Shipping desktop computer to Australia

I'm trying to find out if shipping a desktop computer to Australia is cheaper than buying one online at an Australian site and ship locally there. I want to send the one that I have to a friend, but the research I've done so far at all the major shipping companies have prices quite high. Then I looked to see what kind of prices Australia charges for a similar computer, and they seem high compared to here (U.S.)
Anyone have experience shipping overseas, specifically to Australia, through any of the major shipping companies?

Note to mods: I'm not sure if I have this in the right section. If not, pease move to appropriate section.