Ok, can't help you on the customs thing....

for clarification...Power in the US is 120v, the vast majority of the rest of the world, including VN is 220v(also known as 230v, 240v)

but no need to worry, all computers have a switch on the back that will switch them from 120v to 220v, so a transformer(converter) is not needed. Most monitors will automaticaly switch voltages. On the tag of any electronic look for the "V" or Voltage rating if it has a range of 100ish to 240ish, it is fine for use anywhere. The big "CE" logo from the EU is another good indicator that it will be dual voltage. Printers purchsed in the US tend to be the exception, and will only work on the 120v we have there.

Any monitor you buy here will work with any comp you buy in the states, though if you are planning an LCD flat screen monitor, be aware that prices for these in VN are much higher than in the states....

If it were me, I would buy the monitor and all internal components in the states, then buy a case in VN and assemble myself. If you're not comfortable doing that, then I would definitely check which will be cheaper to buy here, the computer or the monitor (when I priced LCD's here they were 150+ USD higher than in the states-maybe someone else knows a place to get them fair)

As for VN computers not being worth a damn, that's fairly subjective...If you buy from a reputable dealer using quality parts, it will be no different than doing it in the states...A good many US computer manufacturers will use low end junk components and pass that savings on to you as well....Even in the States, if the comp deal seems to good to be true, it is, and junk parts may wind up nickel and diming you to death....Though I do believe you will get more for your money in the states as tariffs on electronics are high here...

Let me know if I can help with anything else....I'm a weekend geek, who has built all his own computers for the past 10 years, and though far from the best, I'm fairly handy with the things

Wow, I didn't actually think anyone would know that. Thanks for taking the time to answer. The reason I was/am planning to buy the monitor here is I'm worried about it surviving the trip overseas. Same with assembling the desktop inside the case first. Although it might be safer as separately packaged and protected pieces. I'll have to think about that.

Computers are much cheaper in america than here (and TVs, and microwaves, and....ok, I'll stop). I'll buy quality parts off the internet for a good price and slap it together. The computers here are so insanely priced and just plain old. For $500 here, you're gonna get something that was good in 2004, and is excellent at running games from...2004. I don't want to pay vietnamese prices for a modern computer here. Same with when I hear the outrageous prices people pay for cars here. It ain't gon happen with me.

Any more info on customs and such when you bring computers back?

I'm halfway planning on bringing about 3 laptops back. If I strap them all together, I wonder if the xray people will assume that it is one computer.

Cheapie....or 3 laptops strapped together will make the x-ray people assume it's something else entirely....

oh and Sean, I was thinking the way they package the LCD's in the box with the handle, it wouldn't make an bad carry on...if you aren't carrying anything else

I ordered my latest parts from the states and built my computer while I was living in Moscow...When it came time to come here, I mostly stripped out my components and suitcased 'em, especialy my hard drives and vid card (most valuable/expensive bits)

Yeah, I can strip out the parts and package them in the other suitcase, but that's gonna take up valuable suitcase space. That's gonna be a decision I have to make.

You are probably right about the LCD screen. And if I don't use it as a carryon, I can fit that in a suitcase easy. Looks like I'm gonna need an extra suitcase with all the shit I'll be bringing back.

billy: haha, I didn't think about that. I'm a bit too used to non-TSA inspectors after being here for a while.