UK/USA computer

[japeflakes]

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.

[genechaser]

Hi

I think that she should also take into consideration of the voltage differences if they plan to bring it back to the UK.

[Calverley Lad]

If I remember correctly, the USA equipment runs 90 - 110 volt 60Hz.
Small transformer reducing 240 to 110volts  available at Maplins.
 Brian

[katherine]

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. 

[Nick29]

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.

[km1971]

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

[japeflakes]

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

[Jamjar]

Laptops are universal.

You just need the power point adapter.

Australian keyboards don't have a pound sign, either.

Jamjar

[Nick29]

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/