are a rip-off here

You also need to check the power supply - You need a 220/240V and not a 110V !!!

But the only real bargin are from Dubai and they have arabic/english keyboards and many I saw when working in a PC store did not come with a legal copy of XP and their drivers where dodgy.
 
cbrunsdonza said:
Just confirm your price includes taxes. You can also phone SARS or the Airport to find out the import duties. Many people are surprised to find that most (but not all) models cost the same, if not less, than overseas.

You also need to check the power supply - You need a 220/240V and not a 110V !!!

But the only real bargin are from Dubai and they have arabic/english keyboards and many I saw when working in a PC store did not come with a legal copy of XP and their drivers where dodgy.
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Almost all laptops today have switching power supplies that can handle 110-240 Volts. If it doesn't it is not really cutting edge technology. But best still to check! :)
 
Surely if they stop you, you just say "this is my laptop that I bought here and took over with me" How would they know?
 
Grimspoon said:
Surely if they stop you, you just say "this is my laptop that I bought here and took over with me" How would they know?
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All laptops that are taken OUT of the country are declared and put on a register. They are waaaay ahead of you my friend. Don't underestimate their innovation to make more money. And if you FAIL to declare your laptop upon leaving South Africa, you can be charged import duty AGAIN when bringing it back in again. :(
 
Garyvdh said:
All laptops that are taken OUT of the country are declared and put on a register. They are waaaay ahead of you my friend. Don't underestimate their innovation to make more money. And if you FAIL to declare your laptop upon leaving South Africa, you can be charged import duty AGAIN when bringing it back in again. :(
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Ermmm I was in the UK in 2006 and no one took my Laptop details when I left?? I wasnt stopped when comming back in though, but surely it should be common knowledge to declare your laptop when leaving the country?
 
Grimspoon said:
Ermmm I was in the UK in 2006 and no one took my Laptop details when I left?? I wasnt stopped when comming back in though, but surely it should be common knowledge to declare your laptop when leaving the country?
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It is... there is a huge sign when you exit South Africa and go past the customs desk. The guys are all sitting there and you declare any goods there that you intend to re-import. The only way they would allow an exception is if you had proof of purchase.

http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php?t=38744

http://www.moneywebtax.co.za/moneywebtax/view/moneywebtax/en/page319?oid=2367&sn=Detail
 
who.is.michael said:
Simply put NO, support issues and you should be able to obtain it locally with at a cheaper price, wit a bit of research...
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Depends on the make and brand. HP supports all of their hardware worldwide :)

.... their service agents on the other hand are a different kettle of fish! :eek:
 
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