Hello
Guest

Sponsored Links


Topic: moving my computer... has anyone does this?  (Read 1512 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

  • Jewlz
  • is in the house because....
  • *
  • Posts: 8647

  • International Woman of Mystery
  • Liked: 3
  • Joined: Jun 2008
  • Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne
moving my computer... has anyone does this?
« on: July 10, 2008, 10:44:13 PM »
Hey guys, I am bringing my imac with me, and i was wondering if i could use an adaptor with it?  if so, would i need a voltage converter?  Can I purchase a regular AC plug over there to use with the UK outlets?  If so, (any mac users?) can I just use a regular computer AC plug, or is the one for Mac special?  Guess I may have to call the Apple Store in Manchester...
Thanks for any help!



  • *
  • Posts: 24035

    • Snaps
  • Liked: 11
  • Joined: Jan 2005
  • Location: Cornwall
Re: moving my computer... has anyone does this?
« Reply #1 on: July 10, 2008, 10:45:39 PM »
There should be a little switch at the back of your computer to change the voltage. No converter needed!  :)
My Project 365 photo blog: Snaps!


  • *
  • Posts: 1509

  • Liked: 0
  • Joined: Jan 2006
  • Location: Oppama, Japan
Re: moving my computer... has anyone does this?
« Reply #2 on: July 11, 2008, 01:06:52 AM »
You should be fine.. no idea why we weren't.  I switched the voltage, plugged in the computer.. and it caught on fire.  I have a cheap Korean machine, though.  (It's still working!)


  • Jewlz
  • is in the house because....
  • *
  • Posts: 8647

  • International Woman of Mystery
  • Liked: 3
  • Joined: Jun 2008
  • Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne
Re: moving my computer... has anyone does this?
« Reply #3 on: July 11, 2008, 06:04:03 AM »
there is no voltage switch on the back of the mac...  ???
not sure what to do...
definitely don't want it to catch on fire!


  • *
  • Posts: 1509

  • Liked: 0
  • Joined: Jan 2006
  • Location: Oppama, Japan
Re: moving my computer... has anyone does this?
« Reply #4 on: July 11, 2008, 06:36:59 AM »
Asking at the Mac shop is a good idea.  Our little fire was quite exciting, don't know why you'd want to miss out.. Found out that our computer has a REALLY loud alarm!

Look here:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1981

(It says one model will need a converter, but lots are auto-switching.)
« Last Edit: July 11, 2008, 10:27:20 AM by madeira »


  • Jewlz
  • is in the house because....
  • *
  • Posts: 8647

  • International Woman of Mystery
  • Liked: 3
  • Joined: Jun 2008
  • Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne
Re: moving my computer... has anyone does this?
« Reply #5 on: July 11, 2008, 03:03:01 PM »
man, you are fast!  it took me ages to find that article, but i finally found it last night.  guess it will be ok with an adaptor, and i suppose i can buy a new plug for it.  DH says a kettle plug should work...  ;)  maybe i will get that cozy fire after all!


  • *
  • Posts: 1509

  • Liked: 0
  • Joined: Jan 2006
  • Location: Oppama, Japan
Re: moving my computer... has anyone does this?
« Reply #6 on: July 11, 2008, 09:58:21 PM »
That's me, Master of Google.. for other people's searches, anyhow.


  • *
  • Posts: 50

    • My Space
  • Liked: 0
  • Joined: Jun 2008
  • Location: Sacramento, CA
Re: moving my computer... has anyone does this?
« Reply #7 on: July 11, 2008, 10:34:37 PM »
Thank goodness because I work from home (doing web graphics) and if my computer fried that would be tragic. I keep reading that converters can still sometimes fry your electronics, good to know computers are safe. (arent they?)
Experiencing a slight delay, but England calls...


  • Tam
  • Girl Friday
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 673

  • Liked: 0
  • Joined: May 2006
  • Location: Cornwall
Re: moving my computer... has anyone does this?
« Reply #8 on: July 11, 2008, 10:45:37 PM »
iMacs work just fine over here with just a change to a UK plug - ours is still going strong after two years here. :)


  • *
  • Posts: 1509

  • Liked: 0
  • Joined: Jan 2006
  • Location: Oppama, Japan
Re: moving my computer... has anyone does this?
« Reply #9 on: July 11, 2008, 11:11:19 PM »
After the fire, we used a converter for two years.  Everything is fine.  I've heard it's not a good idea to use them long-term.. Paul will know more about that. 


  • *
  • Banned
  • Posts: 6640

  • Big black panther stalking through the jungle!
  • Liked: 3
  • Joined: Feb 2005
  • Location: Norfolk, England
Re: moving my computer... has anyone does this?
« Reply #10 on: July 12, 2008, 11:15:29 AM »
Looking at that list on the Apple support site, it appears that only the iMac G5 might be 120V only.   Whatever the model, examine the label (or equivalent stamped molding) on the rear of the unit.  It should tell you the supply voltage range the unit will accept.  If it says something like "90 to 250V" or "100 to 240V," then it's one of the auto-switching supplies and will work directly from a British 240V outlet.

I'm not a Mac user, so I'm not familiar with these units, but is the power connected via an IEC C13 cord, the same as the regular PC desktop?  If so, and it will run on 240V directly, then you can just swap the power cord for a British one, like this:

http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?ModuleNo=1176&doy=12m7

These cords are available widely in High Street electronics stores.  You could also just use a plug converter with the American cord, but to be honest many of the cheap plug converters are of extremely dubious quality, and it would be better to just use a replacement U.K. cord.

If the iMac is a 100-127V-only type, then you will need to run it via a step-down transformer (which are also often referred to as converters, just to confuse the issue).

The main problem is with the cheap "transformerless" converters.  They appear to offer good value for money in terms of how much you pay for a given wattage, but the penalty is that they don't provide exactly the same type of power as you get from the wall outlet.

For computers and other electronic devices, you should stick with a simple transformer.

http://www.airlinktransformers.com/

http://www.newmarket-transformers.co.uk/
From
Bar
To car
To
Gates ajar
Burma Shave

1941
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreaming of one who truly is La plus belle pour aller danser.


Sponsored Links





 

coloured_drab