Using computer in France
 

I've read the thread of conversations regarding whether to bring or not to bring a laptop computer to Paris, etc.

My only question...
Based on what I've read, it appears that if I have a grounded adapter plug, my MAC Powerbook should be o.k. to plug in to any outlet?

The power adapter says "Input: AC 100-240V 50/60 hz, Output: 24.5V."

Am I correct in making this assumption? I don't need a "power coverter" only an "adapter". Right?

Thanks very much!

Drusha

Right. Just the plug thingy.

All you need it the little plastic adapter to make the power plug on your AC adapter fit the wall socket. Everything else should work as-is.

If you plan of going online, you're going to find a proper French connector. Some can be found which will use the RJ 11 plug which is found often in the US. Maybe you could borrow a adapter from your concierge. In fact, the concierge might have an adapter for the current plug too.

Blackduff

As Blackduff said, if you're going on line via the telephone, you also need a phone plug adapter. One the other hand, if you're going on line wireless, it's best to be a techie - and/or to be prepared for some failures. From hotels, we've found it's hit or miss. Some Paris cafes also have wireless Internet. We recently noticed one on the rue Dauphine in the 6th.

Drusha, we've carried an iBook on our last three trips to France and have had no difficulty finding open wireless networks in Paris. I also noticed last week that Cafe Français at Place de la Bastille and Baz Art Café on boulevard Henri IV have signs saying "Wi-Fi gratuit," but I didn't try either.

Anselm

Here's a map for Wi-Fi in France. It's all in French but it will be good practice before arriving in France.

By the way, the departments shown on the map are for 92, 93,94,& 75 which are Paris departments.

I remember that free hotspots can be selected.

Blackduff

blackduff, that was a link-free post!!

Could you repost with the link? Notebook-carting travelers need to know!

Rhanks.

Anselm

They also need to learn how to type. I meant "thanks."

You can also try downloading an application called JiWire which has a utility that allows you to search WiFi hotspots worldwide. It came in very handy when I was in Paris last September as I found a free hotspot cafe a few minutes walk from my apartment.

http://www.journaldunet.com/wifi/

I'm sorry. I guess I'm getting old. I planned on putting the url before.

I am going to try and see if this other site - JiWire. This sure sounds nice too.

Blackduff & sorry for forgetting

http://www.jiwire.com/

This is a great program. Click for 75000 for the Paris department and wow! Full of free sites. Remember that you have to select for "Free" before you click.

Again, you can do the same with 92000; 93000; & 94000. This will give a bigger coverage in the Paris area.

Thanks Lufty for a great site.

Blackduff

Blackduff,
Quite welcome. Sorry I neglected to include the URL for it. It feels good to finally be able to add something useful instead of always asking for help. Enjoy!!

Blackduff and lufty, many thanks for the two links! My wife will be delighted.

Anselm

Great thread as I've been debating on whether or not to take my laptop this time since I will be staying a month.

So if you want to use this free wireless, say at a restaurant, do you just show up with your computer and log on? What are the expectations? Is there some sort of WiFi etiquette?

Don't you now need a French bank account to buy a local plug-in for using internet? There is wifi in all Paris parks, but not accessible otherwise. You need to rely on hotels and cafes otherwise with your own "home" service.

Dear Barbara:
Are you waiting for an answer to your post? The thread is an old one and yours is the first post in five years.But to hazard an answer, free WiFi works the same everywhere -- it's free, but you may have to obtain a password from the cafe or hotel. If you want to plug in to a hotel system rather than wireless you will need a French telephone connector which can be bought in some stores. Maybe the hotel front desk can find a spare stuck in the back of a drawer, so ask first. The hotel buys the computer service, not you (although some hotels do pass on a fee to you per diem.)