the key issue is the tax. Order online from US is tax free in most states, not in NY. And since their competition is tougher, so they have more competitive price, maybe. But if you ask your friend to ship back to you, you have to pay the tax to Canadian customs, hehe. Besides, their are much more choices in US, check this: http://computers.cnet.com/hardware/0-1026.html?tag=st.co.1016.dir.1026