Buying a Laptop (LHR)
 

I want to buy a laptop and since I'll be travelling a bit in the next few months, I wonder whether I can get one VAT-free (or at least refunded at a later stage).

Can someone tell me whether there're any good duty-free shops selling laptops at LHR T4?

Any other shops that have a good range of laptops in central London? I've looked at those at Tottenham Court Rd over the weekend, some nice ones there, but still slightly overpriced...

About some of the fine prints on VAT refund, from what I've read, this scheme doesn't cover mail orders. So if I order one from an Internet site, I can't get VAT back? (I haven't seen any Internet shops that offer this option except John Lewis, which I suspect you've to physically go and pick the goods up.) Any other fine prints I should be aware of?

Lastly, my budget is around £1200 - £1300 (excluding VAT). Anyone to recommend one? I've looked through here and from what I've seen, Dell, Acer, Samsung have some good ones. Fujitsu aren't too bad. The other big brands are good (if not better, but more expensive...)

Thanks.

Your profile says you're London-based; what is the basis on which you intend to get your VAT back?

I'm not a UK citizen and I don't live in the UK. The laptop is for my brother, who is outside the UK.

(Fixed typo)

[This message has been edited by Leumas (edited 03-31-2003).]

[This message has been edited by Leumas (edited 03-31-2003).]

The laptop selection at LHR's T4 is crap. All Dixons has is a selection of rather old Sony's and all are priced pretty high. Fujitu's are good. If you want to save good wait till you are in the US, the exchange rate is very good at the moment and there are some pretty awesome deals to be found in stores like Bestbuy and even Compusa.

I agree with ScottC.

UK (even VAT/duty free) is STILL more expensive in most cases than off the shelf in the US... plus the choice is better.

Avoid notebooks sold at any DSG store (PC World/Curry's/Dixons) as all the models shown are there not because they are good, but because the mfr is paying for the display/end cap... The selection isn't very objective.

You may want to base price anything with an online site in the States like buy.com and see what aprox prices you get in UK retailers/other mail order or US retailers.

Also buying in Germany or France is normally LOADS cheaper than the UK(especially Germany)


[This message has been edited by NickP 1K (edited 04-01-2003).]