Q. I'm an American studying in the UK for the next three years. I need a hardware package primarily for word processing, ideally one easily and cheaply convertible to US electrical standards (including TV/monitor and voltage/Hz differences).

Would I be better off buying hardware in the US and having it converted here?

Adam Gilinsky
Edinburgh

A. It's only really worth worrying about conversion from US to UK standard, or vice versa, if you're set on spending a fair bit of money on your equipment. If you were just buying a cheap micro you might as well sell give/throw it away when you're going back to the States, as the conversion hassles will be too great for it to be worth your while bothering.

Equipment tends to be cheaper in the US, though probably not enough to make personal imports worthwhile. However, assuming you're going back there after your course (the Home Office probably assumes this, so we're in good company!) and it would make sense for you to buy there and make temporary conversions while you're here.

If you buy a complete system there all you should really have to do is to use a transformer while you're over here. You won't be able to use a British TV, but if you're going for a pro system you'll be getting a monitor anyway. Otherwise anything with a composite video output should work with a UK monitor.

The transformer will change the voltage, but US current comes through at 60Hz and as it is 50Hz in the UK, you may have difficult here, as the difference may disrupt the internal clock.

Check this out with the relevant manufacturer before you buy to be absolutely sure. On some micros - the Apple II for example - it's possible to make adjustments to the frequency quite easily.

Your next problem is actually getting the thing into the country. If you buy anything approaching high technology in the US they'll probably want to send its fingerprints to Washington. US customs want to know you're not exporting it to the Russians before they'll let it out of the country, so check up on export licences with US customs before you buy anything.

Finally, you've got the problem of not paying duty and VAT when you bring the thing in. If you were a UK resident, you'd have considerable problems here, but as you're not you'll just have problems.

Your goal will be to bring the hardware in as personal effects - logical enough, as you'll be taking it out with you when you go back home. However, customs is unlikely to see it like that, and if you've just whipped over to the States for two weeks and come back with a shiny new PC plus receipt, they are liable to take a dim view.