Buying a MBP in Hong Kong... or General Duty Free goodness

Fallingman

Ok, so we all know there are some sexy new Macbooks out there now.

I'm considering whether I want to drop the cash on one.
Here's what I'm thinking.

At the end of November - I am moving to New Zealand permanently. Our flight has a 3 hour stopover in HK. Now, this poses two questions.

1) Given the security - I might not have the time or even be given access to the shops.
2) What about in Heathrow - could I pick something up there?

Has anyone had any experience with this?

Wheezer

If you have three hours in Hong Kong you likely won't be able to get to a shop in time. I can point you in the right direction if you wish to try, but I doubt it.

The Airport is a way off from the city center. There is a direct subway to the city, but it runs 40 minutes. You'll need some time to get to the train, wait for it to depart and then navigate to your dealer. The shopping, from my experience, is a quick affair, but you'll need to walk back to the train station and so on.

I don't think you can buy the laptop at the airport either (HK). They have shops there, but that's mostly for clothes, food, bags and so on.

Fallingman

Thats what I was afraid of. I've been before - so I know the trip to HK/Kowloon.
But I've done these "quick" stopovers before - and I'm not convinced I could get to a shop in the Airport in time - let alone travel to the city.

Ah well.

L*2*G*X

Let's put it this way: in Europe you have an 8 day return policy on most products. That means if you unpack, boot up and find your product defect, you can take it back in within 8 days and get a return (or your money back).
So at the very least test before you leave the store. You might not come back there soon.
Secondly, the store might sell gods that do not fall under the normal national/international warranty. This is not illegal, but it is hugely inconvenient for you.
Lastly, many regular electronics stores will treat you as a valuable customer. Chains do not. Keep in mind you might want some quick help with something, or even advice on other purchases at a later date. Good luck getting that from a tax free shop.

I'm telling you this with 5 years consumer tech support for Canon under my belt, so heed my fucking warning. You don't have more chance of getting a problem, but you'll be fucked harder.

Fallingman

If I buy one in the UK, and then something goes wrong - will apple in another country honour any replacement agreements?

Wheezer

I can tell that Apple will honor a warranty in China for a computer bought in Hong Kong. I've used the Chinese support number to get service in English and used the Chinese repair center. I would think they honor the warranty from UK all the same, but I haven't tried it.

L*2*G*X

This could be because Hong Kong is China for all intents and purposes, and you better not say else. Or it could be that Apple Support China is particularly friendly. Google is your friend here.

Cauld

I think this is, in fact, possible. If I recall correctly there's a mall associated with the Hong Kong airport that you can specifically go to while waiting for layovers. It has about 80 stores if I remember the sign correctly, and there is free transportation to and from it. Also, the stores in the actual hong kong airport have a lot more complete products than most other airports I've been to. It may be possible that a store there has one as well.

As for the warranty, I don't think you'll have a problem. You could always call them and ask. I got my Toshiba laptop I bought in the US fixed under warranty in Bangkok and it wasn't a hassle at all.

Wheezer

Okay, if there is indeed a mall like that at the airport the purchase should be all right.

Hong Kong taxes electronics very little and the shops charge almost exactly Apple MSRP. The new MBP should be about 19.000 HKD (about $2500.) Depending on where you're from, the lower tax can save you almost $500 (Comparing the the Finnish Apple shop price.)

I doubt you will get the laptop much cheaper than the Apple shop price though.

Fallingman

Wheezer wrote: »

Okay, if there is indeed a mall like that at the airport the purchase should be all right.

Hong Kong taxes electronics very little and the shops charge almost exactly Apple MSRP. The new MBP should be about 19.000 HKD (about $2500.) Depending on where you're from, the lower tax can save you almost $500 (Comparing the the Finnish Apple shop price.)

I doubt you will get the laptop much cheaper than the Apple shop price though.

Well, I'm in the UK and travelling to NZ... so it'd be cheaper than both those places - and that included my staff discount as this company is an apple reseller.