Best way to bring IMac

Question

Hey guys I bought a IMac G5 20" and now that I'm moving to the UK for school, what's the best way to bring it over....I was thinking aout putting it in the box and packing it my suit case but the box is to big! Now I was think about checking it in but then I'm worried about picking up and how everyone can just come by and pick it up.....is there another way? FEDEX/UPS the best way (do I have to pay duty?)? is there a case that I can use to bring it on the plane with me...help?

Answer 1

SC,
I'm going to pipe in again on this subject, and what I say is probably going to elicit some contrary comments.
I can't count the number of times I've seen flight attendants (we haven't referred to them as stewardesses for about 30 years) throw or allow passengers to throw bags into a closet. Even if a particular F/A gives a coach passenger permission to use the closet for a computer, the other F/A's aren't going to know about the computer being in that location, and something could very well be thrown on top of your computer. Unless you can protect the screen against what would probably amount to a direct punch, it just isn't worth the risk.
Add to that the effort of lugging the heavy computer around, having it count as one of your 2 carry on items, extra charges incurred for excess items in the cargo bin, etc, etc, etc. Checking the computer as cargo bins its own risks, although IMHO less danger and trouble than carrying it on.
You PROBABLY could get away with taking the computer on the airplane with you, but the airline is NOT going to be liable for full damages if there is a problem.
My suggestion remains to pack the computer in the original box and Fed EX or UPS it. That's how it was probably shipped to you in the first place, and I'll guess it arrived in great shape.
My 2 cents worth.
John