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Price comparison UK v US

I'm slightly confused as to why the Macbook is a lot cheaper in the UK to the US - we're both going through the Credit Crunch and it appears I could fly out to the US, buy a Macbook, and then fly back and still have money to spare compared to if I buy it in the UK. Here's the comparison at today's exchange rate:

Macbook 2.0:
UK: £949
US: £694 (£255 cheaper)

Macbook: 2.4:
UK: £1149
US: £853 (£296 cheaper)

Macbook Pro 2.4:
UK: £1399
US: £1068 (£331 cheaper)

Macbook Pro 2.53:
UK: £1749
US: £1334 (£415 cheaper)

It does seem a **** of a lot more more to buy a Mac in the UK compared to out neighbours over the pond!

MacBook Pro 2.2Ghz 4gb RAM, Mac OS X (10.5.5)

Posted on Oct 15, 2008 4:16 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 15, 2008 4:37 AM

You've made a very common mistake in comparing the UK to US prices.

You've completely forgotten to take account of Sales Tax / VAT...

The US prices quoted don't include Sales Tax (which varies depending on the State you reside in), whereas the UK prices do (at 17.5%).

So, for a fair comparison, you should take 17.5% off all the UK prices, then compare to the US.

Macbook 2.0:
UK: £807 ex VAT
US: £742 (£65 cheaper)

Macbook: 2.4:
UK: £977 ex VAT
US: £914 (£63 cheaper)

Macbook Pro 2.4:
UK: £1190 ex VAT
US: £1143 (£47 cheaper)

Macbook Pro 2.53:
UK: £1488 ex VAT
US: £1429 (£59 cheaper)

You must let me know where you can get a return flight to the US for less than £65!! 😉
8 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 15, 2008 4:37 AM in response to Alan Green

You've made a very common mistake in comparing the UK to US prices.

You've completely forgotten to take account of Sales Tax / VAT...

The US prices quoted don't include Sales Tax (which varies depending on the State you reside in), whereas the UK prices do (at 17.5%).

So, for a fair comparison, you should take 17.5% off all the UK prices, then compare to the US.

Macbook 2.0:
UK: £807 ex VAT
US: £742 (£65 cheaper)

Macbook: 2.4:
UK: £977 ex VAT
US: £914 (£63 cheaper)

Macbook Pro 2.4:
UK: £1190 ex VAT
US: £1143 (£47 cheaper)

Macbook Pro 2.53:
UK: £1488 ex VAT
US: £1429 (£59 cheaper)

You must let me know where you can get a return flight to the US for less than £65!! 😉

Oct 15, 2008 12:43 PM in response to dasein

Easy really: put the macbook and it's accessories in your luggage and if you're randomly selected for inspection they'll think it's your computer (no VAT). If you enjoy retaining the packaging then break the box down so that it's as small as possibly and post it. An empty box will not be too expensive via sea. 🙂

Price comparison UK v US

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