[ukmitchell]

I am thinking of buying a 17" superdrive imac from the states could I use it in the UK - eg. power supply,ntsc/pal etc - thanks for your help

[bstieritz]

Originally posted by ukmitchell:
I am thinking of buying a 17" superdrive imac from the states could I use it in the UK - eg. power supply,ntsc/pal etc - thanks for your help

mitchell,

Your biggest concern is whether or not the voltage levels match up with the ones in the UK. Check out this link to apple's website for the exact "line voltage" (90v to 264v AC) and "Maximum continuous power" (160W) for the iMac.

http://www.apple.com/imac/specs.html

I'd then call up your local electrician or electric service provider and ask them if your outlets would support this power exchange.

I remember reading a post on macnn where someone traveling to Japan couldn't use their imac without voiding the warranty because of the voltage differences . . . so, certainly look into it. And, when in doubt call a professional (or even apple tech support) and ask them.

cheers,
brian

[tooki]

Yes, an iMac from here will work anywhere, as long as you procure the proper power cord. (An Apple service provider in your country should even be able to order you an original matching Apple cable as a service part.)

If you use a modem, you'll need a phone plug adapter (also available as a service part, I think... if not, any place that sells fax machines should have a cable that will work).

But the biggest everyday problem will be the keyboard, which, while you can set the keyboard layout in System Preferences, will have key caps that don't match up with the UK keyboard layout. So either be prepared to touch-type, or to shell out for a different keyboard.

PAL vs NTSC is a probably not a problem, as historically, video output on Macs (e.g. on PowerBooks) has been PAL/NTSC switchable. Perhaps someone who owns a 17" iMac and the video adapter can verify this?

The other major thing is the warranty -- you won't have one. Apple apparently no longer honors worldwide service requests.

tooki

P.S. Whoever thought their iMac's warranty would get voided by using it in Japan is wrong -- all iMacs ever made support (at minimum) 90-250V AC, 50-60Hz, a range into which Japan's 100V, 60Hz power squarely falls. (And the UK's 240V, 50Hz power. Continental Europe is 220V, 50Hz, USA is 120V 60Hz.)

[Coxy]

Originally posted by tooki:
But the biggest everyday problem will be the keyboard, which, while you can set the keyboard layout in System Preferences, will have key caps that don't match up with the UK keyboard layout. So either be prepared to touch-type, or to shell out for a different keyboard.

???
The only difference I can think of would be the pounds sign instead of dollars.

[bstieritz]

Just the fact that you'd be voiding the apple warranty is enough to make me wonder if it's worth it. Unless you have some deal lined up in the states which is just too good to pass up, I wouldn't take the chance.

Just not worth it to me . . . Imagine plugging it in for the first time and you realize you just fried the processor or something . . . and, apple says fark you. You'd be a sad panda.

Although, on the bright side you'd have a very stylish paperweight.

cheers,
brian