The guy from rshack said I don't need an adapter but just a plug converter for my new laptop...Anyone know if ths is true???

I know my wife uses adaptor for curling iron...but he says computer doesn't need?

Any advice?

johnb

Your laptop charger will operate on universal voltage (100-240V), so will work happily on Switzerland's 230V. You will need a plug adaptor to be able to plug into the wall socket - sold cheaply in Radio Shack for $2 or so. Swiss sockets take two round pins.

Radio Shack's Europe adaptor plugs are $9.99, believe it or not. Cheaper to buy from Ebay, Magellans, etc. I found a couple in Ace Hardware for $4 or so once time.

I paid 99¢ at Target.

Agreed, just returned from Zurich and the power cord for the laptop operates on the correct voltage. Just make sure you get a plug adapter with a 3 prong for your laptop power cord and the appropriate pins on the plug in for the wall (2 as mentioned).

Am quite impressed that you got correct information from store guy.
So very often they simply don't know and don't even know that they don't know.
Am I cynical or what?

The OP may have confused the terms "adapter" and "converter". The "adapter" changes the plug shape to fit in the wall. The "converter" changes the voltage say from 120 to 240. A laptop would require an adapter for the different plug shape but would be dual voltage and not require a converter.