Europe Laptop: December 2011

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Does my Dell PC have a power converter built in for the UK and Europe?

Does my Dell PC have a power converter built in for the UK and Europe?
I like in the US What do I need to make my laptop work in Europe/UK since I am traveling to both for 3 months... I really do not want to fry it
Laptops & Notebooks - 2 Answers
People's Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
Answer 1 :
Well, you'll need the appropriate plug. Every country/region has its own outlet shape. Check the power brick on your charger- if it says 110-240V anywhere on it, that should be all you'll need. The laptop actually can only take about 20V and it has to be DC, so that brick converts the AC coming from the outlet into a lower voltage DC. Many power bricks can handle both the 110V U.S. power supply and the 240V European power supplies.
Answer 2 :
Check the power supply on your computer. If it says that the input voltage is 110 then you may have problems - most European countries use 220-240 volts. If your power supply says something along the lines of 110-240 volt input then you should be fine. The same goes for any other chargers you may want to use - mobile phones, batteries and so on. You will need an adaptor for your plug - most European countries use round pin sockets while the British system is a three prong one - but you shouldn't have any problems getting hold of those.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

What is a reasonably priced accessory to turn a laptop to a car navigator usable in both US and Europe?

What is a reasonably priced accessory to turn a laptop to a car navigator usable in both US and Europe?

Other - Computers - 2 Answers
People's Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
Answer 1 :
For one that also includes Europe, I don't think you'll find one reasonably priced. I recommend getting away from using your laptop for serious navigation. Laptops are ok for plotting routes and finding places, but for on the fly real time navigation in both The US and Europe, I have to recommend the Tom Tom. Check it out at Best Buy or the link below. I ran Microsoft streets and trips for 5 years on my laptop with GPS, and it was very hard to manipulate the program while driving if I needed to for an alternate route or something. The new Tom Tom is just great. I love it. Ps. Check out some of their other things for laptops and PDA's you might find what you need. Good luck.
Answer 2 :
something compatible with your opperating systems;i.e.tom.tom.(research required).not an easy task

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Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Do I need power adaptor or plug adaptor for my laptop in France?

Do I need power adaptor or plug adaptor for my laptop in France?
I heard that most U.S. laptops do not require a power adaptor for Europe. I just bought a Toshiba laptop and I am planning on taking it to France. Can someone (with technical experience, please!) tell me if this is safe? Also, where is the cheapest place to get a plug adaptor? Thanks in advance.
Laptops & Notebooks - 1 Answers
People's Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
Answer 1 :
The AC-DC brick of your laptop is likely compatible internationally. This is done so that the manufacturer saves money by only having to make and stock one product. Check to make sure that the adapter says Input: 100-240V, 50/60Hz. If it does, there is no problem electronically. You will, however, need an adapter to the French plugs. There are two types, but the most useful and most common is the Europlug. Unsurprisingly, it works in pretty much every continental European country (careful, so NOT the UK). The Europlug will also fit into the other type of socket that is used in France. You do not need a voltage converter for most DC-powered devices (AC-DC converters, power bricks, phone chargers, battery chargers), but again check for 100-250V, 50/60Hz labeling. Using USA equipment not labeled for 250V is a safety hazard! The USA-Europlug adapter is available for US$2.00 at http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/item/AP-EU/USA-TO-EURO-PLUG-ADAPTER/-/1.html . The Europlug is terribly convenient and mine gets a workout about once a year.

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Thursday, December 1, 2011

We have Inspiron 600M Dell Laptop. What adapters and converters are needed to travel in Europe?

We have Inspiron 600M Dell Laptop. What adapters and converters are needed to travel in Europe? Thanks! Bob?
The computer was purchased in 2005.
Laptops & Notebooks - 2 Answers
People's Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
Answer 1 :
Look on your AC adapter. Do you see writing that states a range of voltages like "120V - 240V, 50-60 Hz" or something similar? That means the adapter will work on both US and European current, so all you need are AC plug converters for the appropriate countries that you will be visiting. You can get the common Europlug adapters at Radio Shack or electronic stores for fairly cheap. According to the Dell specifications, the AC adapter is a multivoltage adapter and will work pretty much anywhere with the right plug conveter. https://support.dell.com/support/edocs/SYSTEMS/ins600m/en/om/T8109bk2LRs.pdf Plug types by country http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mains_electricity_by_country
Answer 2 :
You can use this: http://www.topmic.com/141-0703.html It works with all North American products. You just plug your electronic devices into that and that into the wall of where you are. It works all over the word, and it plays the role of converter AND adapter. Which means you don't need an adapter that is connected to the outlet, then a converter connected to the adapter, then your device connected to the converter. Its really nice. I would highly recommend it. As I said, it works all over the world which means if you travel again, use it again! Best of luck.

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