[darwin_22r]

question: i am leaving for el salvador in about a month (for 2 1/2 years) and am taking my powerbook w/ me (mostly to upload digital pics and for journal writing - not internet use). the problem i am having is understanding the whole adaptor/voltage/electricity thing when it comes to plugging my laptop in for use and for recharging the battery. i'm an idiot when it comes to electrical issues - and don't want to end up blowing up the powerbook because of my stupidity on the voltage issues.

any travelers have ANY advice on this?? i've researched this to death and all the wattages and voltage numbers are totally confusing.

[budster101]

First. Get an iPod 20 or 60gb, with a photo connector and use this as your storage device for photos, so you can upload them to the computer at a convenient time, plus you will have backup of your photos on the iPod should you ever need them. It's great too to connect to televisions to show of your work.

You can even use the iPod to backup your writing.

As far as the power conversion is concerned:

Electrical and environmental requirements
Meets ENERGY STAR requirements

Line voltage: 100V to 240V AC
Frequency: 50 to 60Hz
Operating temperature: 50° to 95° F (10° to 35° C)
Storage temperature: -13° to 113° F (-25° to 45° C)
Relative humidity: 0% to 90% noncondensing
Maximum operating altitude: 10,000 ft
Maximum storage altitude: 15,000 ft
Maximum shipping altitude: 35,000 ft

Which means it will automattically switch by itself when you plug it in.
Now, you'll need to have an adapter probably to plug it in so,

---

You will probably need a conversion kit: World Conversion Adapter Kit


What size PowerBook do you have?
12" or 15" ?

I'm guessing you don't have a 17"

Get a nice bulletproof backpack. Brenthaven makes an awesome one with ballistic nylon.
If you don't already have one.

For crying out loud, why are you going there? Well in any case, be safe.

[analogika]

You don't necessarily need the overpriced world conversion adapter kit.

Any travel adapter plug will do.

Alternately, pull the little corner that plugs into the socket off the power adapter, just walk into any local hardware store, and buy an electric shaver cord.

[Randman]

Radio Shack has plenty of adaptors as well.

[darwin_22r]

thanks for all the help.

now - about that bulletproof pack........ (i'm doing 2 1/2 years of peace corps service). i'm sure everything will be ok though.

[budster101]

I meant bulletproof in the sense that it will protect your PowerBook.. not you.
Line it with kevlar just in case. I don't care if you are with the 'Peace Corps', they shoot indiscriminantly... (The Bad Guys)...

Good luck, be safe.

[cleanup]

Wouldn't kevlar make the Powerbook weigh as much as a small house?

And I think the kevlar is better used for protecting your own body, rather than your laptop's body. Your laptop will not miss you if you are shot dead.

[DavisH]

And I think the kevlar is better used for protecting your own body, rather than your laptop's body. Your laptop will not miss you if you are shot dead.

I like to think power book users have a special bond with their computers! (lol)http://forums.macnn.com/newreply.php...amp;p=2668388#

Anyway............................................ ........................





Awkward

[darwin_22r]

actually - i AM more worried about my laptop than i am myself! ha. i wasn't thinking guns so much as i was thinking theft and all that. there is virtually no insurance that covers theft (at least outside the u.s.) - most policies only cover burglary or robbery.