Take Destop Computer in Luggage

[Hoot 0]

Hello All:

My wife has her interview Sept 28. In anticipation of success - we want to set her parents up with a computer and a vonage phone to call us in the USA. I know I can easily take a laptop with me - but - is it possible to take a desktop CPU in my luggage to Philippines ??? Any customs issues ??? Any suggestions ???

Thank you

Dolly n Hoot

[marriedtomrg 141]

Hi Hoot.

You may want to check TSA regulations about that, however, it may be better for you to buy them a PC locally. You can have one assembled to a specific configuration. Silicon Valley, Rising Sun and Villman Computers are trusted PC stores here and they can help you assemble a PC to specs. Branded desktops are very expensive here. Saves you a whole lot of worry about customs and just if the whole thing will make it in one piece.

Instead of Vonage, with a good wireless broadband Internet connection (I use SmartBro postpaid, Php 999/month), a powered USB hub (which you can buy at Php 500 and get a convertible power adaptor, it needs like 5V of juice), MagicJack (US$ 19.95 registration fee paid annually, no monthly bills) and any kind of handset, you'd be saving a bundle compared to a Vonage phone.

Hope this helps.

Hello All:

My wife has her interview Sept 28. In anticipation of success - we want to set her parents up with a computer and a vonage phone to call us in the USA. I know I can easily take a laptop with me - but - is it possible to take a desktop CPU in my luggage to Philippines ??? Any customs issues ??? Any suggestions ???

Thank you

Dolly n Hoot

[el cordobés 0]

You can if you want to, but your luggage could be mishandled and your CPU might be ruined. You might also be required to pay customs duties if you declare it. Why don't you just bring the notebook with you? Or bring money to buy a computer in the Philippines.

[SuperDuper! 230]

You can if you want to, but your luggage could be mishandled and your CPU might be ruined. You might also be required to pay customs duties if you declare it. Why don't you just bring the notebook with you? Or bring money to buy a computer in the Philippines.

As tempting as it is to take a small desktop pc in the luggage, don't do it. THe best advice is to buy a desktop locally from an established store, and talk to the tech employees there and you will likely get a personal contact with them so that they will respond to the house if there is a technical problem. Chances are, your parent in laws are not computer wizzes, so having a solid technical support person on call is important. Bring cash to buy the pc, as they usually only accept local credit cards. Besides, you will save the 3% transaction fee on a credit card. PCs are so cheap now, and they are all made in china and taiwan, so the shipping expense to the Phils, may make the pc even cheaper there. Get it custom built there for less. Good luck!

[Hoot 0]

Thank you everybody

Dolly n Hoot

[AbbynSheryl 0]

hey almost laptop and desktop are the same price and take a laptop with u and it will be very easy and safe. good luck. abby n sheryl

[Nikita2Charles 32]

You got some great advice already, it's possible to take the desktop with you, you can tell them you have some work to do there, try to get a laptop that would be better, but if you can't afford to get one now and already have that PC you can give sure. The problem to keep in mind, your luggage will get bounce around a whole lot, so make sure there's no cd, or anything in there, and keep it in the middle of the suitcase with all your clothes around it beside the bubble wrap, bubble wrap it but not fully seal so the TSA when checking your bag can see it's a PC and they can put it back as it is. I've done it and never had any problem.

Magic Jack is your best friend it's $20 annually compare to monthly charges by Vonage. The main thing, you can try save that money to try to get her a broadband internet connection there.

Edited September 14, 2009 by Nikita2Charles

[Lancelotte25 1]

Bringing a CPU is not a good idea, your luggage will be rolling upside down from the conveyor to the baggage room to the baggage container and finally to the aircraft bulk area.