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Old Jun 26th, 2008, 02:24 PM
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Charging U.S. Laptop Battery in Great Britain

I purchased plug adapters to charge my U.S. laptop while I am in Great Britain. I noticed tonight that the adapter instructions said not to use with a computer. How can I charge my laptop battery while I am in Great Britain? Thanks!
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Old Jun 26th, 2008, 02:35 PM
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Adapters don't charge anything. They are used to fit an American type plug into non-US AC outlets.

You need a converter which changes the electrical current from 220 to 110 volt.

Most laptops have the converter built into the power cord. Take a look at your power cord. If it has a rectangular box in the middle of the cord, that is the converter. Read the small print on it. It should say 110 to 240 volts.

If your laptop has the converter built in then you only need the adapter to fit your plug into the GB AC outlet.
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Old Jun 26th, 2008, 02:48 PM
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Thank you, Adrienne. My converter does say 110 to 240 volts.
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Old Jun 27th, 2008, 07:22 AM
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ira
 
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Hi KL,

Are you talking about a plug adapter or a voltage converter.

Your laptop should work on 110-220 V. Read the label on the charger.

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Old Jun 27th, 2008, 11:48 AM
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Anyone taking a laptop to Europe should read this article:

http://www.latimes.com/technology/la...,5399274.story
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Old Jun 27th, 2008, 05:13 PM
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Ira,

I purchased an international converter set.
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Old Jun 27th, 2008, 05:39 PM
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KL,

What you have is a converter used to
CONVERT 220 volts to 110. Some are
not suitable for use with laptops.


But as has been pointed out you don't need to convert the power you only need to ADAPT the plug to one of those huge British ones. Look at
the power brick of your laptop...
it should say something like "110-240" on it somewhere. This means it will convert the power by itself.

If you don't see the '110-240' consult the manufacturer but you
will most likely find it on there.

Rob
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Old Jun 27th, 2008, 06:10 PM
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If you have a car, you can always charge it with a dc computer plug or an power inverter for the cig lighter.
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Old Jun 28th, 2008, 02:40 AM
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ira
 
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Hi KL,

Your converter says not to use it with a computer.

Don't.

You shouldn't need a converter anyway.

Check the charger for your laptop. It most likely says 110-220 V.

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Old Jun 28th, 2008, 03:16 PM
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My laptop cord says 110 to 240 volts.
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Old Jun 28th, 2008, 05:30 PM
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In that case all you need is the
adapter for the plug. No voltage
conversion needed.

Rob
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Old Jun 28th, 2008, 07:17 PM
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Thanks to all!
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