Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Italy and electronics

Italy and electronics?
I'm thinking about going to Italy for spring break. I want to bring my Toshiba laptop and digital camera. Do I have to get a converter for the laptop? If I don't bring the laptop, the hotel has a computer for me to use, but does it take a normal USB hub from the states?
Packing & Preparation - 1 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
All you need is a plug adapter and not voltage. I brought my Toshiba when I moved from the US to Italy, and all I had to get was a plug adapter. Laptops from 2003 on handle all voltages. Mine works fine



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Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Do I need to buy a special adapter for my laptop

Do I need to buy a special adapter for my laptop?
I'm taking a trip to Italy and I'm wondering if I need a special adapter that is specific to my laptop (rather than just a regular one that can be bought at a store). My laptop is an inspiron 1520. I tried calling dell but they suck.
Laptops & Notebooks - 3 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Yes, you need one specific to your laptop. Using an incorrect adapter can damage it. Edit: Check your adapter for a label. If it supports volts around 220 (some variation is fine, as long as it's somewhere around this number), you're fine.
2 :
try radio shack
3 :
If you are referring to a wall outlet adapter you can just buy one off any store, since the adapter box that's between the cable of your laptop takes care of giving you the right voltage and amperage



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Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Can my apple MAC Book handle 220V in Italy

Can my apple MAC Book handle 220V in Italy?
its pretty new, bought it in 2007, basic MAC laptop?
Laptops & Notebooks - 3 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Maybe. But we would need to know what model you are talking about. You could alternatively figure it out yourself by reading the power adapter information. It should say "110v-240v" somewhere if it is capable.
2 :
Buy a converter because Europe uses a different outlet than here in US.
3 :
Yes it will. you might want to purchase this when you travel: http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?mco=7E4F2D7D&nplm=M8794G/B#overview It's a Travel Kit adapter for different plug sockets



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Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Why is my laptop shocking me when I charge it in Europe

Why is my laptop shocking me when I charge it in Europe?
I'm studying abroad in Italy and I'm using an adaptor to charge my American Apple laptop. Whenever my laptop is plugged in it makes a buzzing sound and recently I can actually feel an electrical charge coming from my laptop when I touch it. It charging correctly, but I'm not sure if this is safe for my laptop? Any help?
Laptops & Notebooks - 3 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
the voltage might be too much for your laptop to handle. check the battery pack on the laptop and see what voltage it takes then see what the voltage is on the charger pack. be careful as to not giving too much voltage into the laptop or it will fry your battery
2 :
Europe has a different standard voltage than America does. Most newer laptops have an Input of 100 to 240 Volts, and 50-60 Hz. Your laptop AC adapter brick should list the voltage range its capable of handling. If its not capable of handling the higher voltage, then you will need a converter to plug your laptop into which will convert the voltage to something your laptop can use. If it is capable of handling this voltage then it is possible you have a short somewhere that is electrifying your case. If this happens in every outlet you plug it into, I would check your AC adapter to make sure it is putting out the proper voltage. Good luck!
3 :
Probably not grounded. Italy uses 220VAC 50 hz so your charger should handle that. But it appears the electrical system where you are using it is not properly grounded. Try reversing the plug at the outlet if it is not a three prong plug like in the USA



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