using power converter with netbook - bad idea?
July 14, 2009 - 01:42
After spending last week lugging a very heavy laptop around DC I am considering purchasing a netbook for DrupalCon Paris. The one that I like (Dell Inspiron Mini 10 or 10v running Ubuntu) comes with your basic 30W plug, not suitable for Europe.
Does anyone have any experience/recommendations using a separate converter for powering a laptop? I recall hearing ages ago that converters were not all that reliable and should be avoided for computer equipment (though okay for hairdryers and the like). Is this ancient history? I don't want to spend more than $300-$400 on a netbook, so MacBook Air is out of the question :-)
Just to clarify, the 90W power adapter that I use for my laptop *will* work in France with a simple plug adapter. But I confirmed with a Dell support person today that that's not the case with the Inspiron Minis.
July 15, 2009 - 01:38
#2
Look at the power adapter yourself
Granted, this might be an issue if you can't see one in person, but why would you buy a machine like that without trying the keyboard. It would be really exceptional to find a 110 only power adapter these days. My MSI Wind, and every other laptop I own is 100-240v.
Odds are very good that the virtual representative that you spoke with didn't feel like looking up the information, which is not very easy to find, so they just guessed... wrong. The spec for the Dell Inspiron Mini 10 is in the setup guide at http://is.gd/1yXTz No surprise - 100 to 240 VAC (pg 57).
July 14, 2009 - 13:26
#3
Input voltage - 230VAC
Since the voltage in the wall socket is 230 volt, a simple plug converter might not be the solution.
Your power adapter must be able to handle both 120 volt (US standard) and 230 volt (European standard). Some adapters have a manual switch and others has built in detection of the incoming voltage.
/marcus
PS!
Useful link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mains_power_systems
DS!
July 14, 2009 - 20:56
#4
transformer recommendation
I ended up buying a Voltage Valet 100 Watt Grounded Step Down Transformer.
Again, most laptops will just require a plug adapter, but in some cases you'll need a transformer.
July 14, 2009 - 02:38
#5
converter... not transformer
Found this article which beautifully explains the difference between converters and transformers. So I now know I would be safe with a transformer. Am still interested in hearing what others have done or plan to do if your laptop doesn't already have a universal power supply.
While your plug does not match the european socket all you should need is a plug adaptor - something you can pick up at the airport or a store that sells luggage. The Dell site does not say that this adaptor is 110/220 but I have not seen a 110 only adaptor for a laptop for more than 10 years.
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/products/Power/productdetail.aspx?c=u...
That is the link to the adaptor on the Dell site - they have a click and call and a click and chat. you could confirm with them in about 1 min that the adaptor will work in France.