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monkeybrain · Jun 4, 2006, 05:10 PM

I'm thinking of buying a Macbook pretty soon, to use when I go to Taiwan for a year. As I understand it, Taiwan uses the same standards as the US (110V, 60Hz). Since the UK uses a much mightier and manly power output, what is the situation of using the UK power brick in lower-power countries?

The Macbooks tech specs say 100-240V, 50-60Hz, so does the power brick just adapt (assuming you've just stuck a normal travel adaptor on there)?

ghporter · Jun 4, 2006, 05:50 PM

The power adapter is rated for 100-240V (AC) at 50-60Hz. IT provides DC voltage to the computer. As long as you have the appropriate adapter to get your plug into the local socket, the power adapter will do what it's supposed to for you.

tomacwhite · Jun 4, 2006, 05:57 PM

It will be fine, just buy the plug adapter from the airport or from Argos or something it will work no problem. I took my (UK) iBook to Japan last year and it charged from the wall perfectly fine

monkeybrain · Jun 5, 2006, 03:40 AM

Ah brilliant, thanks guys. I've already have a plug adaptor too, so I'm all set.

grr74 · Jun 7, 2006, 07:53 AM

Apple also sells the world travel kit, which has plugs that fit directly on their AC adapter. It's expensive, though.

SSharon · Jun 7, 2006, 09:00 AM

Originally Posted by polpo

Apple also sells the world travel kit, which has plugs that fit directly on their AC adapter. It's expensive, though.

I got it at an apple store on the refreshed items table for 75% off. $10 was a great price considering each piece was still wrapped in plastic.

photoeditor · Jun 9, 2006, 10:24 AM

Just a reminder you should be prepared for DVD region issues if you use the computer with DVDs. Because of the five-change limit I would not mix UK and Asia region DVDs or you'll lock your drive on a particular region all too soon. And of course Taiwan is one region and the US is another and the UK and Europe is still another.

harrisjamieh · Jun 9, 2006, 10:41 AM

He can just use VLC to play the DVDs

monkeybrain · Jun 9, 2006, 10:48 AM

Yes, I've used VLC to view Asian DVDs before, and although not all the features on the DVD work properly, they do indeed play.

I could just purchase a cheap multi-region DVD player there as well, although I am not aware if they sell them as cheap as they do in the UK (I think they have no Amazon £25 multi-region players).

tooki · Jun 9, 2006, 03:01 PM

There's no such thing as a "UK power brick" for a current Apple laptop. The same power bricks are used worldwide. Only the included plug and cord are different.

tooki

molala · Jun 11, 2006, 04:27 AM

From what I've heard from friends, electronics are cheaper in Taiwan compared to the UK. So I wouldn't be surprised if you are able to find cheap multi-region DVD players there.

cornwallstone · Jul 9, 2006, 11:50 PM

Lived there for a while.. Travel there frequently, as my wife is Taiwanese... Taipei is now totally wireless, so your new macbook should work like a Pro.......Also too... Most coffee houses offer free wireless and more importantly, Air Conditioning...Have a great trip.....Dont forget to buy a scooter when you arrive...A definite must...!!!!!

Cheers

JoshuaZ · Jul 10, 2006, 07:48 AM

One my my neighbors used to live in Taiwan and her iBook did fine.

monkeybrain · Jul 10, 2006, 09:45 AM

Thanks for the replies guys. I have my Macbook now and I'm sure it will work fine... as long as I keep it out of the heat!

About the DVD players, Taiwan seems to be very strict and multi-region players are not on sale there. I suppose I can just use the Macbook to watch my UK dvds and connect it to the TV, and get a Taiwan player for the Asian ones.

One annoying thing is that Apple don't sell those small adaptors for the power bricks separately. They make you buy the whole set for travelling, so I'll just be using a standard converter. Do they really think that someone going travelling will be travelling everywhere? Crazy.

Nivag · Jul 10, 2006, 11:28 AM

Originally Posted by monkeybrain

Thanks for the replies guys. I have my Macbook now and I'm sure it will work fine... as long as I keep it out of the heat!

About the DVD players, Taiwan seems to be very strict and multi-region players are not on sale there. I suppose I can just use the Macbook to watch my UK dvds and connect it to the TV, and get a Taiwan player for the Asian ones.

One annoying thing is that Apple don't sell those small adaptors for the power bricks separately. They make you buy the whole set for travelling, so I'll just be using a standard converter. Do they really think that someone going travelling will be travelling everywhere? Crazy.

I'm fairly sure if you download VLC you can watch DVDs without changing the region code each time.

as for the power adaptors, just buy a figure of 8 power lead with the countries plug on that you are going to. it's not pretty but cheap as chips

monkeybrain · Jul 10, 2006, 04:09 PM

Hi Nivaq, yeah I posted above that I already use VLC for that purpose. Mileage varies, but it's generally ok.

What the dog's bollocks is a 'figure of 8' power lead?

Yakov · Jul 10, 2006, 07:03 PM

that modular power brick design always confused me... seems like just a great way to lose small pieces... does anyone in the universe actually care whether his or her power brick is 100% shiny white plastic?!?!?!

ghporter · Jul 10, 2006, 07:30 PM

Originally Posted by monkeybrain

Hi Nivaq, yeah I posted above that I already use VLC for that purpose. Mileage varies, but it's generally ok.

What the dog's bollocks is a 'figure of 8' power lead?

That's a two-lead power connector whose device end looks like a figure 8. Bizarre way to say it, though...