Using Laptop in Florida

[laalaa]

Hi everyone,

Can anyone tell me whether i'll be able to use our lap top in
Florida, what with the voltage being different.

And also, will i be able to use it on the plane, to play games n watch dvds?

We mostly want to use it on the plane, to pass the time, as my boyf is a very nervous flyer, if he can take his football game it'll help pass the time.

It'll also come in handy for putting photos on back at the hotel at night.

Any advice greatly appreciated

[Ray&Sarah]

Ray takes his laptop to the US all the time and uses it on the plane just not able to use it on take off and landing. He just takes his adaptor for plugging it in whilst he is in the US.[msnsmile2]

[laalaa]

Thanks, thats good to know.

when u say adaptor do u just mean to adaptor that u plug the 3pin plug into to make it a two pin plug?

Sorry its such a basic question!!

Depending who you are flying with you may not be able to plug in on board[msnwink]

[laalaa]

We are flying with my travel. So if we cant plug it in can we still use it running on battery?

[florida4sun]

Yes once u have taken off, problem is thbattery will run flat quick if wathing DVDs or playing disc based games.

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by laalaa
We are flying with my travel. So if we cant plug it in can we still use it running on battery?
[/quote]

[Robert5988]

Laptops use internal batteries with an internal charging mechanism. Most are dual voltage and accept 110v(USA) and 240v(UK) mains voltage. They also usually have a DC input socket that will accept the power from a source such as those provided in aircraft(although not all aircraft provide them)

Check if your laptop is dual voltage. It will normally say 110 - 240v although some older models had a switch for either voltage. If it is dual voltage all you will need is the simple adaptor that allows a UK mains plug to fit into a USA socket. These are easier to obtain in UK.

[blott]

Don't forget that you'll also need a US telephone socket adaptor as telephone sockets are different to UK ones. You can either get these at places like PC World or in one of the many electronic stores in Florida.

[flyrr100]

There are so many locations nationwaide that have free wireless internet. I get it in my bedroom! No clue who's it is! I lose it when I move the laptop to other ropoms in my house... Go figure. So, make sure you have a wireless card in your laptop.

[floridadreamvilla.co.uk]

You ought to put a wireless signal extender in your bedroom and then you can have free net access all over the house [msnwink]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by flyrr100
There are so many locations nationwaide that have free wireless internet. I get it in my bedroom! No clue who's it is! I lose it when I move the laptop to other ropoms in my house... Go figure. So, make sure you have a wireless card in your laptop.
[/quote]

[chrisflowers]

If you wish to use the laptop on the plane, you can charge the laptop from the seat power supply if flying with many airlines (including Continental). However, you will need a special air adaptor.
http://www.kensington.com/html/1961.html
http://www.laptopparts.com/laptop-auto-adapter/auto-adapters.asp?cidx=947157947-4X21X2005Y2Z23Z58YAM
and here's the kensington one one for the UK -
http://www.google.dealtime.co.uk/xPC-Kensington_KENSINGTON_33051_UNIVERSAL_CAR_AIR_ADAP TER_NOTEBOOK_POWER_ADAPTER
http://www.google.dealtime.co.uk/xPC-Targus_Power_Adapter_AC_70_Watt_for_Auto_Air_Noteb ook_

This comes also with a cigarette lighter adaptor for the car - so ideal if you are driving somewhere and your laptop is running low on batteries.

They usually deliver within a couple of days.
You may be lucky to find one at Staples. If you are a Mac user you can pick up one at the Regent Street Applestore or the new Bull Ring Applestore in Birmingham

[Mr G]

I bought my universal adaptor from Maplins, £19.99.It comes with a bundle of end pieces to fit just about any situation,including airplanes.
Quite easy to use. I use it on flights. Not take off/landing.
You just have to ensure you have a seat with laptop power.Some flights have limited power/seats.
If you ask at check in they are usually quite good. I always check type of aereoplane and check to see which seats have laptop power then request one of those.

[becbecs]

Is there a thread on OV explaining how I can connect to the Net and collect my emails from home while i'm out in Florida in August. Not that much of a Techi so a little help is needed.

[ravtino]

Very interesting reading - one question can you plug in on Virgin planes?