I have been asked to purchase a computer here in the U.S. for an Italian relative. The reason for the request is that they feel the price difference in the U.S. for a laptop coupled with the advantage of the dollar vs. the euro might provide them with a significant savings.

Are there differences in computers and their operating systems here that would not make this such a good idea? How about other factors that I might be missing here. Your thoughts would be appreciated.

The keyboard will be different for one thing - which is why I'm having a friend bring me a keyboard from the states rather than buying one here. Of course everything will be in English rather than Italian, but I'm assuming this won't be a problem. Oh, and IE will be set as the browser, whereas in Europe the user has a choice when setting up the computer. Of course your friend can still change to another browser if they prefer, it's probably just a little more time-consuming.

You would have to take the computer with you to Italy. Customs would probably confiscate it or the fees would negate any advantage. I tried mailing a friend a Digital Camera and had to fight like the dickens to get it back from Italian customs.

Having said that the operating system would probably be a version of windows and in English. You can change the displays but the core programs will remain in english. DVDs and CDs are interchangeable if they download adaptation programs.

Power is going to be another issue. You can buy an american/italian adaptor but it does make the computer a little more "glitchy" than the straight plug into the wall. For some reason to this day my UTube connection still only speaks italian. So some of their programs may never speak italian but always speak english.

My hubbie is a gamer and he bought an italian computer game to use on my laptop while we were in Rome. My laptop is the older of our 2 computers (2 years) and doesn't have a big gaming hard drive but he says it worked fine within those restrictions. Since I don't have a VISTA operating system that probably helped.

Terms of cost? Absolutely it is waaaayyy cheaper to buy a computer here in USA and take it to Italy. Add in the dollar euro rate and they are practically free.

Finally, good luck with warranty repair. You aren't going to get any in Italy with an american purchased computer.

Are you planning on upgrading your personal computer system, maybe a better idea would be for you to upgrade and gift your italian family/friends with your old system. Lately we have found ourselves upgrading every 2 years which certainly doesn't make the old ones inoperable or even particularly out of date.

quote:

Originally posted by Barbara (and Art):
The keyboard will be different for one thing - which is why I'm having a friend bring me a keyboard from the states rather than buying one here.

Barb

I TOTALLY spaced the keyboard issue. Darn italian keyboard drove me NUTS. I've been typing on an american qwerty keyboard for 45 years and I am definitely too old to figure a new one out now. I gave up trying to do upper case and a bunch of other punctuation, etc while e mailing. I send everyone a carefully done e mail saying I'm working with a european keyboard so after this e mail do not expect anything resembling punctuation or capitalization.

You do know you can't just swap out a european keyboard for a qwerty one? You have to correct your operating system to recognize the different keyboard. Something I don't know how to do but I'm betting our wonderful geek squad could come to the rescue on that one.

quote:

How about other factors that I might be missing here. Your thoughts would be appreciated.

Different keyboard means no à, ò, ì, ù but a', o', i' and u'.
IMHO, an awful way of writing.

On my old Dell the part that plugs into the wall comes out of the power brick and can be replaced with a stock Italian cord. The 2 pin TV cord fits.

An Italian keyboard can always be plugged in. Makes the laptop less travel worthy but it works. Which is how this is being typed. Plus if you can type blind then just changing the settings and typing ignoring the labels works to. If I forget the Italian location for some things I'll just switch the setup to US and let my fingers type.

OTOH I'm waiting on the courier to bring me the parts to assemble a new desktop. The Italian price for mid or higher level computers don't seem that different to me. The price I'm paying for the parts isn't much worse then the best North American prices.

On the third hand the price for more basic computers can be over the top here. Which is irrating since I don't need much more then a basic computer.

Warranty service will depend on the company. Some are much tougher on grey market. If you don't care about warrant service then it's not a big issue IMHO.

I have entered Europe many times with my laptop and in no country whatsoever has customs paid any attention to it. Treat it as a personal computer - don't tell them (if they ever bother to ask) that you bought it for a friend.

Power cord needs a $5 110V to 220V adapter. Computer accepts both voltages without issue.

Different keyboard.........okay........that really is the new owners problem.

Have him reimburse you in Euros.

Have a good trip.

If it is a Mac laptop the pros are: it is much cheaper to buy in the U.S., it will plug in (as mentioned) with a simple adapter and condition it's own power, the end user (your Italian relative) can change the language of the OS to Italian very easily, the warranty WILL be valid (I have had several repaired here in Florence - cost $0.00 with Apple Care), and you can even buy them the extended Apple care (3 years instead of 1).

Cons - the keyboard is a for real issue. But then again, after a few days of use, you usually get used to it. Also someone mentioned the accented characters - on the Mac they are easily accessible by learning a few key stroke combinations or using the character viewer that is part of the OS.

And as mentioned, bringing in a laptop is not an issue for customs, just say it is yours. I wouldn't take it in the original packaging though - may be a bit obvious.

When we moved to Italy I had just bought my Mac and the extended warranty...I was told by them that I could go to any authorized Apple place to get it worked on...as luck had it I did not have to do that but it is what I was told...also I think there is one person I knew In Italy that did have to have work done and they did honor the warranty.....so I would definitely ask that question(if it is an issue) when you buy the computer....

Do it all the time. No issues, power, Apple's warranty is international.

I once packed a large flat screen in it's very own suitcase and waltzed right in (knock wood), and have returned with more than one laptop, one for a friend.

Portables are the best for this sort of thing...this also minimizes power issues.

I have a Macbook Pro with a US keyboard, to which I attach an Italian keyboard (the one I'm typing on now) that I bought here. There's a toggle for which type you're using. Power extenders can be bought separately, I have one for the US and one for here.

And yes, strip away all the packaging, check the paper and cords, and carry the precious cargo on.

I think the customs issue was only in the case of if the computer was being mailed/shipped into Italy. Of course carrying with you is never a problem.

I've never had a problem just adding the 2 pin european adaptor to my US style plug/cord - just make sure you bring one with you - I'm not sure you can find them here.

My thanks to all of you who took the time to respond with what I feel were excellent comments.

I will bring these differences up to my nephew in Bologna who will decide for himself if he wishes to go forward. I have had no problems using my own laptop in Italy using an electrical plug adapter. For him though, the issue of keyboard might be important. As pointed out, another keyboard can be attached when a great deal of typing is needed. It seems to me that the software can be set up to Italian language and worse case scenario, a new operating system could be installed but I don't think that would be necessary. He and his wife both speak English quite well. Warranty won't be a problem as I will put it in my name.

Thank you all!

Mike

If you buy your relative a Dell computer, be sure to get the "Next Business Day" warranty option.

I have had my Dell laptop repaired in my rental house in Tuscany with the technican coming onsite with the correct Dell replacement parts. You pay more for this warranty option but you do not have to send off your computer/laptop or take it into a repair shop and leave it and then return to pick it up. Also, to have an international warranty and repair service, you must buy this specific option. I have had a LCD screen replaced last spring while under the original warranty and a hard drive replaced with the renewed warranty this past December.

Initially, I bought my Dell laptop in the States but I renewed the warranty over the internet here in Italy with Dell USA in 2009. I do have an USA address.

BTW, I believe you can order a laptop from Dell in the States that has an Italian keyboard and an operating system from Microsoft that has Italian characters. It may take longer to be "build" but it can be done.

That's it for now. Ben

I lived in Italy for a short while and brought two computers and scanner with me--no problem. There was no slowness in operation as all computers now are dual current so they operate the same here or anywhere. Of course, he will need a plug adapter but that is not a power adapter.

I have "built" my own computers on-line with Fujitsu. I would think that you could specify a european keyboard and component--but never looked into that.

The key thing as others have said--you would need to bring it with you as a personal possession rather mail or send it.

And yes, it would be cheaper here--probably considerably.

IMHO, with the euro currently exchanged at $1.37 and set for a further drop, buying in the US will save some money only if you manage not to pay VAT at customs, when arriving to Italy.

Example: the basic MacBook has a US list price of $999 -> €730, plus 20% VAT -> €876

In Italy, it costs €899, VAT included.

stef_m You are right and hopefully as the $ gets stronger things will be even better. But..there is no reason VAT should need to be paid when arriving in Italy. It would be wise to carry it as a personal computer. In a new box indicating a never used condition might send up signals.

quote:

Originally posted by Jane:
In a new box indicating a never used condition might send up signals.

Unless you carried the box itself, not in a suitcase, who would even know? We've NEVER been stopped by customs in Rome - everyone just seems to waltz thru......... (But yes, I would definitely take it out of the box anyway!)

As mentioned I meant customs issues will arise when you mail an item. Not to mention the infamous italian Postale which seems to separate packages into worth stealing and not worth stealing.

There should be no problem bringing one with you as personal property.

No problem if you don't get caught you mean. VAT is due. I find it funny to blame the postal workers for stealing when arguing about breaking the law.