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Going to NYC in a fortnight... should I buy an iPad?

N

nickhutson

macrumors regular
Original poster
Mar 15, 2009
137
89
Hey, guys.

I am, as the subject states, off to the USA soon from London. Do you think it'd be wise to buy my iPad there? I have a power plug adaptor that lets me plug US devices into a UK socket... but, other than that, I don't see any reason why I shouldn't get it? It will also be cheaper ($499 is roughly £320). What's the sale tax in NYC? Will the price end up being more than $499? How do Apple get past that?

I know Apple will raise the price of it here.

What do you all think?
 
Fortnight.. lol

Going to map out the West Frontier too?

Id say get it, you can always get a UK 30-pin power cord, or use one you already have when you get back home.
 
The iPad app store isn't available in this country yet - but, if all the rumours are correct - the iPad should be released here (UK) on the 24th April - which is the day I return from the states... so, I hope, it'll all work out pretty well in the end.

I am just worried I will plug it into my macbook, something will click on Apple's system - tell them I purchased it in the US for use in the UK and the device will lock... it wouldn't surprise me with Apple!
 
nickhutson said:
Hey, guys.

I am, as the subject states, off to the USA soon from London. Do you think it'd be wise to buy my iPad there? I have a power plug adaptor that lets me plug US devices into a UK socket... but, other than that, I don't see any reason why I shouldn't get it? It will also be cheaper ($499 is roughly £320). What's the sale tax in NYC? Will the price end up being more than $499? How do Apple get past that?

I know Apple will raise the price of it here.

What do you all think?
Click to expand...

You should call the store for stock before going; have it "activated" in the store so you can use it immediately. And Apple can't lock a device bought elsewhere (that's illegal).

As with the sales tax, it's 8.625%; if you didn't know already, we don't have tax refunds like you guys have in Europe.
 
Get one, you will feel extra special using it back at home as it won't be out there yet
 
I get back on Saturday 24th April - which is the rumoured date that Apple will release the iPad here in the Uk.
 
I would not get one if you plan to use it with a conversion adaptor all the time.

I would wait the extra week or two to get one with the proper adaptor for 220 volts.
 
... but I could plug it into my macbook and charge it through that? I just know it's going to end up costing much more in this stupid country!
 
nickhutson said:
... but I could plug it into my macbook and charge it through that? I just know it's going to end up costing much more in this stupid country!
Click to expand...

Yes...good idea...will take longer and as you probable know some older macbooks will not charge it.

but you will need to take both if you plan on using the iPad on an extended trip.
 
When you return to the UK you should be declaring your ipad and paying 17.5% vat. Once you factor in the US sales tax and the cost of a UK adapter, your US purchase might work out more expensive. You would also find it difficult to return the goods if you have a problem ( although you still should be able to get it repaired under warranty). Finally if you are hoping that you might 'forget' to declare the goods on your return to the UK, you may have some additional risk that the UK release is on the day that you return. If you are stopped you better hope the customs official does not read newspapers or watch the news!
 
buckwheat987 said:
I would not get one if you plan to use it with a conversion adaptor all the time.

I would wait the extra week or two to get one with the proper adaptor for 220 volts.
Click to expand...

That is really not gonna be a problem. All apple adaptors have interchangable connectors, just pop a UK connector off one of your spare ipod/macbook adaptors and put it on the ipads adaptor in place of the US connector.
 
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