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General => Technical Help => Topic started by: japeflakes on Sunday 08 April 12 10:20 BST (UK)
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A very non tech member of the family from the UK is going to work in Education in the USA for a year. Should they buy a laptop in the UK to take there (desktop only at the moment) or buy one there? No doubt voltage will be different and which is the best way to connect to the internet over there etc etc. How do prices compare and what happens when you return? ANY help would be good so I can pass on the info. Thank you in advance. I was going to suggest a Dell here as they should have them over there.
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Hi
I think that she should also take into consideration of the voltage differences if they plan to bring it back to the UK.
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If I remember correctly, the USA equipment runs 90 - 110 volt 60Hz.
Small transformer reducing 240 to 110volts available at Maplins.
Brian
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My computer works fine in both the USA and UK. The transformer covers both the US and UK voltage and cycle rate. Since it has a built in 110V plug I use a simple 2 pin to 3 pin adapter (WH Smith) when using in the UK. Laptops tend to be cheaper in the US and one can select UK English if necessary, though I find updating spell check for common words to be efficient. Internet doesn't seem to be a problem anywhere.
Another brand to consider would be HP/Compac though most brands are available either place.
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Most laptop power supplies will happily accept anything between 90 and 260 Volts, which will take you anywhere in the world.
But it would be wise to check the model you're intending to buy, before purchasing.
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A US keyboard will not a £ sign. There is a combination of keys to get one, but this will have to be used when she gets back.
The three pin 'cloverleaf' power socket is more common in the US than the figure of 8 lead. So I would ensure the UK laptop uses one, so only the power lead needs changing.
My power adapter can recognise any voltage from 100 to 260, and 50 or 60 Hz.
Ken
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Thanks for the replies so far. Keep sending more suggestions, tips etc . Thank you
You say the USA keyboard has no £ sign, but ours has a $ sign. Odd
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Laptops are universal.
You just need the power point adapter.
Australian keyboards don't have a pound sign, either.
Jamjar
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You can type a £ sign on any keyboard. Just hold down the ALT key, and then type the number 156 on the numeric keypad. Note that only the numeric keypad (the one on the right of the keyboard) works for this.
You can type a whole range of other characters too......
http://alt-codes.org/list/
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Yes, what I was saying is: it isn't 'on' the keyboard.
Jamjar
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Any ideas on internet suppliers in the USA?
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America's a rather large country. The situation there is much the same as it is here. In the big cities, there are companies falling over themselves to supply fiber based broadband and ADSL, but in smaller communities they are reliant on ADSL, as we are. Your relative would best wait until they get there. There are plenty of places where free wi-fi is available (like food outlets and bars).
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Would agree with Nick on waiting to check out the community. There are so many different options, bundling with telephone, TV etc and these deals are generally location specific. Some areas (large or small) you may find competition. Plus, if you happen to be renting, internet might be part of your rental agreement. For free wifi check out Panera Bread or Starbucks. The former has great food and free internet.
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This is all very useful and I am passing on everything. Any more tips/ help welcome. Thank you
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The @ sign is also in a different place on the US keyboard.
Definitely buy one where the power cord can be easily exchanged (the figure of 8 mentioned earlier)
Otherwise Walm*rt sells the adapters at a reasonable price.
The big issue though is warranty, while companies like HP now have WW warranty (not always the case!), you might want to check if you decide on buying in the US what kind of warranty it has. Could be kinda difficult if its only valid in the country of purchase.