Buying laptop in USA

[RooFlyer]

Just about to head to USA and my trusty Sony laptop is dying on me; it's had a tough life.

Time for a new one; really want another Sony. Trouble is, current Aussie range aren't good business machines or at least don't suit me. But Sony USA has just what I'm after; well priced too.

So - aside from the usual caveats of buying electronics overseas, such as power connectors (sorted, I think) and warranty (probably OK with the risk, plus frequent travel back to US anyway), any reasons not to buy a machine in the USA? Im thinking they are pretty much global items now, so hopefully not?

 

[NM]

I have bought a laptop from the USA and iPad in Hong Kong and would not hesitate to do so again, so long as it was a well recognised and respected brand with international warranty.

 

[Fantic125]

Shouldn't be an issue. I've purchased a couple of electronic items (tablets, e-readers, DSLR, etc) from the USA at various times without issues and at a much cheaper price than available locally.

Have a look at Walmart and Costco online to see if they have what you want and establish a basline cost.

 

[Hvr]

And I'm sure software is cheaper there as well. Just have an email address without a country identifier for registration.

 

[RooFlyer]

Thanks for the comments. Repair shop has just pronounced my old laptop DoA, but fortunately was backed up! ( and data recoverable off the solid state drive in any case).

Looks like Sony in SFO will be getting a sale tomorrow.

Follow up question. If I take my existing 'outlook files' folder , with its 4 email account files in it ( off portable drive I've brought with me), and replace the same folder in the new machine with it after I've identically set up the same email accounts, , should all my old emails, and sends be available on the new machine without any further hassle?

I remember the last time I got a new machine this was the trickiest thing to restore.

 

[blackcat20]

Follow up question. If I take my existing 'outlook files' folder , with its 4 email account files in it ( off portable drive I've brought with me), and replace the same folder in the new machine with it after I've identically set up the same email accounts, , should all my old emails, and sends be available on the new machine without any further hassle?

I remember the last time I got a new machine this was the trickiest thing to restore.

I did a back-up of outlook before I restored my computer, re-loaded them back on with no issues. But I assume you have to have created the proper back-up file.

 

[RooFlyer]

I did a back-up of outlook before I restored my computer, re-loaded them back on with no issues. But I assume you have to have created the proper back-up file.

With me I just have a copy of the 'native' email files that get created (at least in the case of my old laptop) in a directory called 'outlook files' under 'my documents'. Hoping I can just slot those into the new machine so I can pick up emails just where I left off.

I have an outlook backup at home, but not with me.

 

[blackcat20]

With me I just have a copy of the 'native' email files that get created (at least in the case of my old laptop) in a directory called 'outlook files' under 'my documents'. Hoping I can just slot those into the new machine so I can pick up emails just where I left off.

I have an outlook backup at home, but not with me.

I have no idea if that works; I was just happy enough that I got mine figured out, I'm no IT expert

 

[markis10]

I agree with the sentiment expressed that there are no issues these days.

 

[horseman]

I agree with the sentiment expressed that there are no issues these days.

You can get the aussie power cable to suit the supplied powered supply from any jaycar store

 

[drron]

The problem is that most places don't have many Sony models in stock.So when I wanted a new Sony I went on line and ordered what I wanted(US site)and had it delivered to the Sony store where I would be(NYC).
The only problem was that they wouldn't accept my aussie CC.however I could go online and buy a gift card to the amount required,pay with my Aussie CC and then they accepted that.It was 4 years ago so they may now accept them.

 

[RooFlyer]

The problem is that most places don't have many Sony models in stock.So when I wanted a new Sony I went on line and ordered what I wanted(US site)and had it delivered to the Sony store where I would be(NYC).
The only problem was that they wouldn't accept my aussie CC.however I could go online and buy a gift card to the amount required,pay with my Aussie CC and then they accepted that.It was 4 years ago so they may now accept them.

Thanks. Interesting re the Aussie cc; hopefully not an issue today. The SFO store is one of their premiere' Galleria' jobs, so again, hopefully the one I'm after will be in stock. But if not, I'm back through in a week, and I planned to do just what you did, except to the SFO store

BTW posted high over the Pacific using UAs in flight wi fi. Works well.

 

[RooFlyer]

Thanks. Interesting re the Aussie cc; hopefully not an issue today. The SFO store is one of their premiere' Galleria' jobs, so again, hopefully the one I'm after will be in stock. But if not, I'm back through in a week, and I planned to do just what you did, except to the SFO store

BTW posted high over the Pacific using UAs in flight wi fi. Works well.

Boy, I got that wrong. ' Galleria'' store downtown not so much of a store than a counter in a mall concourse.

So it was on the train to Palo Alto where the store at Stanford is a proper one and I snagged a bargain end of the line Sony Vaio with everything that opens and shuts. My existing extra sheet battery and power pack even fits it. No problems with Aussie CC and usual international warranty.

Also Microsoft Office 2013 Home and Business US$210. Didn't compare any prices on that - hope its decent.