Expert: Bobbert - 10/3/2007

Question
I would like to buy a desktop / laptop in the US now and take it to India 9 months from now - just want to make sure if the hardware / software will work there when I return?  How can I make sure of this.  Your advice would be very helpful.  Thanks

Answer
Well, the only things I'd be concerned with are language and electrical compatability, language is mainly a personal preference, and I'm sure you can buy software regionally that supports that (if needed, I only bring this up because any software sold in the US is likely going to be primarily English language or only English language).

Power is the more serious issue, because the system may not run on the available mains electrical found in India (I'm not sure what is actually used, systems purchased in the US are capable of 115VAC 60hz and 230VAC 60hz input, so you have to be able to provide that for the machine, if you're going to be running a converter, it needs to be capable of taking a high amperage input/output because of the high amperage draw of a computer).

So I'd look into whats available as mains electrical, and then see if thats going to suit a US-spec machine. Another option might be to purchase the machine here, and purchase a new ATX compatable power supply in India (ATX won't change regardless of location, but the mains AC input will, so I'm assuming an ATX-spec PSU sold in India will be compatable with the Indian electrical system, and will provide the required internal DC voltages for your system).

Aside from that, everything else should be fairly compatable, ethernet doesn't change, modem connection doesn't change, peripherals are bought with the machine, so no worries there (and they all use standarized connections anyways), so aside from electrical connection and language, I wouldn't be all too worried.

-bob