Getting a 27" iMac to the UK

Wezoin

I'm moving from Canada to the UK for school in August/September time, and would REALLY like to take my iMac. There are several issues to this:

1) It's huuuuge. 30.5 pounds, 27" screen.
2) It's a computer - most airlines won't let you put it in checked luggage
3) Shipping by any courier is approximately $600 - $700
4) There are special flight cases for them that run about $300, before shipping

I'm on a really tight budget. My first idea was remove the stand, put the little sleeve thing that came over it back on to protect the screen, wrap in bubblewrap, and put it into a suitcase packed snugly with clothes so it doesnt get knocked around. Any other ideas?

matt has a problem

I would suggest getting something like a Pelican case, and bringing that as a checked bag. They'll run you $200-300 depending on the size, and of course, you'll be able to use it to bring the computer home when you return to Canada.

The 1660 case is about $300, 20"x30" approximately, and even has a handle and is wheeled. The example image even has a older model iMac in it.

saltiness

I think the suitcase thing will work. What I'd do is wrap it in bubblewrap then tape a couple of 2x4's to each side of it so that it has no chance of being bent or tweaked when the suitcase is being thrown around. You could also remove the HDD before packing it so there will be no chance of data loss.

matt has a problem

The suitcase is a bad idea. It will get destroyed in a soft-side case, I guarantee it. A hard-side suitcase is still iffy, any movement inside of the case translates into a greater chance of damage.


This is why Pelican cases exist. You spend $300 now, or $2k when your iMac is iN pieces.

Wezoin

Thanks for suggesting the Pelican case - it looks great. I'll see if I have the funds and/or the space for it in the dorm room.