Korean Job Discussion Forums

[WendyRose]

I have a 20" iMAC (the new, silver model) and am wondering how to bring it back to the US when I leave Korea.

I brought it over in an oversized suitcase and it was above the allowed weight (the US airport let it slide). Unfortunately, when I unpacked it in Korea it wouldn't turn on and the hard drive had crashed. I don't want to do that again.

Has anyone tried using an ilugger (or something similar) when traveling internationally? If so, what did you use and did the airline give you any problems? Or did you just mail it over? I'm not sure what I feel more comfortable with.

[hamlet712]

[WendyRose]

Thanks for being so helpful.

The answer to "why on earth would you travel with a desktop computer?":

Because I'm not leaving it in Korea when I move back to the US.

It's not that cumbersome of a computer. I just want to figure out the best way to travel with it (from people who have experience. not random posters who want to offer useless commentary).

Picture: http://www.hanscomfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/apple-imac-computer.jpg

[madoka]

Well, if you are technically inclined or know someone that is, you could remove the HD before traveling with it. I'd carry the HD in my carry on as it would be one of the parts most susceptible to shock. But then, the thing I'd really most worry about is having the screen crack/shatter.

[WendyRose]

Thanks for the advice, madoka.

[hamlet712]

[WendyRose]

Have you seen the iMAC? It's not like a regular desktop computer and really isn't that difficult to travel with. Many people do it which is why I thought I'd ask. Please leave this thread if you have nothing beneficial to contribute.

[victorology]

I would either ship it back to the U.S. or take it on a carry on. I'm not sure if it would fit but if it does, carry on is your best bet. I use a 24" LCD at home and that would fit in a carry on. I carry a laptop and I wouldn't think of checking it.

[WendyRose]

Thanks! Though I don't know what airline I'm taking home yet, I went ahead and checked the major US airlines' carry on requirements. It looks like I'll be fine on both weight and size. My computer is 20" and only weighs 20 pounds. With the carrier it'll be 41.5 total inches (l,w,h) and 24 pounds. All the airline regulations I saw were 45 total inches and 40 pounds.

Hopefully the airline I take falls within those guidelines.

[hamlet712]

Didn't realize answering a simple question would be so much trouble for you. To many, packing a computer in thier suitcase would be pure insanity, especially with Korea having quite a few computers that work just fine and would not run the risk of being destroyed by baggage handlers on an international flight.

Good thing they didnt lose your bag on the flight.

"what were the contents maam?

some shirts, socks, pants underwear, a decently priced desktop computer..............

Anyway, hope you get it back safe and sound

[victorology]

[Tobias]

[WendyRose]

[Tobias]

I'd ship it back home. That will insure you get a replacement if it gets damaged.

I've seen people at airport terminals perform a rendition of the Olympic Games' hammer throw with people's luggage. No way would I pack a computer in my suitcase.

[WendyRose]