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bens1901 · Aug 9, 2003, 11:23 AM

Hi. I have an iBook ( 800 MHz, maxed out on RAM), and in about 2 weeks I will be going over to France for an extended period of time...work related. I've bought a plug converter, and a powerstrip with 6 plugs (the kind that you get so that your computer, printer, lamps, and whatever else can be plugged in at the same time). I figured I would plug the converter into the wall (it says that it does not adjust the voltage or anything), then plug in the powerstrip which has a surge protecter and stuff (hopefully this would adapt the electrical current), and then I'll plug in the computer.

Today I realized that even if this does properly work to charge the computer, it may be a fire hazard in some way. Does anyone know anything about this? Any advice?

Thanks in advance.

-Ben

chabig · Aug 9, 2003, 12:15 PM

You'll be fine. The powerstrip will be doing exactly what it's designed to do--supply multiple plugs.

And your iBook will be fine. Read the fine print on the power adapter. It support 100-240 Volts, 50-60 Hz.

Chris

iamnid · Aug 9, 2003, 12:41 PM

I have to agree... it will work fine if you have the correct plug adapter (apple branded or otherwise).

What I'm not sure about is the modem... I'm not sure if it will work with the phones there. Won't be a problem if you aren't using a modem though.

pat++ · Aug 9, 2003, 05:24 PM

My brother bought an iBook in the US, and has been using it without any problem in UK and France. You just need a plug converter.

Mulattabianca · Aug 9, 2003, 06:41 PM

i bought my ibook in italy and 'm using it in us now. and been switching between us and europe.

works fine. apple 'books and ipods work in 100-240 v, so all you need is the right plug or adapter. the adapter will cost you 2-5 $ in an electronics store (may be easier to find in france).

i got the ipod in us, so i can change the plugs .. ibook has euro-plug, and ipod has us-plug.

you'll have no prob. nice holiday

rytc · Aug 10, 2003, 06:07 AM

Originally posted by iamnid:
I have to agree... it will work fine if you have the correct plug adapter (apple branded or otherwise).

What I'm not sure about is the modem... I'm not sure if it will work with the phones there. Won't be a problem if you aren't using a modem though.

I'm using my US bought iBook and iPod here in NZ and have used them successfully in Europe and Asia as they should. The modem works fine too, the only difference is again the plug which is different just about everywhere you go! I can't believe some of the weird plugs you get for phones around the place e.g. Australia and Germany. I have not idea why such huge bulky plugs are needed when tiny ones like the ones used in the US and NZ work perfectly well. The only times when you need to be careful anout your modem is in Hotels or Businesses, Universities etc. they often have digital exchanges which will fry your modem!

Cheers Ry

bens1901 · Aug 10, 2003, 09:05 AM

Thanks for all o the great insights.

While we're on the topic of using an iBook (US) in Europe...would I need any sort of adaptor to have an E1 line? I figure it would just go into my Ethernet connection...is this true? and would there be any necessary adaptor? I'm kind of hoping that since computer technology is so recent, the cables for T1 and E1 are the same when they connect to the computer.

Also, just in case any of you know anything about this...what/who is a good E1 service provider in Dijon, France ?

Thanks in advance for any info.

-Ben

chabig · Aug 10, 2003, 09:47 AM

I don't think you can just plug T1/E1 lines into the ethernet port of a computer. You need some kind of interface, don't you?

Mulattabianca · Aug 10, 2003, 12:34 PM

E1? Do you plug it to the ethernet? You have the same ports in all ibooks, so if it goes to modem or ethernet or firewire or usb-ports, they will work. (But I've never seen a T1 in France).

Mastrap · Aug 10, 2003, 12:37 PM

There is no reason at all why your iBook should not work in France. An ethernet port is an ethernet port is an ethernet port, so no problems there either. A modem is a modem, is a modem. All you need is the right wall connector. These will plug on top of your US modem cable though, so again, no problem there.

Forget the surge protector, it is designed to work with 110 Volts. French electricity is 220-240 Volts and will fry that surge protector in a second.

Personally I've never seen the need for one anyway.