Staying a year in Tobago - where to buy a laptop?

[Jackie Pace]

I'm looking into this for someone who's going to live in Tobago for a year and will need to buy a laptop. Are they best getting one at Gatwick airport on the way out, getting one in Trinidad or buying one online from the States. Any answers and considerations much appreciated, especially re tax/customs etc.

[Steve Wooler]

Hi Jackie

Welcome aboard!

Hmmm! Interesting one.

Firstly, I can't say I've ever seen laptops on sale at Gatwick, although I guess that anything is possible. I would imagine it will be from a very limited range, if they are available.

I believe they are far more expensive in Trinidad than over here or in the States, but perhaps someone in T&T could confirm that.

If you order on-line from the States, you could still get hit for VAT when it lands and you'll be without a warranty on top of that.

To be honest, I'm not sure what the best solution is but I'm sure somebody will have some good suggestions.

[Jane H]

Hi Jackie,

It is possible to find out what Dixons at Gatwick is selling in their duty/tax free shop and the prices so you can decide if there is a good buy or not.

I think I looked on the net first (sorry - can't remember the net address) and then confirmed with a telephone call when buying a waterproof camera.

If you decide to buy - then you pay £10 by mail order on a credit card to reserve the item, which is subtracted from the final price when you collect having gone through into the departures lounge.

Hope this helps

Jane

[Kevin Hampson]

Hi Jackie,
There are a couple of electrical goods shops at Gatwick in addition to Dixons and there were a few lap tops on sale when I went through in November. They will be a bit cheaper than high street prices as you don't pay the VAT and on things costing around a grand that's a good saving. I recall seeing Sony, HP but they may have had some other makes.

two things to check are that they have international chargers (I know Sony do) so that you can charge with 110v and 240v. The other thing is software, most will come with a good suite of software such as word processor, spreadheet, graphics, and music. with out the programs is just a very expensive plastic box.

Regards
Kevin

[Paul Tallet]

I guess it would be logical to buy the laptop according to your spec, alot of 2nd hand ones may be all that is required.

Then ... make sure it works and, as Kevin says, put in all the things you need.

This seems the best way as opposed to buying a brand new one and then finding it does not work when you get there.

Regards

[Rachel Crew]

I would definitely recommend buying in the UK before you get here: you would get brands that you recognise in Trinidad, but the specifications will not be as good-the prices may seem ok but you will not get as much for your money. Buying from the States will require you to pay VAT and import duty - definitely not cheap by the time you add it all up, unless you can swing a trip to the US while you're here

[Jackie Pace]

thank you very much everybody you have been very helpful. buying from the UK it is then.

[David Watkins]

Jackie,looking at the adds in the local papers prices seem to be about the same as UK.I had a quick look round this am. in Scarborough and there are four or five fairly large computer shops incliding DELL with the same products as advertised in Uk at the same prices.
David