Recharging US laptops overseas: help for non-techie
 

I'd like to get a laptop to use at home (in the US) and abroad. Since I'm usually in Europe for several weeks at a time, I'll need to be able to recharge the battery. What do I need to buy/do to be able to recharge my US laptop on 220volt/50HZ current? Or is this impossible?

Well. you need to do nothing more than making sure you have the right plugs to connect. The laptop charger regulates supply to the machine. Make sure it can take an inout of 220 volts. I have used a few models and they all do. You can see read this on the adaptor that you conect to the battery and the electical power source.

Just plug it in. I think all AC adapters these days (I'm only familiar with IBM) are rated for input 100-240V; 1.5 A; 50-60 Hz. Take a look at what's printed on yours.

I take my laptop to Asia and Europe all the time and I've never needed any converter. Just make sure you have the right adapter plugs for the countries you'll be visiting.

Check the bottom of the power supply unit. It'll usually tell you the voltage and frequency supported. It's rare these days, but if 220-240V and 50-60Hz is not supported, then do not plug it in, unless you want a mini fireworks display. If it isn't supported, you'll need to buy a transformer.

You should of course check the fine print on your own laptop power adapter to be certain, but I have never seen one that was US-specific. They typically accept anything from 100-240 V and 50-60 Hz. The only issue is a plug converter to physically connect it. You are likely to encounter a variety of outlet types in Europe, but the "Schuko" plug is emerging as the most common. Here is a US-to-Schuko plug converter, just as an example:
http://about.pricegrabber.com/search...asterid=273781
(Just to be very clear: this is NOT a transformer. It does not change the voltage, only the mechanical connection.)

Thanks, everyone. I haven't bought the laptop yet, but I'll be sure to check the power supply before I make a decision (and to get the right plug converter). Now all I have to do is arrange for DSL access.

Laptops are pretty much all world voltage now. Check out the link below. You can buy an adapter or combo adapter with surge protector. I have both.

M8

Walkabout

Thanks. I've bookmarked the link.

The major exception that most new U.S. travelers to Europe should be aware of is the U.K. It has its own plug, much larger than SCHUKO. You can get an adapter in the States before you leave, but those I've seen in the U.K. are both sturdier and less expensive. They sell them at the airport on arrival (at least if you arrive into Heathrow Terminal 3, which both AA and UA use) or, for less money, at any in-town electrical supplies store, electronics shop, etc.

Haxter
 

Radio Shack sells a set of plug adaptors for use in various countries. I use my laptop in Germany frequently. Just be sure that it can handle the voltage.

I bought this Franzus adapter at Kohls for $13, set up for a variety of countries, and it worked fine with my laptop. Looked like the exact same one that was in the AA duty free catalog for $20. I've used it in Spain and Ireland so far, which have completely different plugs.

I notice my IBM laptop humms [via earphones] when being charged overseas.

Any ideas on why this is happening?

I have yet to own a laptop that didn't have a worldwide powerpack. They'll say something like 110-240v/50-60hz. One even tolerated 100v DC. All you need are adapter plugs for wherever you are going.

All laptops over the past 10-15 years have been made with an adapter for world voltage. All you need is a unversal plug adapter. These run approx. 10-12 bucks and can change into any world plug.

I agree with the above about computers (I used mine in Germany with only an adaptor), but you may want to get a transformer, too, if you travel with other electronics. That's the "box" that actually changes the current to the right level for appliances you use in the US. At then end of my trip to Germany, I plugged my cell-phone charger into the outlet with only the adaptor. Oops. I heard a little static "pop" and that was the end of the charger. It was more out of habit since I'd gotten used to it with the computer. If you need to recharge a cell phone or a digital camera battery, it will come in handy.