Dell is charging UK customers 60 percent more than it charges consumers in the US to buy the same Blu-ray laptop.
US customers who want to get their hands on the 15.4in widescreen Dell Inspiron 1525 with Blu-Ray player are being charged $879, which at the current exchange rates converts to around £440. Tax and delivery to a New York address adds a further $76.41 (£38.21) on to the price, making the final cost $955.41, or £475.21.
However, UK customers, are being asked to fork out £729 including VAT and delivery. That's £253.89 or around 60 percent more expensive.
A spokesperson from Dell told PC Advisor: "The (price difference) is due to the UK base model being of a much higher-specification than the US base version. The components that make up specific bundles will vary from one region to another, as the bundles are tailored to specific markets. The UK offer includes a higher end processor; the CORE 2 DUO T7250 in place of the T5550, a better software package; Windows Vista Home Premium rather than Home basic and more memory; 3GB over 1GB. Dell systems are configurable online, so you can select components to suit needs."
In the past other firms have put similar price discrepancies down to economies of scale, as well as reduced localisation- and transport-costs. Dell does manufacture some products in the US, and the Dollar is weak at the moment, but it does seem as though once again we Brits are getting a raw deal when it comes to price.
See also:
Save money and beat rip-off Britain - how to get the best brands for less
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Comments
KerryatDell said: Also I cant resist highlighting the great PC Advisor group test wwwpcadvisorcoukreviewsin that includes this model in case your readers want to see a UK spec and price comparison versus competitor models The PC Advisor reviews team gave the model 45 overall and value for money was also 45 stars Also in the in the closing verdict paragraph the review says If choice of features is paramount in your budget laptop the Dell Inspiron 1525 is your best bet among the models in our test group
KerryatDell said: Hello Carrie-Ann Thanks for querying the difference in pricing on the US and UK offers It is important to highlight cases where we in the UK feel there may be some unfairness In this case however it is due to the UK base model being of a much higher-specification than the US base version Also the UK price includes VAT and delivery and the price quoted in the US press release does not include local sales tax or shipping The components that make up specific bundles will vary from one region to another as the bundles are tailored to specific markets The UK offer includes a higher end processor CORE 2 DUO T7250 vs T5550 software package WinVista Home Premium vs Home basic and memory 3GB vs 1GB Dell systems are configurable online so you can select components to suit needsWe at Dell are trying to listen and learn from our customers and we welcome the opportunities to join the conversation so thank you
Peter said: Nothing new in this is there its still almost a case of change the dollar sign to a pound sign rip off Britain is alive and well