I will soon be traveling to Ireland and the UK with my nifty new laptop. I have been trying to find out exactly what kind of transformer or converter I will need to use it. I already have the plug adapter, but am finding lots of contradictory info on whether I need a power converter, step-down transformer, or nothing at all. The folks at Compaq were stumped. Can any of you experienced trans-Atlantic FTers help a new kid out? Many thanks!

That's all you need.

Virtually all laptop power supplies adjust from 100 to 240V, 50/60Hz. To make sure, just check the label on yours.

That MAY be all you need, you need to check the power supply and look for it to say

Input 100-240 V 50/60 Cycles

If it just says Input 110 Volts, do not plug it in without getting a step down transformer to bring the 220 to 110 or it will catch fire. If it says 100-240 then it's fine.

If you need a power converter, they are under $20 at Radioshack for the ones you need.

Agreed. Most new models will work just about anywhere without transformers. Check label on machine and/or manufacturer's specs for 50/60, 110/220. Have used my HP laptop in Ireland, UK, Europe, South Pacific, Africa with no problem (I'm surprised that the Compaq rep you contacted did not know!). If you need internet access, you will probably need some accessories. Recommend TeleAdapt's website for lots of info on electrical/phone requirements for foreign countries. Have a great trip!

Thank you all very much!! I knew you folks would have the answer! My power cord has the notation you describe so it looks like I am all set. The 'catch fire' thing is exactly what I was worried about!

I had the same situation last year in Germany. I purchased a cable in the computer department of a large department store. On one end was a plug that fit the wall jack and the other end was just like our phone plug. However the wires in the phone plug are configured different from ours so you must have a cable that is for the country you are in. Be sure to read the label. The cost was only 9.50 Euros.

This is the best site I've found for this type of question - it's a reference on phone and power plugs for most countries, including diagrams, etc.

http://kropla.com/

A related tip: I've always found it best to wait and buy the adapters and converters you need in the foreign country instead of at home.

That way you're guaranteed that the salesperson will know exactly what is required in their plugs, and you'll know the US side, so you won't make any mistakes.

If you buy it in the U.S., you have no idea if the salesperson really knows what they're talking abolut for the foreign country.

BTW, if you're in doubt on any other equipment to know if you need the converter or not (a U.S. - side question), err on the side of using it. It certainly wouldn't hurt anything to use the transformer when it wasn't needed, but it could definitely hurt not to use if it were needed.

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robb is clearly within the margin of sampling error - Googlism