Laptop telephone converter in Paris?
 

Hello all!<BR><BR>I've recently purchased a laptop here in the states to take back to Paris with me... I've called Dell (my laptop) Gateway, Radio Shack, Circuit City etc... and I can't seem to find a French converter for a telephone jack to get access to the internet in my apt. The above companies are telling me that they aren't sold in the states (?) and that I can get one at the airport, but I can't recall seeing a place in CDG for computer accessories.<BR><BR>Does anyone know if FNAC or etc... sells these? <BR><BR>Thanks in advance!<BR><BR>Wendy

Try this.<BR><BR>http://www.travel-arts.com/page9.htm

Wendy,<BR>All computer stores, and also places like Carrefour and Darty sell these converter plugs, because all laptops have the same phone plugs, so even French people need these converters/or the converter with cable. <BR>So unless you absolutely must plug in on arrival, don't bother buying one until you get here.

Wendy,<BR><BR>The last time I was in Paris I needed a USB connecter to plug into my laptop to keep my Palm Pilote charged, I had manage to blow out the one that I brought from the states. I went to an FNAC store, they have everything. So I would just recommend picking one up when you get to Paris. I have several converteres at our apartment, but I can't remember where we got them. I found the Modem hook-up to be painfully slow and will probalby look into DSL and Cable real soon.<BR><BR>Website for FNAC: http://fnac.com/<BR><BR>Bonne chance,<BR><BR>Randy

I am breathing a HUGE sigh of relief! Thanks to you...<BR><BR>Merci Merci,<BR><BR>Wendy

Randy and Wendy, if it is any help, competition on the ADSL front in France is very strong now, so you get great offers. Count between 30 and 40 Euro/month. Some give a free modem and free installation if you sign up for 12 months. And bearing in mind that you can still use the phone while online, your extra cost will be minimal.<BR>Don't let France Telecom talking you into taking their Wanadoo service if you don't want it. You can go with any ISP you like, incl. AOL<BR>A good resource site for all up to date offers is www.comparatel.fr

JULES! <BR><BR>THANKS A MILLION! I was ABOUT to sign up with 'wanadoo'....<BR><BR>You saved me. Merci mille fois.<BR>Wendy

Thank-you Jules.<BR><BR>We will be back in Paris in March and I'll probably have time to check out DSL. I think the time that I spent on the local calls on France Telecom with my slow modem connection probably cost more than a month of DSL.<BR><BR>Ciao,<BR><BR>RJS

De rien!<BR>I know some people don't like AOL, but I must say their service in France is quite good. I switched to them after Wanadoo took me to the cleaners.<BR>They have been the main promotor of &quot;unlimited all in&quot; (incl. phone charges) rates, causing the others to follow suit, so I am grateful to them. BTW you can bill it to your US credit card.<BR>You can see their ADSL offer for this month at:<BR>http://adsl-portal.aol.fr/index.html<BR><BR>24.99 Euro/month, installation &amp; modem included.<BR>

Wendy:<BR><BR>I forgot my telephone jack converter a couple of years ago and popped into the FNAC in Montparnasse and bought one for the equivalent of just a few dollars. If there's a Phillip's electrical supply store anywhere near you, they have them, too. Not to panic!

Isn't that funny? What to do without an internet connection!? Egad.<BR><BR>Thanks all...