Hi,

I am looking at buying a used TR3B directly from Japan, and I have a couple of questions.

What exactly do I need to do/get/find in order to convert the computer from Japanese to English? Basically, I want to be able to install English Windows XP and have (hopefully) everything working (camera, touchpad, and etc.).

Actually, my brother would be doing all of the installing and fiddling around with the computer as he is far more tech savvy than I am. But I thought I would see what would be involved before asking him to undertake the whole process.

Anyways, the computer is used, it’s had its harddrive replaced/upgraded from 40GB to 60GB, it’s in good cosmetic condition, and everything works except for the camera. I did notice, though, that stuff is only showing up on the screen in “fullscreen” mode and doesn’t fill up the whole screen. Is that a settings issue? And I guess when the HD was replaced, the current owner didn’t bother to reinstall Windows, so it doesn’t have an OS.

I have yet to confirm if the TR3B comes with recovery discs or not. I guess those would be helpful?

The computer costs about $450-ish, and that seems rather reasonable, though I’m not sure if the potential hassle of converting it makes buying this particular computer not worth it. Especially considering that it might not come with recovery discs or with its original drivers and etc. since the harddrive was replaced.

Any thoughts, tips, and/or suggestions would be tremendously appreciated! Thank you!

(Oh, and does anyone know if there are any tariffs and/or customs problems with importing computers from Japan to the US? I’ve purchased books and music from Japan in the past without having to pay any import fees, but I’ve never imported electronics….)