Laptops _might_ (depending on the model) be up to 10% cheaper here than in the US, and you _can_ get around the Arabic keyboard problem by ordering (or in the souk), however the final decision should probably rest with your short & medium term living & travel plans, and what you plan to use the computer for.
If it is just for email/leisure use, you might consider a 300$ 'disposable' PC to buy here, and just take out the harddrive someday. Some international warranties don't operate as well as others - so check with your preferred make (preferably not with the salesman trying to close the sale!)
If you're just in Qatar for a year, a US-laptop might make more sense. If you're here for longer then who knows - you might even learn Arabic & be grateful for the dual-alphabet keyboard :-))
Pharkus;
Laptops _might_ (depending on the model) be up to 10% cheaper here than in the US, and you _can_ get around the Arabic keyboard problem by ordering (or in the souk), however the final decision should probably rest with your short & medium term living & travel plans, and what you plan to use the computer for.
If it is just for email/leisure use, you might consider a 300$ 'disposable' PC to buy here, and just take out the harddrive someday. Some international warranties don't operate as well as others - so check with your preferred make (preferably not with the salesman trying to close the sale!)
If you're just in Qatar for a year, a US-laptop might make more sense. If you're here for longer then who knows - you might even learn Arabic & be grateful for the dual-alphabet keyboard :-))