Should I/Can I bring my laptop to the UK?

Depending on what the end of the power cable looks like, you probably need something like this:

http://www.cablestogo.co.uk/product.asp?category=\PCCables\Powercords&productid=88511p

As you can see, the end that plugs into the wall is the UK type, and you'd just need to match the other end to whatever you've got now so that it plugs into your laptop's power adaptor.

I've looked at the Maplin's website and can't figure out what I need to buy. If I went into a store and took the cord, would they look at me like I'm an idiot?

It couldn't hurt.  They may not have the exact thing in stock, but they might be able to point you in the right direction.

Bless you, Camoscato! I just ordered on Amazon!

I'm still confused. I am using my US laptop with a travel adaptor and it's working fine, but I'd like to buy the cord and not have to worry about anything going wrong in the long run.

I've looked at the Maplin's website and can't figure out what I need to buy. If I went into a store and took the cord, would they look at me like I'm an idiot?

Nah. At least, I took my cord in to show them what I needed and they didn't laugh at me

Darn, it didn't work! Just got the shipment from Amazon and the adaptor holes don't match up. Will take it into Maplins and ask for help.

Thanks for the suggestions!

Darn, it didn't work! Just got the shipment from Amazon and the adaptor holes don't match up. Will take it into Maplins and ask for help.

Thanks for the suggestions!

Yeah, that's the gotcha; I think laptop manufacturers have some kind of competition to see who can come up with the weirdest/most incompatible array of connection types.  Mine's made up of three circles that look a bit like Mickey Mouse viewed from the back. 

Mickey Mouse for me, too, now that I look at it!

Mickey Mouse for me, too, now that I look at it!

If yours is the same as mine, then what you want is:  I-Sheng IS-034 IEC C5 Small 3-pin ‘clover'

I've attached a pic, so see if it looks the same, and if it does I got one from a little outfit called Hamiltone (http://hamiltone.co.uk/menupage.html) for £5.86 including VAT.  Their webpage looks kinda homemade to me, but I sent an email to them and got one in a few days.

The IEC320 C5 "Mickey Mouse" connectors are also known colloquially as "cloverleaf" connectors, and are widely obtainable.  Here's another source:

http://www.powersuppliesonline.co.uk/products/iec320-c5-to-uk-plug-mains-lead-1-8-metre/yp60-yc14/default.htm

Or if you're not planning on ever needing the existing cord to use in the U.S. again, you could just cut off the U.S. plug and replace it with a British plug, available for less than £1 at any hardware store.

If yours is the same as mine, then what you want is:  I-Sheng IS-034 IEC C5 Small 3-pin ‘clover'

I've attached a pic, so see if it looks the same, and if it does I got one from a little outfit called Hamiltone (http://hamiltone.co.uk/menupage.html) for £5.86 including VAT.  Their webpage looks kinda homemade to me, but I sent an email to them and got one in a few days.

Or if you are really risk-averse, get the cord from the UK arm of your computer manufacturer. I got my new dell brick for my US Dell from Maplin, but if I was worried, I'd have just ordered it from Dell UK.

Or if you are really risk-averse, get the cord from the UK arm of your computer manufacturer.

Only if you want to pay through the nose for something as simple as power cord.  For example:

http://accessories.euro.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=uk&l=en&s=dhs&cs=ukdhs1&sku=450-11900

Help, again!

After almost three months in the UK, my shipment from home finally came. I'm setting up my office and find myself at a loss again.

Peripherals for my laptop: the will they work with new cord question again:

Docking Station:
18.5 v or 19 v

Keyboard:
3v (funny sign not quite an equal sign) 10mA

Printer:
110-127v-AC
50/60Hz

Scanner
15.2v= 1.2A

I'm hoping for some positive responses, but my heart is sinking. I think I've just shipped alot of very expensive and useless equipment.

Thanks!

ZA

The numbers you give for everything but the printer are not quite the right ones...

The numbers you supplied for everything but the printer look like numbers for DC voltages. Do these devices have power bricks or are they USB or battery powered devices? You need to look on the power brick to know if they will work. The numbers will most likely be 120-220V, 120V or like your printer a small range around 120V. 

The printer will not work with just a new cord. You need to buy a power transformer to go from 220V to 120V. You will also need the number of "amps" to determine the "size" of the converter. Luckily your printer supports 50 Hz otherwise it might not even work correctly with a simple transformer. Before buying a transformer you should check if you can buy replacement toner/ink for your printer model in the UK.

Docking Station:
18.5 v or 19 v

Keyboard:
3v (funny sign not quite an equal sign) 10mA

Printer:
110-127v-AC
50/60Hz

Scanner
15.2v= 1.2A

I'm hoping for some positive responses, but my heart is sinking. I think I've just shipped alot of very expensive and useless equipment.

Thanks!

ZA

Thanks, Dr. Beeper! I didn't think the numbers looked right.

Scanner: 
Input: AC 100-120V, 50-60Hz
Output: SC 15.2V 1.2A

I can't for the life of me find the brick adaptor for the docking station, so no clue there. It's an HP xb3000; bought in the US, but I've found it on the HP UK website, so maybe I'm in luck. I'll call them tomorrow to talk me through.

So, if I need a transformer for the printer, do I also need the new cord?

Don't know if I can get the toner here. Will have to check.

Thanks!

So for your scanner you need to find a new brick that will take in 220V 50 Hz and output 15.2V and at least 1.2A. It should be possible to find something like this. You could also get a transformer.

My guess on the dock is that it uses your laptop power cord.

Thanks, Dr. Beeper! I didn't think the numbers looked right.

Scanner: 
Input: AC 100-120V, 50-60

Hz
Output: SC 15.2V 1.2A

I can't for the life of me find the brick adaptor for the docking station, so no clue there. It's an HP xb3000; bought in the US, but I've found it on the HP UK website, so maybe I'm in luck. I'll call them tomorrow to talk me through.

So, if I need a transformer for the printer, do I also need the new cord?

Don't know if I can get the toner here. Will have to check.

Thanks!

Thanks, Beeper!

Duh, about the docking station taking the laptop power cord. Of course, you're right!

ZA