Korean Job Discussion Forums

[TrouserX]

Hi there

I recently arrived in Korea and I'm on a mission to get my North American laptop plugged in. Today I went to my friendly neighbourhood Carrefour and picked up a Toolspia 5-piece "universal adapter set" for 12,000 won or so. BUT I'm not sure this device is going to take care of me, as the instructions are only in Korean. Will this thing convert the current to North American standard, or just bridge the different plug configurations and feed the full ROK current out the other side?

The details: My laptop is an Acer Travelmate 2300, purchased in Canada, with NA power cords/plugs (125V). Specs on my laptop's AC adapter are as follows:

Model: 0335A1965
Input: 100-240V~, 50-60Hz 1.7A
Output: 19V 3.42A

So far, I've been so bold as to plug the universal adapter into the wall and plug my laptop's AC adapter into the universal adapter. Things seem okay... my laptop's AC adapter's little green light winked on, which I assume means it's happy. But before I take the plunge and connect my laptop, I'd like to make sure I'm not making a terrible mistake.

I figure I'm looking at 3 possible scenarios, two good and one bad:

1) The universal adapter IS converting the ROK current to NA current, so it's business as usual for my laptop's AC adapter and I can plug in my laptop without fear.

2) The uni adapter ISN'T converting the current at all, it's just bridging the different plug configurations. But that doesn't matter, as my laptop's converter and its cords can handle ROK current and still feed my laptop the correct current. So I can plug in my laptop without fear.

3) The uni adapter ISN'T converting the current at all, and my comp's adapter and/or its cords CAN'T handle ROK current, in which case the adapter is quietly overloading in spite of the green light and will burn out my laptop if I plug it in.

So, techies of ESLcafe land, can you tell me which of the above scenarios applies to me? I'm sure more than a few of you currently have North American laptops plugged in here in ROK, so you'll know from direct experience.

Sorry if this post is excessively ignorant, but I haven't travelled internationally with a comp before, and with a ton of cash and inconvenience riding on the outcome, I figure I'm better off asking a few stupid questions....

Thanks for your wisdom, be it sage or otherwise.

TrouserX
CityX, ROK

[eamo]

[logan2003]

Yep thats right we have two laptops we just bought some 300 won adapters and bingo we are in business.

It is number 2

[TrouserX]

[eamo]

I don't think it matters what's stamped on the cord. Household power cords aren't really fussy what voltage they transmit as long as it's within normal domestic levels.

[Bulsajo]

[OiGirl]

[logan2003]

One of our laptops have been on Korean current for over 3 years, and American for 1.5 years. No issues. Also i have switched cords (the one that goes to the adapter to the wall many times....i have lost some in various moves in Korea, and going back to states. But it was always very cheap to get new cords or the small adapter thingy. Now if you have to replace the adapter........

I think you will be fine though.

[Demophobe]

Just get the wall plug adapter for 300 won and that's it. Power bars will only help a spike to the machine, not an overvolt to an appliance; they don't limit voltages in any way. If it's a 110v machine, it will still fry, powerbar or not. Reminds me of the "lubricating strip" location on razor blades...after the fact....

"Universal voltage" is incorporated into most major electronics these days. Not a 15,000 won hair dryer mind you, but larger, more expensive items often have this feature. Heck, even many electric razors have it.

Just manage to plug it in and that's it.


"CityX"....hmm....reluctant to tell us where you and your over-driven libido finally ended up?

[TrouserX]

I am pleased to report that my laptop is now connected without issues. My next task is to organize internet access, but that is a plaintive plea for help I'll save for another thread.