Apple powerbook -- Will this work?

Short question that I've spent hours trying to figure out, and that's actually probably insanely simple:

I have a 12-inch Apple Powerbook G4 that is from the US (bought in 2005). I just want to be able to plug it into the wall and use it over here. (I've been using the US cord and converting the voltage and all that jazz but we need to converter for other things, instead of constant use on my laptop).

Can I buy this, and plug it directly from laptop to wall?
http://www.macheaven.co.uk/?page=proddetail&prod=3558

I'm sure that item will fit my particular computer, I just have no idea if it will blow something, or ruin my computer.

Thanks in advance. This stuff is a huuuuge pain.

The voltage input for the US apple power source is 110-240.  No reason you can't just cut the plug end off and attach a regular UK plug on it.  I'm about to do it to both of my computers.  I'm tired of having to use a converter.

No reason you can't just cut the plug end off and attach a regular UK plug on it.

Really? If that's the case, can I just plug my US-style prongs directly into a UK-plug adapter and right into the wall?

I've been converting it and then adapting it as well, but maybe that's unnecessary??

Really? If that's the case, can I just plug my US-style prongs directly into a UK-plug adapter and right into the wall?

I've been converting it and then adapting it as well, but maybe that's unnecessary??

Not for a computer.

Not for a computer.

What is not for a computer Mort?  Not sure which statement you are referring to. 

Laptops will usually have the dual voltage facility built into the power cord, so all you need is a UK 3-pin adapter, no voltage converter - they are designed this way so people can travel easily with them.

However, you have a desktop PC, not a laptop you will probably need to use a converter as well because desktops don't usually have the 110-240V voltage range already accounted for - it will depends on the appliance (I think this is what Mort is referring to - desktop computer vs. laptop).

I used my UK Dell laptop every day for 8 months in the US this year with nothing more than a 2-pin US plug adapter - and it worked fine .

Oh I see.  Maybe for a PC you may need a converter.  Both my Apple laptop and desktop (if you consider an iMac a desktop) have the voltage range required to run either.  The OP was referring to her Powerbook which is a laptop.  She should be fine to simply install a UK plug. 
Katylux, simply look at the power source for the powerbook and see what the voltage range is.  If it is 110-240, you're good to go.  If it says 110-120, don't attempt to run it without a converter.  I've already done a few of my American appliances like that.  The computers are next. 

Also depending how close you are willing to be to the wall, the Apple store sells international prongs to go on your original brick. Like others have said if the brick says 110-240, you just need the lovely new prongs.

I know people answered already, but I just wanted to reinforce.  I use an adapter for both my iMac, MacPro and iBook.  All three have no issues.  The power adapter which comes with the Powerbook has the transformer (the white block) in it so no need to use an external one.

 

Also depending how close you are willing to be to the wall, the Apple store sells international prongs to go on your original brick. Like others have said if the brick says 110-240, you just need the lovely new prongs.

The World Travel Adapter kit comes with a whole bunch of plugs which is nearly £30.  Which is kind of a lot, but if you need adapters for other countries because of travel it might be worth it.

You can get a cord that plugs into your brick as well.  That may be a cheaper way to go.  That's what we use. 

As a general guide:

Just about all modern laptop power supplies/chargers are switched-mode units which will automatically accept a wide range of inputs (often 90 to 250 volts) without further ado.   All you need is (a) a plug adapter to connect to a U.K. outlet; (b) a replacement power cord to go from the charger to the wall outlet; or (c) cut the U.S. plug off and fit a U.K. plug instead.

Some older laptops sold in the U.S. have fixed-voltage supplies designed for only 120V. For these you will need to either replace the unit with the appropriate one, or run it through a step-down transformer to convert 240V to 120V.

Desktop/tower PCs tend to have dual-voltage power supplies, but there is a small selector switch on the rear which you need to set to the correct position.   Switch to 220/240V, plug in a U.K. cord, and you're set to go.

Other peripherals vary.  Many newer desktop monitors are like modern laptops and will work on 120 or 240V with no selection necessary, but some are still for one voltage range only or have a voltage-selector switch on the rear.  The "wall wart" power supplies which come with some printers, modems, routers, and so on are often designed for just 120V, so you would need a replacement unit or run through a 240-to-120V step-down transformer.

In all cases though, you should check the label on each device in question to see what input voltages it will accept. 

Interesting. I don't have the original power supply cable that came with my PB, but the Macally one I have already (with the US pigtail) says 110-240. So I'll just pop on some new prongs and go right into the wall. Thanks everyone for saving me some money and hassle!