taking computer home

Posted by green (541 days ago)

Hi,
We're going home to the US for good in August. I had initially thought there was a switch that would change the voltage so I could take it back with me, but I had a computer repair person out here last year who told my my computer doesn't have that feature. I'm considering taking my hard drive so I don't have to put all my files on Discs. Anyone tried this? I should probably email Packard Bell to see if they have a solution.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by pmjolley (541 days ago)

can't you just go on ebay and buy a dell us powersupply once you arrive back in usa ??

(I am based in Guangzhou)

Posted by green (541 days ago)

maybe I can, i'm not very computer literate. I'm not even sure what that means. I thought there was a converter box or something on the back that you could switch from 110 to 220, but there isn't. I'd be very happy not to replace my computer, it's not very old. I'm sure I could get the plugs changed it's the possiblity of burning it our that frightens me.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by hkkm (541 days ago)

When you get back to the US, take your computer to someplace like Fry's, and explain the situation to them (that you have been in HK where they use 220V). They should be able to sell you a new power supply if you need one and even fit it for you.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by green (540 days ago)

great, thank you that's what Ill do.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by ldldjr (539 days ago)

A power supply is probably $25 - 50. The job of switching it should be about 20 minutes - 45 minutes for a brave inexperienced person with some common sense and a screw driver. (Find the mounting screws, unplug the different components, remove, install, reconnect.) The newer computers that I have tinkered with inside (recycling & upgrading old computers for charity purposes) have been easy to open and swap out parts.

(I am based in Vietnam)

Posted by dss (536 days ago)

Fry Electronics or Staples sell the convertor for around USD20-25. Limited choice though, as I bought one(US to Asia) recently from Frys Electronics for a speaker phone. Dont have to do any dismantling of scres, just add on.
Even the airport electrical/PC shops sells them.
It will be cheaper to buy in Asia, from any electrical section in supermarket or to PC shops.
If you are using a desktop, consider that you have about 4-5 plugs, so buy a multi-socket adaptor. Then, you do not need too many power supply converters.

(I am based in Unspecified)

Posted by hkkm (536 days ago)

I'm not sure what kind of converter dss is talking about, but it certainly isn't what you need for your desktop computer. A transformer to convert from 110V to 240V and provide enough power for a computer is bigger than a shoebox and very heavy. Much better to just get your computer power supply replaced.
dss may be referring to the type of converter that replaces the power supplies that come with many electronic devices (including laptops) these days, where there is either a big boxy plug or a box thing on the power supply lead and then a small plug that goes into the device. Many of these will accept either 240/220 or 110V automatically, but if they don't you can get replacements, as long as they have the right voltage output for your device.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Kopi_L (535 days ago)

Laptop/ NO worries -100v~240v
Desktop-
1.unscrw the case & take a photo of that PSU's [shape/size/label/spec/wattage/voltage] etc & upload it to flickr.com for further discuss. (even a cheapie hk$85 PSU can work in 110v).
2.If the PSU don't support 110v, buy a new PSU meets the pervious's output spec & size.
3.Use common sense & replace it.
Added:
You better photo your case TOO.
to Change PSU-Some f***ing case need remove the mainboard FIRST.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by green (535 days ago)

Thanks all. I appreciate all of this. It'll be one less thing to buy when we go back. It's not a laptop though. It sounds like I can have the power components replaced. I don't have common sense with taking computers apart, so i'll let someone who knows what they're doing take care of it. I really appreciate this forum. Helped me several times in the past three years.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by green (253 days ago)

Just a follow-up in case anyone else wants to do this. Very easy. When our shipment arrived, I took my PC to Best Buy and they have a department now called the "Geek Squad" they sold me a new power supply for US $40 and installed it for me for US $100. Took about 20 minutes as said above. The other components like my monitor and printer just needed a basic plug adaptor. I had to purchase those on line. They weren't available in any of the computer or electronic stores here. Cost about $6 each. Very simple and everything worked great. Thanks again for all the help. Cheers

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Starlionblue (250 days ago)

I just buy new cables instead of plug adaptors for my computer stuff. Looks neater. ;) The socket in the device is standard.

Glad it worked out!

(I am based in Hong Kong)