M17x pre-purchase questions

Hello, First post here after lurking on and off for the past year initially looking to buy a Sager NP9262 but now in the process of finalizing an M17x purchase.

I live in the United Kingdom and want to purchase the Alienware from the US. I have relatives in America who will forward the package and i don't really mind losing warranty as long as it arrives in working order.

The Specs:

• Windows Vista Home Premium (64 bit) + Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade Coupon
• Intel® Core™2 Duo P8600 2.4GHz (will buy oem Qx9300 for £400)
• Dual NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 280M, 2GB – SLI® Enabled
• 17-inch WideUXGA 1920x1200
• 4GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1333MHz (split between buying cas 9 8gb ram from gskill or waiting for low cas 8gb in the future)
• 320GB - 2x 160GB 7,200RPM - RAID 0 ( simply for the second drive caddy... i have 2 seagate 500gb momentus waiting)
• Slot-Load Dual Layer Blu-ray Burner
• 1Yr Ltd Hardware Warranty, InHome Service after Remote Diagnosis
• Space Black – Anodized Aluminum

What do you think of this build, any suggestions?

Does Dell Test the notebook before shipping for dead pixels, alienfx faults..etc? i have already tried asking dell through chat but they didnt reply.

im looking to max this baby out yet save a bundle in the process hehe.

Xenonix

 

Looks good. I'm sure you'll enjoy it

Please be aware that they are tested but sometimes systems are sent and need replaced.

I wish I could say that 100% of all systems shipped are problem free but that simply isn't the case.

 

they shipped me with missing hard drive you better be careful about it.

 

thx sleey0. Thats good news hopefully i wont have to ship it back since that would defeat the whole purpose which is to save money

 

Have your friend in the US that is taking delivery open it up and try it out real quick.

 

sleey0 heś my uncle and i don't think hes computer literate. Doing so will probably void my warranty before i even receive the unit XD

 

1. Having a friend use your laptop does not void the warranty.
2. There might even be a way to have your warranty transfered to Dell-UK, just call them and tell them since you bought it you've since moved to the UK.

 

And be prepared for a hefty bill from UK Customs. If you're unlucky and they check your package then you could be looking at them charging you the 15% VAT on it. Even if you pretend it's a gift (which leaves you open to criminal charges of deception) you're still supposed to pay the VAT.

 

Sorry to be so downbeat on my first post on this excellent forum but....

I echo what hollis_f says - you will almost certainly be stung for a VAT Bill at 15%, on top of that you will probably have to pay a handling charge to the shipping agent which will be £10 or £20 or even more. Luckily import duty on laptops is nil I beleive.

Your chances of it getting through customs witout getting detected are virtually nil. I'm fairly certain that the package will have to be marked with its contents and export value on leaving the USA.

Your best bet would be for a relative to unpack the laptop and bring it over himself, stating it is his own for personal use. Is this realistic?

Another point to consider is the power supply. Presumably it will come with a US power supply. Is this suitable for the UK or will you need to order a new one?

Of course even after all this, it may still end up costing less than Alienware UK, given the scandalous price differential.

 

@marvie100: it was a bad joke. Thnx for that info i will call them today.

@hollis f: you are right i would have to pay around £350 on tax alone if i get caught. I have set that money aside in case i do.

@chorltonred: regarding the powersupply and the US keyboard, i called dell uk and they told me all part upgrades are done through a company called Upgrade options site: http://www.upgrade.co.uk/dell.asp i called this company and they told me they do sell uk keyboards and powersupplies for the m17x they just need the service number.