We will be going to Italy this summer. We have a Dell laptop computer. What kind of converter will I need to make it functional, and not blow up, in Europe/Italy? I have heard that the regular cord/converter that comes with the computer will work, and that all I need is a coupler on the plug-in end so it will fit into a European wall socket. True?
Thanks.
Probably....most modern electronics are made to handle power conversions these days, and all you should need is the proper plug adapter to fit European outlets. But double check just in case. On your plug-in power supply, there should be an indication that input is something like "110-240" volts. If so, you're OK. If, for some reason, it only says "110" volts, then you'll need a converter to convert the electricity supply.
It was very suprising to us that it was just that easy. We found the same to be true for Ipod chargers, cell phones, etc. Check to make sure, but most newer models will just take an adapter to make it two prong and do the conversion for you.
Enjoy your trip!
All you have to do is look at the electrical cord, it should say input 100-240v. That means that the cord runs on 110/220v electric so all you need is the little 2 prong receptical converter. the outlets in Europe are different, the prongs are round vs our flat prongs. I actually sell these in my store for $1, so that gives you an idea on how much you should pay. You are not converting the voltage, you only need to change the prong style. Hope this helps!
Jim,
When asking a question, post it in only one place. If you don't get any answers, then post it in another forum. duplicating questions gets duplicate answers from people that don't know the question was already answered.
If you need it for business then I understand taking it but it is a big bother and troublesome. I use the internet cafes for email and always use a travel email address for security purposes.As we stay in B&B's each time my husband takes his lap top we have probs, have to hide it in our car or carry it and cannot always hook up. He is a retired geek so he thinks it is worth it but I wonder. If you stay in business hotels it will be fine though.
JS...no such thing as a "retired" geek....once a geek, always a geek. Sorta like the Marines....Hoo-Rah! In any event, I would agree that, unless you really need the laptop for work, leave it at home. It's too much of a hassle to lug around and worry about, and you'll find you won't have much time to use it anyway. If you're doing a travel blog for those back home, use internet cafes. I always use a small notebook to take down my immediate impressions, then expand on them at home...like seeing the Sistine Chapel for the first time, or the mesmerizing painting,"Girl with a Pearl Earring." It's pretty hard to compose those first impressions lugging a laptop around.
