I am an Apple man and I was shocked how much more expensive they were in China when I came here three years ago. It is mainly due to import duty. The government seems to have lowered it for computers somewhat recently, but I definitely believe you would save money by buying before you come. You always run the risk of shoddy products in China. Three more suggestions. Bring you receipt for the computer with you so you don't need to possibly pay customs duty either way. Never send a computer through Chinese customs as post. My Chinese friend who works for Fed Ex told me that Chinese customs has been known to steal them by claiming it is contraband. Also, if somebody sends you an external hard drive, for example, through the post, place a low declared value on it or you will have to pay some idiotically high import duty to get it. I learned that one the hard way. Bring an adapter!