I'm getting an iMac soon and I intend to bring it with me to Europe for a semester this fall. What's the best way of getting it on the plane? Back in the box and in a bag (so it doesn't get stolen?). Wrapped in plenty of stuff and in a bag (again...). Will the scanners affect it at all?
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How do I bring my mac on a plane?
- Thread starter pusman83
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Just so long as the box/bag is well padded so the thing doesn't crack, you'll be fine. The original box is probably the best bet IMO. 
Just be careful with the cords, if you have any. Last time I flew, they ran my carry on 3 times through the machine. I think it was because I had a million different cords inside (power, network, phone, mouse, etc). They probably thought it was a bomb or something.
pusman83 said:
I believe he was talking about his iMac desktop rather than an iBook...
I have a suggestion, though. Why don't you just buy an iMac when you are in Europe and not have to go through the hassle of taking it with you.
Well... if you buy an iMac in the US and have it shipped to Europe (which you will have to do on your own) the cost will be aout $80 (I'm guessing, here)
Also, you need to take into consideration that Europe uses a different power current than in most of North America, so therefore you may need to get some of converter or NA-->European plug changer.
Lastly, I think the best decision would be to buy the iMac from one of the Apple Europe stores (which country will you be in??) and have it shipped from them, for free, to the place where you will be staying.
If you dont want to do that I would reccommend an iBook or PowerBook instead... much less hassle.
Also, you need to take into consideration that Europe uses a different power current than in most of North America, so therefore you may need to get some of converter or NA-->European plug changer.
Lastly, I think the best decision would be to buy the iMac from one of the Apple Europe stores (which country will you be in??) and have it shipped from them, for free, to the place where you will be staying.
If you dont want to do that I would reccommend an iBook or PowerBook instead... much less hassle.
Assuming you have the 17", it should be small enough for carry-on. Do so. As written earlier, you will have to take it out of any packaging and put in a tray for scanning. Just pack it in with the clothes, and it won't get beat up and it will be with you at all time.
DO NOT check your computer with the hold luggage. If you do not want it with you in carry-on, then put it in the original packaging and ship it to Europe with insurance. Cheap cross atlantic shipping may take a while or you have to pay more to ship it by air, so that it will definitely be waiting for you.
DO NOT check your computer with the hold luggage. If you do not want it with you in carry-on, then put it in the original packaging and ship it to Europe with insurance. Cheap cross atlantic shipping may take a while or you have to pay more to ship it by air, so that it will definitely be waiting for you.
Um, I only have a pbook, so I'm not positive, but you need to check the power supply input for the machine--if the iMac isn't set up to take voltages up to 240, then you'll need more than just a plug adapter. You'll have to get a voltage stepper downer thingy (sorry, I'm sure there's a real word for that, but I'm not sure what it is....sigh....it's early).
-Kush
-Kush
Hey... I forget about these new-fangled G5s and how small they are ... yeah, it should fit as carry-on.
When I think of iMac I think of my G3....
... yeah, it should fit as carry-on. When I think of iMac I think of my G3....
It's a 20'' G5.
The power source is universal I believe and I only need an adaptor.
It's getting delivered here in a few days (Canada prices cheaper than Europe, plus I get to break it in).
Can I really get it into my carry-on (the main comp - I can check the keyboard and mouse in my luggage)?
What are shipping costs/time estimates?
The power source is universal I believe and I only need an adaptor.
It's getting delivered here in a few days (Canada prices cheaper than Europe, plus I get to break it in).
Can I really get it into my carry-on (the main comp - I can check the keyboard and mouse in my luggage)?
What are shipping costs/time estimates?
Bringing it with you is fine, a good place is under the seat. Or just take a whole row and buckle it in next to you. Just keep it padded. No PC tower I have seen exceeds the carry-on size, though my eMac didn't (it's a monitor, which doesn't fit carry-on) and it did come close to max weight, and I couldn't carry it either. Just hope it fits in the scanner at the airport. Damn those things are small. With an iMac, you're golden.
pusman83 said:
I fly a lot between Europe and U.S. I think you would have a hard time taking the system with you as carry on. UNLESS you are flying Business/First Class. Coach is a joke, and very little room (unless the flight is not full). Most carriers limit the size of you carry on, so I would visit there sites, and see what the sizes are.
I personally would ship the box out too your location with UPS and insure it to be safe. Or have your family/friends ship it when you are in Europe if you are afraid of it arriving before you do
Almost all of my Apple equipment is 100-240 V rated, but I did remember reading some posts about how the iMac was only being shipped with a 110 V adapter. Double check to be sure. If it is, then you will need to get a universal one, or a transformer. (More than meets the eye
)..... Couldn't help myself.Kimo
pusman83 said:
The rev A's sold in North America did not have universal power supplies. We had a case here where someone's stopped working when they plugged it in the UK. I saw someone else begging the store manager in Regent St to help them out because the same thing had happened so you'll want to be really, really sure before you plug it in.
A power transformer is only about £20 so better safe than sorry...
pusman83 said:
Not sure how it is out of Canada, but it might be a problem in carryon in the US. Be sure to bring your mouse and power cord in case they want to see if it works. I wouldn't trust it as checked baggage. You have no guarantee that it will get there and very little assistance from the airline if it doesn't. The Warsaw Convention limits an airlines liabiliies to USD20 per pound of checked baggage. If you do check it, make sure you have supplementary insurance.
If you were to ship it direct to Europe, I would give it a week to get there. Go to FedEx.com or UPS.com for shipping estimates, they have online calculators. Definitely insure it. Also, customs on the other end is going to want to see receipts, proof of enrollment, etc.
It'll probably be easier to take it as carry on, check with your airline first.