PS3 from the States - a few questions

[hutch]

Ive decided that im going to buy a PS3 while im in the States, dont really want one except for Blu Ray but I cant ignore the exchange rate or my stupidity when it comes to ordering every console under the sun

The question I have is has anyone done this and how did you get it back? did you take in your hand luggage (I thought it weighed 7kgs.....) or risk it in your suitcase and did you declare it at customs?

Im interested to know what the customs charge is on it as I will be buying quite a lot of gear in the states and would rather declare the PS3 in the hope of getting the rest through rather than getting stitched up on everything.

And does the online function work okay from the UK on USA consoles?

What games or accessories should I be buying?

 

[JayBenoit]

hutch,

I got one back in November and brought it back in my hand luggage. No way i wanted to risk putting it in my suitcase. Weighs in at 7kg and i picked up a cheap wheelie thing to put it in for the journey.

I got lucky coming back as customs was deserted when i went through. Believe me, my lady and I came back fully loaded in terms of suitcases (4) and hand luggage so if customs had been there i'm sure we would have been done. Luck of the draw really.

I believe customs charge is 20% odd on top of your £145 (joke) allowance.

 

[hutch]

Thanks for the reply Jay, like you say I think it depends how customs look at the time as to whether to chance it although for 20% I think i'll probably declare if there is any doubt.

How much are the 20Gb and 60Gb versions out there?

 

[Deleted member 92943]

I am also very tempted to pick one up with i go to Florida in a few weeks.

Someone in the HD-DVD forum wrapped his in Disney wrapping paper to make it look like a present and didn't get checked

I thought it would just show up on the scanners thought as to what's inside

Someon else on the forum did declare his $600 PS3 at customs and was charged £77 which isn't bad

 

[Deleted member 92943]

20GB is $500 which is around £256 and the 60GB model is $600 at around £307

Wal mart are doing a Bundle of a 60GB PS3, 2 Extra wireless controllers, carry case, remote controll and either 10 games or 8 games and 2 Blu-Ray movies for $1400 or £717

Surely if you open the console in the US but bring it back as hang luggage then they can't charge you?

 

[hutch]

20GB is $500 which is around £256 and the 60GB model is $600 at around £307

Wal mart are doing a Bundle of a 60GB PS3, 2 Extra wireless controllers, carry case, remote controll and either 10 games or 8 games and 2 Blu-Ray movies for $1400 or £717

Jesus thats some saving isnt it.......

Are they quite freely available now then, or not?

 

[Deleted member 92943]

Internet will say they are rarer than rocking horse poo but apparently SONY have sorted their development problem and store are regularly getting stock.

I will imagine it would be almost impossable to get one in the next week or so though. fter christmas you should be fine

I can't decide whether to get one or not?

I'm worried about there not being any sort of warrenty, so it's a £300 or so risk

 

[hutch]

Thats my big worry as well but I just cant resist it, especially if the games are region free.

Im more than happy to buy cheaper imort blu-ray discs so getting an imported PS3 seems like the right way to go.

Hand luggage it is then

 

[Deleted member 92943]

OK Guys

With the PS3 being a great deal if i was to pick one up next month in the US. Is it even worth getting one if i have a 360?

I know the PS3 cannot upscale SD-DVD movies yet but how does it perform as a Standard 480p DVD Player? Is it better than what the 360 produces as i have to admit that the PQ is pretty bad.

What will i be limited by if i get a US PS3? Can i use everything like the playstation store ext and use my Debit Card?

Are SONY supportig people installing Linux? I would like to do it but it already seems a risk getting a PS3 from the US as there's no warenty?

I really need convincing guys!

 

[peterweg]

20GB is $500 which is around £256 and the 60GB model is $600 at around £307

Wal mart are doing a Bundle of a 60GB PS3, 2 Extra wireless controllers, carry case, remote controll and either 10 games or 8 games and 2 Blu-Ray movies for $1400 or £717

Surely if you open the console in the US but bring it back as hang luggage then they can't charge you?

True. VAT is only applicable on NEW equipment. Secondhand is not VAT-able.

If its used = NO VAT. Duty is another issue, but its only 2.5 %.

 

[peterweg]

OK Guys

With the PS3 being a great deal if i was to pick one up next month in the US. Is it even worth getting one if i have a 360?

I know the PS3 cannot upscale SD-DVD movies yet but how does it perform as a Standard 480p DVD Player? Is it better than what the 360 produces as i have to admit that the PQ is pretty bad.

What will i be limited by if i get a US PS3? Can i use everything like the playstation store ext and use my Debit Card?

Are SONY supporting people installing Linux? I would like to do it but it already seems a risk getting a PS3 from the US as there's no warenty?

I really need convincing guys!

Linux is supported by Sony and IBM. TBH I would buy a EU ps3, the hassle will be less. Better than the x360?? I don't know. I think they are fundermentally different. The x360 is a games machine to follow on from the xbox1. The PS3 is a complete home entertainment system, a home hub.
Long term *my opinion* is the ps3 will have a longer life. The x360 is great but it is typical MS..a solution to their problems, not mine.They are looking to the next x360 in two years, obsoleting everything like they did with the xbox1 .

 

[Deleted member 92943]

True. VAT is only applicable on NEW equipment. Secondhand is not VAT-able.

If its used = NO VAT. Duty is another issue, but its only 2.5 %.

Sounds good to me.

 

[hey69]

i dont believe that to be honest. i 'm an expert importer and exporter so to speak and have sended out many boxes as used video game consoles and they where always charged!