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already in france...where do i buy power convertor?

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Old Sep 15th, 2010, 05:18 PM
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already in france...where do i buy power convertor?

help.
we have been looking for 2 days for a power convertor that converts our US electrical stuff (like this laptop i'm typing on that is almost 'dead') to the french system. we brought one along but it is not working for some reason that we cannot understand. we are currently in aix and headed a bit north....any ideas or are we out of luck?
THANK YOU
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Old Sep 15th, 2010, 05:30 PM
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Go to FNAC and take your laptop you along with your plug. Your computer should be dual voltage. The best way to find what you need is taking everything there. They are all over town but if you give your location it would be easier to find the closest one.
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Old Sep 15th, 2010, 05:31 PM
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FNAC stores are all over France. http://www.fnac.com/
The Aix store is at:
160 Avenue Giuseppe Verdi
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Old Sep 15th, 2010, 05:41 PM
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You shouldn't need a voltage converter for a laptop. Check the rating on the power brick, but don't know of any that aren't dual voltage. Perhaps your battery or power brick is going bad.
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Old Sep 15th, 2010, 06:09 PM
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We need a clarification -- do you need a 'power converter' (very doubtful) or a power supply. OR -- just a plug adapter?

It is 99% certain your computer/power supply are dual voltage. No need at all for a 'converter' - which is like an electrical transformer. You would need a plug adapter - but that won't help if your power supply is bad.

So yes -- take everything to FNAC . . . .
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Old Sep 15th, 2010, 07:05 PM
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You shouldn't need a "power converter." Just a plug adapter - easily found for a couple of euro at any electrical supply store - FNAC, Phillipe, any éléctroménager.
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Old Sep 15th, 2010, 07:25 PM
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and just for you to have, on your way back, computer store at airport has an adapter that converts to all countries in one little neat round gadget.
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Old Sep 15th, 2010, 11:24 PM
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In fact for a plug adaptor you may well find them at any supermarket
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Old Sep 15th, 2010, 11:27 PM
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You can find plug adaptors at Darty stores (all over Paris) or at the BHV.
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Old Sep 15th, 2010, 11:28 PM
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Oh, should have said "all over France" since you are not in Paris. But you can also find the adaptors in the hypermarkets (Carrefour, Auchan, Géant, E. Leclerc....)
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Old Sep 15th, 2010, 11:45 PM
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okay i guess i meant an adaptor....sorry i'm not good with electrical stuff at all. anyway, i need the little piece that helps me plus my laptop, curling iron and the like into the wall sockets in france. i will try your suggestions! thank you.
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Old Sep 16th, 2010, 01:02 AM
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CAREFUL! You can't use adaptors on things like hair dryers.
Make sure you check the voltage on your electrical equipment first. Adaptors are just plugs; they don't convert the voltage from 110 to 220 V (assuming you're from N. America).
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Old Sep 16th, 2010, 01:04 AM
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Ah, just realized that you are in Aix-en-Provence.
Go to the Monoprix on the Cours Mirabeau.
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Old Sep 16th, 2010, 08:23 AM
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"<i>CAREFUL! You can't use adaptors on things like hair dryers.</i>"

Actually many hairdryers are dual voltage, and if so, yes you can use an adapter.
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Old Sep 16th, 2010, 08:41 AM
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For what you might spend on any contraption that steps down the voltage from 220ac to 110ac, you are really better off purchasing a 220vac hair dryer which will do a much better job of drying you hair anyway.

Darty sells these for as little as 20€.

Darty
zac Pioline Les Milles
Aix en Provence
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