Buying clothes and electronics in the US of A ..
 

Hi,

Probably off to LA (work unfortunately) in September and got some time to go shopping ... :-) Now, clothes always were inexpensive there, especially with the exchange rate as it is, but is that still the case? And what about shoes?

I was also thinking of a 30 or 60Gb iPod. Anyone know prices there and if there are any US/Uk differences that would be gotchas for buying one there instead of here?

Thanks in advance

Dave

110 Voltage in the US. So electricals need to be dual voltage 110/220 v. Most US clothes will be fecking big :D .

And you really have to wack the US plugs hard with a hammer to get them to go in to a UK 3 pin socket :D

iPod Pricing:

UK
30GB = £219
60GB = £299

US
30GB = $299
60GB = $399

$299 = £159.15
$399 = £212.43

So there is a bit of a saving to be had. Apple does not really discount iPods, or any of it's hardware, so you don't save too much.

If you purchase a power adaptor then it will come with a US style plug, rather than the UK plug, so you'd either want a worldwide power kit, or just buy the power adaptor in the UK. You can charge the iPod using the USB port on your computer.

As the Blue one says, voltage is different, so make sure it's either switchable, or you'll need to use a power convertor.

Most rechargers and PSUs are dual voltage these days, you will need a 2 to 3 pin coverter plug though (cost cents). Go to somewhere like a branch of Fry's for the best prices on electrical stuff - it's a hell of a lot cheaper than the UK.

Cheap shoes like VANS and stuff try the Venice Beach stalls - typically $40 a pair. You can get a serious eye full of California's finest at the same time. ;)

I've been buying Dockers trousers over there for about 8 years.
They are available over here now but $=£, so nearly half price at the mo.
Other stuff may be similar.
I've looked at memory cards previously, but the US shop prices are about the same as best internet prices over here.

Thanks chaps. On the electronics bit I sort of assumed that the 110/240 bit was taken as read .... :D From the comments I assume a power adaptor is not included if you buy an iPod?

Cheers

Dave

I got an adaptor with my ipod.

I think if you update the ipod's software, it needs to be plugged in to mains power before it will finish updating.

John.

Buy all your electrical goods in the USA then check them into your hold luggage to come home (just in case you are going to use them to bring down a plane) and the luggage handlers @ heathrow will love you :D.

John Reid reckons that the interferance from an iPod used in conjunction with a fruit shoot is enough to blow up a 777 !