Hi all,
I've said it previously in similar threads - the trick here is to compare 'EXACT' like for like. Same model numbers, same spec. If you deviate from that, then pricing varies and you don't get a true comparison.
We all love a deal, we all love to buy as cheaply as possible - on this forum, it just so happens comparing prices is commonplace with the USA and UK for many items.
I agree, the prices of electronics has come down in the UK, and similarly they have in the USA. Many laptop manufacturers are nowadays including international warranties, so that helps with peace of mind. However, as ever there is more to it than just that. A plus point for purchasing in the UK is that you'll have more rights as a consumer than if purchased from abroad. Statutory rights indicate a 2 year period for an item for it to be fully functional, any failures which are inherent in the product is covered. Many people believe its one year - it's actually two. If you're a consumer that likes that peace of mind, fair enough go for it. However on the other hand, you WILL pay for that peace of mind in the retail price. And yes, the UK is always higher, sometimes quite substantially for the EXACT same product.
As it's very very popular, and alot of people like them lets take a quick look at Apple. Their stores are in the UK and in the USA. They sell the same products.
UK Apple store - the Apple Macbook Air is 'from £1149' GBP
USA Apple store - the Apple Macbook Air is 'from $1499' USD
£1149 GBP is 'currently' $1904 USD (£1= $1.65 USD) - thats quite a substantial $400 extra, for the EXACT same item.
'Value' is perception - If a consumer 'values' peace of mind in buying from the UK so that in case anything goes wrong with it they can take it back quite easily and invoke consumer rights - fine, to have that ease, it has to be paid for, and you can see part of where that $400 increase in the price goes to. If you compare your rights for buying the same product in the USA, knowing in case of issues you 'may' need to send it back at your cost, then you can make up your own mind if the saving in retail price is 'worth' it in case you ever do need to send it back.
Things get more blurred, when you buy say a discounted item of the same model in either country but compare it to a normal outlet in either country. Always compare like for like - if you look on a UK discount site, compare to a USA discount site and vice versa.
To the OP - your choice as in to what you'd like to do! my own personal vote is Buy in the USA!
Cheers, DtM! West London & Slough UK!