I have heard that laptops are overpriced in Japan and that it’s cheaper to buy from Amazon US (even with the import fees). Is there any truth to this? If so, what mid grade laptop do you recommend? (I want to play some games)
If you’re going to use it in Japan, buy it in Japan. Its often impossible to get service on an imported device if it breaks even if the same model is sold locally.
Yes, it’s usually true.
Compare models and components between the two. The US site will show you all the shipping and import fees before you order if it ships to Japan.
You’ll need to do your own research based on what games you want to play. If they are older or not as graphics intensive you could get away with a cheaper laptop. If you want to play Cyberpunk or more graphics intensive games you’ll want something with beefier components.
I tried buying a gaming laptop from amazon US a few years back. They gave me the hardest time asking for all sorts of confirmation, faxing them bank documents, etc. despite me having a US-based card and having bought stuff from them before. Customer service was a nightmare to deal with, impossible to deal with the same person. Had to explain my situation over and over again. I eventually gave up and just bought from a local store.
Don’t buy a laptop for gaming unless you go all out; the parts can’t be upgraded.
But yes, even after international shipping, taxes, etc., it’s still much cheaper to buy abroad and have it shipped here. Just keep in mind that you won’t have any valid warranty or service options.
I did it with significant gain but had some (a lot of ) trouble to replace parts during the warranty period. Some brands will provide international warranty for an extra fee so you may want to look into that.
If you buy a gaming laptop with a discrete gpu and a bunch core cpu I would buy it here. Gaming laptops produce a lot of heat in a small area which can make all kinds of problems. Better to get a few years of warranty and ability to send it in domestically for a repair.
Better to buy here and get a warranty that works here.
The G Tune gaming laptops from Mouse are actually pretty decent, depending on what kind of specs you need. If you are in Tokyo, check out the gaming PC selection at Ark in Akiba.
I always buy mine in the US. Even when I was in the UK, the cost savings was significant enough to override the warranty concerns. My last laptop (Surface Pro 8) I ordered and shipped to the US and picked up on my last trip out there.
Another consideration is the keyboard — Your mileage may vary, but I’m not a big fan of Japanese keyboards and prefer US/UK ones.
I would echo many of the comments that a gaming laptop isn’t ideal as they can’t really be upgraded, but if it is for medium gaming, I’d suggest a ROG Zephyrus G14. Personally in Japan I prefer smaller/lighter laptops and don’t want to lug anything big around on the trains.
If you can swing it, a dedicated desktop gaming PC and a smaller unit (Surface Pro is a good choice) would be my vote.
8 comments
If you’re going to use it in Japan, buy it in Japan. Its often impossible to get service on an imported device if it breaks even if the same model is sold locally.
Yes, it’s usually true.
Compare models and components between the two. The US site will show you all the shipping and import fees before you order if it ships to Japan.
You’ll need to do your own research based on what games you want to play. If they are older or not as graphics intensive you could get away with a cheaper laptop. If you want to play Cyberpunk or more graphics intensive games you’ll want something with beefier components.
I tried buying a gaming laptop from amazon US a few years back. They gave me the hardest time asking for all sorts of confirmation, faxing them bank documents, etc. despite me having a US-based card and having bought stuff from them before. Customer service was a nightmare to deal with, impossible to deal with the same person. Had to explain my situation over and over again. I eventually gave up and just bought from a local store.
Don’t buy a laptop for gaming unless you go all out; the parts can’t be upgraded.
But yes, even after international shipping, taxes, etc., it’s still much cheaper to buy abroad and have it shipped here. Just keep in mind that you won’t have any valid warranty or service options.
I did it with significant gain but had some (a lot of ) trouble to replace parts during the warranty period. Some brands will provide international warranty for an extra fee so you may want to look into that.
If you buy a gaming laptop with a discrete gpu and a bunch core cpu I would buy it here. Gaming laptops produce a lot of heat in a small area which can make all kinds of problems. Better to get a few years of warranty and ability to send it in domestically for a repair.
Better to buy here and get a warranty that works here.
The G Tune gaming laptops from Mouse are actually pretty decent, depending on what kind of specs you need. If you are in Tokyo, check out the gaming PC selection at Ark in Akiba.
I always buy mine in the US. Even when I was in the UK, the cost savings was significant enough to override the warranty concerns. My last laptop (Surface Pro 8) I ordered and shipped to the US and picked up on my last trip out there.
Another consideration is the keyboard — Your mileage may vary, but I’m not a big fan of Japanese keyboards and prefer US/UK ones.
I would echo many of the comments that a gaming laptop isn’t ideal as they can’t really be upgraded, but if it is for medium gaming, I’d suggest a ROG Zephyrus G14. Personally in Japan I prefer smaller/lighter laptops and don’t want to lug anything big around on the trains.
If you can swing it, a dedicated desktop gaming PC and a smaller unit (Surface Pro is a good choice) would be my vote.