Job Discussion Forums

Dr.J · Joined: 09 May 2003 Posts: 304 Location: usually Japan

Au revoir,

I'm thinking of buying a notebook PC...but I'd like it to work in more than one country.

Is this possible? I'm thinking...internet problems, plug sockets, can't install local software etc. etc.

I am doing my own research, but this is part of it. Help me, damn you.

Thanks!

Dr.J

lajzar · Joined: 09 Feb 2003 Posts: 647 Location: Saitama-ken, Japan

Kent F. Kruhoeffer · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 2129 Location: 中国

Hello Dr.J:

I have an American-bought Dell Inspiron 3700 notebook (4 years old now) and I am typing on it at this very moment from provincial Russia. I have also used it in Korea.

Getting the adaptors to fit the electrical outlets is easy. Configuring the software and telephone plugs for the internet can be a bit more complicated, but DON'T worry about that now.

Basically, these modern notebook computers are manufactured with universally neutral technology, in the sense that they can be used almost anywhere with some minor tweeking.

I would not trust the guy at Radio Shack in Peoria to give you good advice on this. When you get to wherever it is you're going, there will be a 'techie' who knows how to do this, and he will set you up, damn it. Very Happy

Best wishes,
kEnt

PS: Just be sure that whatever you buy has a built-in modem and communication software installed. That's it.

johnslat · Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2003 4:05 am Post subject: Laptops versus PCs

Dear Dr. J.
Computer decisions often depend a lot on - 1. where you're headed; and 2. how long you plan to stay there ( which, admittedly, is always iffy ). I have a laptop ( which I'm using right now ) which I brought with me to Saudi Arabia from the States in '97. It's been fine - no problems. But if I had to do it over again, I'd have just waited and bought a PC here - where they're cheaper than in the States. Other than that, I'd say lajzar and keNt have given you good info.
Regards,
John

isabel · Joined: 07 Mar 2003 Posts: 510 Location: God's green earth

It also depends on the job you are taking. I was tempted to buy a laptop before I left the States, but I waited. I'm glad that I did because my job has provided me with a great desktop. I'll be here for a year or two, then I can buy a new laptop with the newest technology- unless I get another job with equipment. Laptops are great- but they are expensive baggage. I used to have one, and I was always worried about theft, and it was a hassle at airports- and that was before todays security nightmare.

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

You should have no problem at all buying a laptop. The only things you will have a problem with are adaptors, and you simply buy one at the shop when you get there; same with cables for modems.

Both WinXP and W2K use Unicode so you should have no problem whatsoever using any language you want. If you're using MS Word make sure you get Word 2000 or XP as the earlier versions weren't unicode enabled and you got severe problems when you wrote files in Arabic enabled Word for example, and later tried to read it on English Word. With Unicode those problems have all but disappeared.

If you do get a laptop make sure that you get one with an International warrantry. and try for an extended warrantry as laptops (and particularly the screens and hard disks) don't like travelling. Also make sure you have at CD/RW at the very least for back-up (wait a few months and DVD writers will become standard).

Post here are contact me through the email link if you need more advice.

xnihil · Joined: 06 May 2003 Posts: 92 Location: Egypt

Can you guys expand a little bit on the power adapter info? I just bought a dell laptop and I'll be taking it with me to Egypt. I know I have to get an adapter, but what kind? If I just get a plug adapter, will that damage the power source of the laptop at all (too much, too little or too irregular power)? Should I buy some sort of voltage regulator or transformer? Are there such things as surge protectors which double as adaptors? The adaptor I took with me to beirut was an unwieldy box that precariously linked the plug to the outlet and as often as not, fell out of the plug.

Any advice?

Kent F. Kruhoeffer · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 2129 Location: 中国

Dear xnihil:

I'm not an expert in this field, but here's what I think is correct:

You will only need to buy the simple plug adaptor, and that should be done after you get to Egypt, to make sure you get the right plug with the right number of prong 'thingys'.

Off-the-shelf notebooks today already have built-in voltage regulators, so there's no need to worry about that 110-220 stuff. You will not damage your notebook.

These days you can buy cheap surge protectors (usually in the form of glorified extension cords) in any hardware or computer store, but once again, you should probably wait until you get to Egypt ... so you get one that matches your new plug adaptor.

Regards,
keNt

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

Technically whether you need a surge protector or not for a laptop depends on if the computer will work without the battery. Take the battery out and plug the computer in. If it doesn't work it means that all the mains charge does is power the battery so you don't need a surge protector.

Frankly, even if you could run the laptop without the battery, and thus were in need of a surge protector, I wouldn' t bother. You already have the transformer that came with the laptop and that is bringing the voltage down so you're not lkely to see a surge that will cause any real damage.