3.458 laptops travelling (34)

Willard McCarty (MCCARTY@VM.EPAS.UTORONTO.CA)
Tue, 12 Sep 89 18:39:24 EDT


Humanist Discussion Group, Vol. 3, No. 458. Tuesday, 12 Sep 1989.

Date: Tue, 12 Sep 89 11:19:12 EDT
From: Jan Eveleth <EVELETH@YALEVM>
Subject: Re: 3.455 laptops? (68)

Laptops in foreign countries.

Most currently made laptops have 110/220 volt conversion capabilities
which are either automatic (power-sensing types) or involve flipping an
internal switch either in the pc itself, or more likely, in the power
supply. For systems with these built-in conversions, it is only necessary
to get a plug adapter and not a transformer. For countries with reliable
electric current (i.e., not subject to excessive surges or other degradations)
there should be no problems operating these new portables. Older portables
(pre-1988) are less likely to have the power conversion capabilities.

The best means of protecting your portable is to contact the maker or
a dealer directly and discuss these issues with them. Specifications sheets
on the machines should indicate the conversion capabilities both for power
supply and for hertz.

An additional note of caution: If you are taking a printer abroad,
check both hertz and power options on these as well. Printers tend to be
less flexible when it comes to being "travel-ready".

Jan Eveleth