Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Please help- traveling with a laptop in Europe?

Please help- traveling with a laptop in Europe?
Hi, I am leaving for Europe on Sunday and I want to make sure I have everything correct. I am taking my laptop with me. Do I need a CONVERTER or an ADAPTOR for the laptop? I am sooo confused. I purchased the Jensen power and travel foreign voltage converter- converts 220-240 watts, with a maximum AC power of 50 watts. On my laptop plug, it says that the wide range output is 65 watts, and that input is 110 to 220 volts. Did I purchase the wrong thing? I have a feeling I did. Please somebody who has travelled to Europe before with a laptop let me know exactly what I should buy. I don't want to fry my laptop!! I have an HP Pavilion Entertainment PC if that makes any difference. Thank you SO much for your help :-)
Laptops & Notebooks - 1 Answers
People's Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
Answer 1 :
In Europe the power is at 220 volts with a frequency of 50 Hz, in USA 110 V / 60 Hz. You need either: 1 a converter 220V to 110V in between the wall socket and your standard (US) power adaptor. 2 a generic laptop power adaptor. What you bought would have been fine if it would have been more powerfull. Since the recommended minimum for your laptop is 65W, the converter or adaptor must be capable to hold more than 75W, ideally at 100W. When you arrive in Europe go to any it shop and buy a generic 100w laptop power adaptor .


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Tuesday, September 14, 2010

HP Probook Laptop charger (Europe to US)?

HP Probook Laptop charger (Europe to US)?
Hey everyone. To make a long story short, I recently acquired an HP Probook 4520s from a relative who was living over in Europe for a little while. It has been given to me, but obviously the power adapter (charger) for the laptop itself can only plug into the 220v outlets that are the norm for homes in Europe. I obviously can't charge it at the moment so I was wondering what the options were to get it charged and running again. My first thought was that it might be possible to order the same charger off the HP site as since it's the same Laptop, could I possibly find a charger that works with the computer, but plugs into the 110v outlets we have over here in the US? Another option I noticed was that of a universal charger, but I'm unsure on what I would need to be aware of before buying one of those. A third option I saw was that of a voltage converter, but I'm not very knowledgeable on this subject either, so I would appreciate any information someone could give me on this issue. My hope was one of the first two options, but I'm not exactly sure where to look really. Haha, anyways, thanks for the help in advance everyone. Wow. Thanks to everyone who replied to my question so fast. xD Anyways, I found out that the power cord is detachable from the adapter unit itself. I'm pretty sure that it is an HP 65W Smart AC Adapter, judging by the 65W in white text near the bottom of the unit. The input reads: 100-240v So, if I'm not mistaken, that would mean that the charger will accept being plugged into both 110v or 220v outlets right? If that's the case, then all I need to do is go out and buy a power cord that I can attach to the charger correct? My real question here though, is that if the charger is capable of adjusting itself to the different voltage amounts. Or, because the input reads as above, it's not voltage specific and can work being plugged into either outlet choices. Sorry to ask so many questions, I want to be safe and not blow the charger and such. Haha, thanks again in advance.
Laptops & Notebooks - 4 Answers
People's Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
Answer 1 :
I believe that all that you need is to replace the power cord that attaches to the power adapter. Virtually all of the power adapters are autosensing whether you are plugged into 110/60 or 220/50 power. If the power cord is detachable from the power adapter (the block) contact hp, or you might get lucky and find one at a computer store or repair shop, for a replacement power cord. If not, Kensington makes good universal adapters that offer ac power, 12v automotive, and airline power. Have two in use daily for a couple of years. Good Luck
Answer 2 :
read the back of the charger and see what the input voltage is, its usually 110v - 240v. if it is this you just need to buy the lead that goes from the charger to the wall (if it has a lead that pulls out of the charger, most of them do)
Answer 3 :
Hello Frederik, Great question. A lot of people wonder about this but they don't ask about it. Absolutely. Since US outlets are between 110v-220v, its a good idea to get a charger from the US. As for the charger's connector, its also a good idea to buy one for the same laptop in the US. The reason behind this is because the outlets are different (I'm sure you are aware of that) and getting a new charger in the US will match the outlets without a problem. You can search sites like ebay or amazon but I would recommend you visit Topmic. Topmic is well known for their great services and durable products. They include free shipping and free lifetime warranty. They definitely worth it, you should give them a visit. Heres the charger you were looking for: http://www.topmic.com/hp-probook-4520s--4720s-charger.html Best of luck.
Answer 4 :
Hi Frederik Take a look at the pdf below,especially the Tech.Specs.at the end.The acceptable power input range for the system runs from 100V A/C to 240V A/C. You'll need to replace the A/C adapter with one based on U.S. usage,be sure to provide the vendor you choose with the model & serial number of your machine.Also,somewhere on the bottom will be a sticker that lists power requirements.You want the standard 110/115V,for U.S. input,and make sure to match the listed A/C voltage output.It would be easiest,but somewhat costlier to order from HP,this won't be a new situation for them.


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Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Europe will the igo from radio shack work with my laptop as converter and plug in?

for Europe will the igo from radio shack work with my laptop as converter and plug in?

Laptops & Notebooks - 1 Answers
People's Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
Answer 1 :
iGo everywhere85 notebook power adapter . This portable and sleek all-in-one adapter powers your notebook computer and gadgets everywhere you want to go. So says Radio Shack. Make sure you gey a round prong power socket plug adapter to plug into 220 European outlets.


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Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Bring my laptop to europe, buy a new one or neither?

bring my laptop to europe, buy a new one or neither?
I have a laptop but it's quite heavy ; to lift with one hand is almost too much. I just returned from europe a month ago and my suitcase was crazy heavy so this time I was to pack light (I'll be gone for 6 months). I found a mini laptop online that weighs about 3 lbs but costs 360$. I am trying to save every penny I have right now so don't know if I should spend the $$. If you were in this situation would you... a) bring your current laptop and carry the extra weight in your suitcase b) buy the mini laptop and leave the heavy one at home, taking 400$ from your trip budget c) take neither, and just rely on internet cafes for 6 months while your laptop sits in a box to the guy who said to use my phone ; that's not an option haha. calling canada from italy costs a lot on a cell! and I won't have a land line. the net is how I keep in touch with my family and where I will be looking for a job, an apt. etc as I move around. so no I can't live without the net.
Packing & Preparation - 12 Answers
People's Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
Answer 1 :
Neither, just use your phone.
Answer 2 :
a
Answer 3 :
bring your heavy laptop to europe
Answer 4 :
a,b and c
Answer 5 :
dont bother with either. if you really need ur laptop bring ur old one, but done just buy a new one, its a waste of money and u already have one.
Answer 6 :
c) you can live without interent -- or try to :)
Answer 7 :
I think a. I mean when u get back what r u gonna do with two laptops. and a little more weight shouldnt be a prob.
Answer 8 :
buy a new 1 u can get em for 400 now adayz i just picked up a real good 1 from bestbuy for 650 with tax
Answer 9 :
i would have to say i would take my current laptop because when you get back from your trip you are gonna have two laptops and one is not going to be used. so why use the money
Answer 10 :
well i wold take the heavy one.. cause.. you arnt spending the extra money... and you have something to use if there is no other computers availale.. also.. it isnt gooing to kill you to carry the extra wait... that is just my opinion tho... Have a nice trip :)
Answer 11 :
bring your old one, that way if it gets damaged or lost you wont be out of pocket as much if you bought a new one. or just use the internet cafe's they are plentiful over seas so they are everywhere
Answer 12 :
i say that you deal with the with the weight and take your laptop, because if you are really relying on this thing as much as you say it would benice to have your own space always available, instead of spending the 360 mabie spend 20-40 bucks on some rolling luggage, or a smller rooling suitcase and tat should help w/ the uncomfort of the weight! have safe trip!! :]


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