hey GEEKCOMPUTER_GEEK....i know this would be really exiting to get a really cool laptop form USA....but sometimes things don't work out right.....
specially brands like msi(specially they gt series),cyber power,clevo,sager.....and all those....
firstly....no servicing options available....though gateway has been launched here by acer..as the distributor...so u can try that....or otherwise..maintenance and repair becomes a hell of a problem....(i have experienced it)...
ifs its for a friend who goes to the US on a regular interval...or is possibly taking the laptop there for work..or is interested to buy and use the laptop....for a longer duration there in US itself ...so no problem...go on with buying the laptop....
for that ...u need to pay tax or custom duties...only if its not an international brand...and/or u don't have a statement of purpose issued from the vendor....
regarding buying laptops of international brands such as dell,(cant complain abt alienwares also...event they are available here.....)
they will not pose any problems regarding duties and tax....also keep in mind if its being brought by some relative or acquaintance of yours.....tell him to bring it unpacked and unboxed.....this helps really).....
an if you are like inclined to buy from abroad ...only due to the lesser price.....then go for it...but remember products that are under international warranty are repairable and are under service terms only if you have the packaging box.....and/or the bill with you...but generally its not advisable to carry the box and bill with you when returning...so u see u have both sides of coins applying here....
so better vouch for an indian model ....if the guy wants to use it here ...otherwise if he needs to use it in the us only ..then no problems.....
also u can tell me the requirements of your friend...maybe i can help him buy a laptop with similar setup and config...from a brand that has service solutions here settled in india
