Please have a look at this thread too:
Sony VAOI notebook? and in particular the advice ( i.e. see my posting in that thread on 28/08/02 ) about purchasing from an airport.
Why ?
Well because it'll save you 17.5% straight off the top of the RRP, and if you're able to claim the VAT back you'll save another 17.5% again !!!
...... and this does not just apply to Sony laptops, i.e. whatever you purchase will be discounted by the, so called, 'Tax Free' price ( i.e. reduced by 17.5% ) but better still, if you should subsequently have problems with it, you can take it back under the warranty to any of the same outlets in the highstreet.
Also, you can avail yourself of this discount on all flights, i.e. even domestic ones, e.g. we purchased ours courtesy of a business associate ( aside - WDTBD t'was CW
) who was positioning on Gatwick - Glasgow sector.
Furthermore, about one hour after the purchase was made ( in the Dixons at the LGW North Terminal), the very helpful staff at that outlet then delivered the units direct to our HQ just down the road from the airport - now that's what I call service !