With the strong dollar, mbp's bought in Japan are a really good deal. Check out these prices from kakaku.com
JPY221,940 2014 Mid 15" rmbp 2.5GHz, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 750m
JPY219,000 2013 Ear 15" rmbp 2.7GHz, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 650m
JPY199,045 2013 Lat 15" rmbp 2.3GHz, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 750m
...
Note that these prices are updated on a daily basis.
That's USD2035, USD2012, and USD1828 at today's exchange rates, inclusive of tax and shipping within Japan! I just asked a friend to buy that last unit for me.
One thing to watch out for is the keyboard. Since I type in Japanese and am a developer, I actually like the control key where the caps-lock key is, and the 英数 and かな keys are quite useful. But some users may be put off by the large return key and the small delete and space bar. Also, some symbols are rearranged. But if you use a mechanical USB keyboard, these are non-issues.
Perhaps many users can't deal with these keyboards, but if you actually like this kind of configuration, like me, then these prices are actually quite good.
Obviously, they are most useful if you live in Japan, have a friend who does, or you are planning a trip to Akihabara soon. Drop-shipping can quickly erode any advantages of buying on a strong dollar.
JPY221,940 2014 Mid 15" rmbp 2.5GHz, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 750m
JPY219,000 2013 Ear 15" rmbp 2.7GHz, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 650m
JPY199,045 2013 Lat 15" rmbp 2.3GHz, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 750m
...
Note that these prices are updated on a daily basis.
That's USD2035, USD2012, and USD1828 at today's exchange rates, inclusive of tax and shipping within Japan! I just asked a friend to buy that last unit for me.
One thing to watch out for is the keyboard. Since I type in Japanese and am a developer, I actually like the control key where the caps-lock key is, and the 英数 and かな keys are quite useful. But some users may be put off by the large return key and the small delete and space bar. Also, some symbols are rearranged. But if you use a mechanical USB keyboard, these are non-issues.
Perhaps many users can't deal with these keyboards, but if you actually like this kind of configuration, like me, then these prices are actually quite good.
Obviously, they are most useful if you live in Japan, have a friend who does, or you are planning a trip to Akihabara soon. Drop-shipping can quickly erode any advantages of buying on a strong dollar.