What differences are there between PCs and laptops bought in the UK and those bought in OZ? Will I need to do any major upgrades when I eventually move out there?

Are there any differences, except different mains plugs? Electricity voltage and frequency are the same. I bought my notebook in Oz and have used it without problems in UK and mainland Europe. On the computer side, the telephone connection is a standard (RJ45?) type. A PC we bought in UK works fine here in Oz. There may be a difference with broadband connections (I'll pass on that, I just don't know)

So, apart from mains cables, I don't think you will need to do any upgrades....except maybe turn your monitor upside down

Cheers Mike, it was the telephone connector that I was concerned about.

When I go over, I'm just taking my lappy, but selling my desktop pc before I go.

One thing to remember is that, if your machine is less than a year old, u could be liable to pay duty when shipping over. Er, I think that's the case, anyhow.

We,ve just brought a toshiba laptop , with world wide warranty and is common in oz.
Only difference is the transformer , which you can replace in oz.

all the plum

I think you're right about that. But, I found Oz customs to be very reasonable. Once I bought a laptop in NY, took it back thru customs and they didn't charge me anything. Even though they knew it was 2 weeks old and had hardly been used. But, I might just have been lucky...

RJ45 is the ethernet (network) connector. You will find modems have an rj12 connector.

The phone outlet at the wall is different but you can buy a new lead or a converter.

Laptops are expensive to upgrade and repair so think about a 3 year onsite warranty. Some parts like the screen can cost up to $2000 to replace. Your cheap singapore deal doesn't seem such a bargain after that.

This is Australia's latest mobile pc.

I bought a Compaq notebook just prior to coming here. I saved about £100 by buying in the UK (Dabs).

One reason I went for Compaq is because of the worldwide warranty (Toshiba is another good make to go for in this regard).

I have had it in for repair since being here and was very pleased with the service I received - 2 day response, 4 day fix.

And yes, you just need to change the mains plug (or use an adaptor) and get a new lead (or adaptor) so that it will fit the telephone sockets here. My laptop actually came with the correct plug on the end of the modem lead (an adaptor was provided to fit the UK telephone socket).

Are these fairly easily available (ie in department stores, elec goods stores) - or do you have to go to a specialist shop? I ask because my first job after landing in Melbourne in May & getting my visa validated will be to go buy just such a cable

Cheers,
Anya.

I wouldn`t bother with a 3yr warranty, they cost an arm and a leg and a 3 yr old lap top will be so out of date.
You get a yrs manufacturers warranty anyway.

Pretty easy to find, most small computer shops will have them.

Dick Smith Electronics will also have them, and have stores in many areas.

I've been browsing to find some advice on my prospective laptop purchase and I'm in a quandary.

I'll need to buy a laptop in the UK before I go as I'm moving shortly and my daughter's getting my desktop. Can't manage for nearly 3 months without my internet and expats fix!

I was seriously thinking of getting a Dell Inspiron 510m as it's fairly light and seems to have an pretty good spec for my (fairly simple) needs. Current online price £1,147 inc VAT.

Dell laptops have been recommended by Which magazine in the past too. However I haven't been able to confirm from the website whether they carry worldwide warranty.

Performance and weight-wise, Fujitsu Lifebook series S would be my second choice (again, Which reports are my source).

Can anyone advise whether I can get worldwide warranty on either Dell or Fujitsu laptops, or would you recommend Compaq or Toshiba as being just as good anyway?

Elaine M

All you have to do is get a new set of plug and cables, and probably a power surge kit, to keep things under control. If you have to take your PC, just take the intestines out, and go without the case and monitor, you can get these over there, and put it all together, with the right cables.

C'mon guys - any views? Surely someone out there would recommend their laptop (or someone else's?)

Elaine M