Laptop and desktop computers

Hi All,
I'm not sure if this is the right forum but i need to find out if I can purchase a cord for my computers when I move to the UK, without having to buy all new systems. My hubby got me a brand new Mac laptop but it has a US cord. Does anyone know if there is a shop for this?

You'll just need a new cord, which you can get from most electronics retailers or from Amazon.

I bought a Mac laptop in the US about 18 months ago, but I didn't bother to get a new cord - as it is dual voltage (110-240V), I just use the US cord with a US-UK plug adapter.

I bought a Mac laptop in the US about 18 months ago, but I didn't bother to get a new cord - as it is dual voltage (110-240V), I just use the US cord with a US-UK plug adapter.

Same here. I bought a US macbook in December, and just use a plug adapter with it in the UK. 

Good to know! I used an adaptor when I visited last time but didn't know if I could do that full time I keep reading about appliances blowing fuses and didn't want to break my computers.
Thank you everyone!

I keep reading about appliances blowing fuses and didn't want to break my computers.

You need to check the voltage on the appliances. If your computers (or other electrical equipment) are US voltage only (110V), then you will need a transformer as well... using just a plug adapter will cause problems with blowing fuses because the voltage of the power from the mains will be different to the voltage that the electrical equipment can handle.

As laptops are designed to be portable and to be used all over the world, they are dual-voltage - usually 110-240V, so you don't need a transformer, you can just use a plug adapter. You would need to check your desktop though, as it may not be dual-voltage and may require a transformer too.

The only trouble I have with using a US-UK plug adapter for my laptop is if I take it to another country (i.e. in the EU) and the plugs are different again, I either need a US-EU adapter, or I have to plug my US cord into my US-UK adapter and then plug that into a UK-EU adapter!

Ahh I understand now! KSand24 you're a genius! Thank you so much

If you've got the macbook charger with the interchangeable bit that slides out you can get a world adapter kit http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB974ZM/B/apple-world-travel-adapter-kit?fnode=3c if you like everything to match.

Otherwise you can either buy a new charger from an Apple store here or use a regular adapter like they said. With a Mac it's easy since their stuff is pretty much all dual voltage from what I know...and there are plenty of stores here

I found that I needed the longer version of the cable as its grounded...with the short adapter bit (that's in that kit) I got a weird vibration and would get shocked if my husband and I both had our laptops and touched...but that's down to how the chargers are designed and probably not the kind of information you're after.

On that note...it might be worth talking to the genius bar and seeing if they can get you just the extension bit or something like that (as the actual power block is the same here)...never hurts to ask, the worst they say is no and point you to the £65 charger.

Thank you alexpkeeton! Makes loads of sense!
I didn't see a genius bar last time I was in Chester but I'm sure there has to be one close by, or I might have to go to Manchester and see.

Try to see if you can get the part you want in the US before you leave (they may be able to order it if it's not a standard stock item) as Apple prices are substantially less in the US (which is why we all buy our stuff there when we visit).

Thanks for that info KFdancer! I knew video games were much cheaper here but not apple. I will definitely go and look now

Anything else cheaper in the US?

Clothes (like for like brands), electronics but you have to watch the voltage and potentially need a transformer so with the exception of laptop/ipad/phone/kindle, I suck it up and pay the UK prices.  But do not look at the prices of a KitchenAid mixer here, you will cry.  Furniture is much less in the US but I was limited during a corporate move and didn't know how much space I would have here.

I own a kitchen aid mixer and a food processor but I read that they blow fuses very quickly because of the voltage. I was planning on trying to sell them here which means I'd have to find something there.

I really use them weekly so don't even want to know the prices!! Not to mention that my bank account will already take a hit because the dollar is foul compared to the pound!

Anything comparable over there that's cheaper?

I own a kitchen aid mixer and a food processor but I read that they blow fuses very quickly because of the voltage. I was planning on trying to sell them here which means I'd have to find something there.

Don't sell them,  bring them with you along with a step up/down converter.  We have the same items but bought conveters before moving.   Converters can be found on ebay for a much better price than buying new once you arrive on this side.

We've been using the mixer,  hoover,  etc with the conveter perfectly fine for eight years.

Converters can be found on ebay by searching on 'step up/down converter '. 

Most all computers have been dual voltage since the early 90's, if not longer. Even the desktop PC I brought to the UK in 1993 AND the ancient monitor had little switches on the back. Laptops have always been dual voltage to the best of my knowledge. Even my external hard drives are dual; just needed a plug adapter.

For other appliances, I also vote for the step down converter. Just make sure you get one that is sufficient for the wattage of your appliance, plus about 10% for surges. I've used many appliances for years with no issues, and DH uses all of his power tools with a big yellow "building site" converter. If you buy over here, converters are move expensive unless you get used ones. Having said that, we got a big ugly yellow converter that will handle about anything for about £65 from an electrical supply store here. Prettier (?) ones that sit on your counter top are generally the most expensive.