Buying a LCD widescreen monitor from USA (I'm in UK)

[chodecz]

Hi guys,

As the title says really. I'm in England, UK and can't find many cheap widescreen LCD monitors on eBay, there are more on eBay USA. I'm after a Dell Ultrasharp, NEC, or similar (20").

Do the US models vary in any way to the UK ones? (besides the different power plug, lol).

Thanks in advance to anyone who can enlighten me on this topic.

 

[chodecz]

Guys??....

 

[customcoms]

Unlikely they differ much. I believe the UK is on 110-120v AC correct? If they are on 220v like the rest of Europe you could have a problem. Power is the biggest thing to watch out for, and its not JUST the plug. Correct voltage is WAAAAAAAAAAY more important than the prongs on the end of the cord.

 

[Aluvus]

Originally posted by: customcoms
Unlikely they differ much. I believe the UK is on 110-120v AC correct? If they are on 220v like the rest of Europe you could have a problem. Power is the biggest thing to watch out for, and its not JUST the plug. Correct voltage is WAAAAAAAAAAY more important than the prongs on the end of the cord.

UK is 230 V, 50 Hz.

@OP: you need a monitor that specifically will support your 230 V 50 Hz power, in addition to the US's 120 V 60 Hz power. I haven't looked into it, so I don't know how many have this feature (sometimes called being "world compatible"). Most these days have the power supply built into the display, so you couldn't just replace the power supply easily.

Other than making sure the power supply is compatible, you don't have anything to worry about.

 

[Dave Richardson]

Your legal rights with regard to the purchase might be invalidated if you buy outside of the UK.

In the past I have actually purchased cheap US stuff on my credit card (sunglasses for instance) at massive savings compared to the rip-off UK prices and had the order cancelled because the supplier "unfortunately can't" supply direct to the UK.

 

[Mark R]

You will also get massively stung on import charges.

Screens of 17" or less are import duty free - but you still have to pay 17.5% VAT and handlig fees (about £20).

If you've getting a 19" or more, then it may be 14% import duty, then 17.5% VAT on top, then handling fees. (Not sure whether this new tax rate has come into force yet).

And, remember, you pay duty and VAT on both the cost of the item and shipping.

 

[chodecz]

Looked up the spec, it states the following:

AC input voltage: 100 to 240 VAC / 50 Hz / 60 Hz + 3 Hz / 2.0A (Max.)

So it should be fine .

 

[w00t]

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/prod...spx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=320-5123

does anyone know how to use the search function i've seen the same threads about widescreen monitors at the 20''-22'' range come on people