Using Laptops from US/Canada

[dis292]

I am going to Canada next week and wondered if anyone knew any problems with bringing back a laptop from over there. Im aware that the voltage is 110v and will get an adaptor for our 220v but what about operating system, playing/recording DVDs and TV out problems. Will I get all of the functionality out of a laptop bought over there here?

[Pinotage]

err - you are liable to pay tax on entry to UK - tax free limit is �145 IIRC, if you go thru green channel and get stopped you'll be in trouble. It won't have pound & euro symbol on keyboard, any software will be for north American markett, I don't think voltage will be a problem as laptops work OK on a range from 110 to 220, but you'll ned a UK plug or adaptor. DVDs should be OK unless they hard code in region 1 to software, TV out I don't know.

Check you have worldwide guarantee as its a damn long way to take back for servicing.

[slimfandango]

Pino, do they just assume you've just bought it in USA/Canada? If I buy one on ebay, pay tax as it arrives in UK, then visit america with it, how do i bring it back?

[stoofur]

Slimfandango,

Just to be safe you should take your original receipt when you bought the unit. I assume you would have a receipt to show you have paid any taxes. Alternatively you could tell the check-in staff in the UK. They will probably point you to the correct customs desk.

(That's what my tutor told me on a recent export course told me anyway)