LAPTOP AND PDA

Laptops and PDA's.

1. Most laptops and many PDA's are multi-voltage and only require plug adapters for their use in foreign countries. If your laptop is "multi-voltage" somewhere on the charging unit or chassis it will say (not necessarily verbatim) "input 100-240 v 50-60 hz" then you only need wall outlet plug adapters in countries where the voltage is between 100 volts and 240 volts. The voltage in Japan is the low end of the scale at 100 volts but there are some countries above 240 volts with 250 volts (mostly in Africa) so you have to be careful and ask before plugging into any outlet not clearly identified. Also, be aware that some laptops are multi-voltage but only have a low end range from 110 volts or 120 volts and they will read "input 110-240v 50-60 hz" or input "120 -240v 50-60 hz".

2. If the laptop or PDA is multi-voltage and all you need are plug adapters you need to check the plug on the device to see if it is grounded (3 pins) or ungrounded (2 pins), then go to our World Electric Guide, choose your destination country, and select the grounded or ungrounded plug adapters for the country you have chosen. The selection shows both grounded and ungrounded plug adapters in a bundled kit for those customers who are often bringing both types of appliances but there are links in the text just below the Order button to allow you to order one or the other instead of both.

3. As an example, if you are going to Iraq with a multi-voltage grounded laptop you can see the recommended grounded plug adapters are the WA-7 and the WA-10 which can be ordered here or if the laptop is ungrounded you would order the ungrounded #5 an #6 here.

4. If the laptop or PDA isn't multi-voltage you will need a step down transformer. The first thing you will need to do is determine that the device is dual frequency. It must say somewhere, 50-60 hz. Secondly, you must determine the watts of the device so that you know what size transformer to order. This information should be on the device somewhere, it is a UL requirement that this information be permanently marked on all appliances. Once you know the watts, you are ready to order. One last word, never order a transformer that is too small for the job.