Bringing Laptops to UK

Ok i have done a TON of reading today and im still a bit confused as to what small electrical device is suitable to bring over and what should we leave behind due to the voltage.

Some say as long as you have an adapter your ok and others suggest leaving some things home.

But my BIG question is the computers. We have 2 new laptops. One is a Compaq and one is a Sony Vaio. I read on one post the Sony Vaio wont work well with an adapter.
My thought is there are millions of Business men who travel all over all the time and seem to be fine with the laptops.

But you guys have been there done that and i dont want the laptops blowing up. Do they work with adapters? or will we need to buy new laptops when we get out there?

Thanks
Kath

But my BIG question is the computers. We have 2 new laptops. One is a Compaq and one is a Sony Vaio.

Have a look at the label on the power supply units for each one (the "label" might actually be just the details stamped into the plastic molding).   

What do they say for input voltage?

 I'm pretty sure just about all laptops are dual voltage and can be used in both the US and the UK without the need for a converter, but if you want to be sure, look at your laptop adapter plugs.  Usually it will tell you (on the "brick" portion of the plug) what the acceptable voltages are. If it says something like "INPUT: 100V-240V"  that indicates the laptop is dual voltage and you won't need a converter, just a plug adapter. That goes for all electronics, not just laptops.  Usually adapters for portable electronics such as mobile phones, laptops and iPods will be dual voltage by default, but it doesn't hurt to check.

I have a dell laptop and I have no issues with it. I just plug it in using a plug adapter, that's it, no voltage adapter. Trust me, I was FREAKED about doing this (and also plugging in my iPod), but I was reassured by more than one person it would be fine. They were right, of course! 

Usually adapters for portable electronics such as mobile phones, laptops and iPods will be dual voltage by default, but it doesn't hurt to check.

Yes, the majority of power units on these nowadays are the switched-mode type with automatic voltage adjustment, but always check the label first to be sure. 

Assuming can end up being an expensive mistake!

I just bought a converter cord thing, and brought my dell over. The adapor set I bought had lots of different plugs for different countries, and my laptop has probably traveled more than alot of people ever will.    I had no problems at all with it. I did blow up a hair straightener useing a converter, but no problems with my laptop!

I did blow up a hair straightener useing a converter, but no problems with my laptop!

I blew up my epilator (even had a voltage converter for that one) and a hair dryer. Thank goodness it wasn't the expensive stuff!

I bought a new HP laptop before moving to the UK and was also a little freaked out about plugging it in over here.  The brick said 100V-240V though so I was fairly sure it would be ok.  What was really funny was that on the HP website, it stated that this model could not be used overseas, however when I spoke with an HP rep online, they said it would be no problem and the brick included was fine.  I just bought a replacement 3-prong cord (the cord that goes from the brick to the power outlet) so I wouldn't have to waste a plug adapter, and it was fine.  So don't necessarily take what it says on the manufacturer's website as gospel.  If the brick says it can handle the voltage, you'll be fine

Thanks so much... The Vaio says Input 100-240 and 50-60hz and Output 18.5
and the compaq says  Input 100-240 50-60 hz and Output 19.5

So i should be ok right? I only need a plug for each one now?

I did blow up a hair dryer this summer and almost caught fire to my hair so the whole visit we were all scared to plug in our laptops or IPODS after seeing what i did to the dryer..

Thanks so much... The Vaio says Input 100-240 and 50-60hz and Output 18.5
and the compaq says  Input 100-240 50-60 hz and Output 19.5

So i should be ok right? I only need a plug for each one now?

I did blow up a hair dryer this summer and almost caught fire to my hair so the whole visit we were all scared to plug in our laptops or IPODS after seeing what i did to the dryer..

I have a Sony Vaio laptop and am using it right now and have been for months.  My output is 19.5 but that shouldn't matter it is just what that specific computer uses.  I bought a whole separate second cord for mine.  The part that goes from the box to the wall, but I don't think you need to.

I have a Sony Vaio laptop and am using it right now and have been for months.  My output is 19.5 but that shouldn't matter it is just what that specific computer uses.  I bought a whole separate second cord for mine.  The part that goes from the box to the wall, but I don't think you need to.

Thanks Bookgrl, appreciate the help. I think the post I read was from 05 so they may have upgraded the vaio's since then.
K

Thanks so much... The Vaio says Input 100-240 and 50-60hz and Output 18.5
and the compaq says  Input 100-240 50-60 hz and Output 19.5

So i should be ok right? I only need a plug for each one now?

Yep. 

I did blow up a hair dryer this summer

Did you use a transformer or other voltage converter of some sort, or did you just use a plug adapter?    Most hair dryers are designed for only 120 or only 240 volts.

Yep. 
Did you use a transformer or other voltage converter of some sort, or did you just use a plug adapter?    Most hair dryers are designed for only 120 or only 240 volts.

Only a plug and the thing caught fire..
K

Only a plug and the thing caught fire..

I'm not surprised!   With a simple heating element, double the voltage means double the current (roughly), which equates to four times as much heat!      

That's not to mention the poor little motor......