Opinions on buying SZ3 overseas?

Hey Guys, (I'm an Aussie)

I'm planning to get a Sony Vaio SZ3, however I'd like your opinions on purchasing.

I was thinking of getting the Core 2 Duo 2.0Ghz with 2GB of RAM.

The Sony VGN-SZ38GP/C* retails in Australia next month at $AU3,600+ with Core 2 Duo 2.0Ghz and 1GB of RAM.

That's already quite expensive so I was wondering what you guys thought about purchasing it overseas and getting it shipped here.

Like on SonyStyle.hk (Hong Kong) I can get the VGN-SZ38GP/C with Core 2 Duo 2.0Ghz ad 2GB of RAM for HK$18,780 = $AU2,973.07 (without shipping)
www.sonystyle.com.hk/ss/...8gp_c_e.jsp#spec

or

SonyStyle.com/us has it for $2392.99 = $AU3,077.01 (without shipping)
www.sonystyle.com/is-bin...0&Dept=computers

What do you guys think? Is buying the notebook overseas and saving $AU600+ a wise idea?

*Note: the VGN-SZ38GP/C is the Australiasian equivalent to the U.S VGN-SZ390.

 

Don't forget to check on international warranty, and customs duty. It might put the price over the top. Shipping might not be that cheap either.

Personally, I'd wait and buy it locally.

 

HK don't offer ineternational warranty.

I remember I got my first R505 laptop and I was told there is no international warranty, but thats LONG time ago. I was going to get SZ160 last summer but I think the sales told me Sony warranty only follow the country you got it in.

 

i was in the same situation...buy it locally from aus or get it from japan but an international model...i ended up buying it from my local sony central shop...i think the reason behind it was i sorta needed it then and there since something came up...

 

Are you sure they'll ship internationally? I'm pretty sure they won't (I've tried to get stuff from the American SonyStyle and Amazon.com shipped to the UK)

 

Hi, The other thing to think about is drivers. I purchased a Sony Vaio from Japan not realising that once English OS was installed, all the original drivers were lost. There were no CD's, the drivers were on a seperate partition but as all the instructions were in Japanese I had no idea you had to make a recovery CD first! Also, the warranty I have is only valid in Japan and they don't offer support on the PC once English OS is put onto it (which is no issue for me, but might be for others). Just check out these things and then make your decision.

Hope this helps,
- Kate

 

The main issue is the warranty
I bought my SOny FE790 via a friend in US from sonystyle. Im in Pakistan. Im suppose to get it in a week. However i did save 35%. Though sonystyle does provide international warranty ,but that will increas the cost.

I suggest u should buy it with international warranty.

 

I have done exactly what you want t do. I bought a Sony SZ34 off www.portableone.com to Australia. The whole process was really good! They stress tested the laptop before they sent it and I absolutely love it! They were one of the only sites that delivered internationally and you could still custom build your laptop. The upgraded it to 2GB RAM and 7200 RPM HDD before they sent it.

Postage was about $180 USD ontop and the customs duty came to about $350 AUD. Well worth it! It worked out being close to what we would pay here. Dunno about the warranty but I guess that is a risk I was prepared to take.

 

^ They only ship to America or Canada by the looks of it