Some clarification:

Computers are TAX FREE in Malaysia. So it does not matter if it is used or new, you can bring it in and it WILL NOT be taxed. Strangely, computer PARTS are taxed but not a whole working computer.

Apple computers (portables and desktops) ALL have international power supplies/adapters. It doesn't matter where in the world you buy/use them, plug them into a wall socket and you're good to go.

The major problem you'll have is shipping it back to Malaysia. If you check it in as luggage; the baggage handlers would likely smash your lovely aluminum enclosure and likely all the stuff inside. Don't even dream of bringing the MacPro on a US Flight. They'll insist that all carry-on luggage fit into the dimensions allowed and there is no way the MacPro qualifies.

May I suggest you buy a second 85W MagSafe power adapter? At the AppleStore it is US 79. In Malaysia a whopping RM 459.

I prefer to leave one at work and one at home so I don't have to lug the adapter unless I'm travelling...

One World Computing ships worldwide.

I might be buying some stuff from them soon. Would you be interested in combining an order?

Have you SEEN the 30" ACD?

You've got to be joking about wanting to hand carry stuff like that on a US flight. In case you haven't heard airline carry-on restrictions are VERY tight these days. Even your intended MBP will have to be taken out of your laptop bag and put through the XRay machine in its own plastic caddy. The security guys may even ask you to switch it on for them to prove that it is in fact a laptop and not some kinda bomb.

If you're selected for "additional inspection" they'll wipe down the insides of your bag for traces of explosives residue and chemical testing.

Do yourself (and your fellow passengers) a favor and just carry on a regular bag like everyone else.

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Added on June 25, 2007, 1:35 pmActually, buying in the States had the advantage of getting the US-style Magsafe adapter plug. It has the flip-out prongs which travel better than the 3-pin ones that are supplied here. You can still buy the 3-pin one at MacStudio LYP. I noticed a box full of them behind the cashier when I bought my 2.4Ghz LED MBP.

This post has been edited by MacDaNife: Jun 25 2007, 01:35 PM

Actually, I think these additional security precautions is a load of BS. NOTHING is going to stop the dedicated terrorist willing to die for his cause. The 9/11 hijackers were armed with nothing more than box-cutters. The precautions are just there to give passengers a (false) sense of security.

Dunno about Matte and Glossy comparisons other than what I've read on the web. But since the Matte screen is so nice to look at I figured that I go for the screen that I could see (rather than one that I'd have to build-to-order before having a chance to actually see it).

If you are in the US, you'd be able to compare both screens side-by-side and choose the one you want.

Another word about accessories: I bought a wristpad cover from Machines, Midvalley (Marware) for RM148. It is selling in the AppleStore for US 19.99. I also bought a second 85W Power Adapter at Machines for RM449. Selling at AppleStore for US 79.00. We're being ripped-off here....

This post has been edited by MacDaNife: Jun 25 2007, 05:22 PM

I'm no customs expert but I do know that all the items you have listed are tax-exempt.

I've got a couple of stuff (4gigs of RAM and a 250Gb Harddrive) for my MacBook Pro winging it's way via FedEx International Priority right now (At this writing it's in Subic, Phillipines) and when I spoke to FedEx Malaysia about it yesterday afternoon, they assured me that both items are also exempt from any customs duties.

Trying to pass a TV as a computer monitor for the purposes of tax-exemption really has only two possibilities:

Either you think the customs guys are really stupid... or you are.