U.S Laptops

[dsv77]

Hi
Can any one tell me if you need a special adapter to enable us to use a laptop bought in the U.S here ?
My 2 sons bought laptops from Bestbuy and used them with a U.S to U.K adapter but found the battery drains faster when used without a plug . I also bought a voltage converter from radio shack but it says not be used with computers
Thanks

[LiesaAnna]

think you need a different power lead, ours works perfectly on one

[brendawilliams]

I think it depends on the make of computer and whether it can be used in the EU. My son bought a Toshiba last October in the US and all he had to do was change a plug lead into the adapter which was very simple and as I had a few, so he didn't even need to buy one. It works perfectly and has very long battery use.

[florida4sun]

Look at teh transformer and see if it has 110-240v on it (most will) if so then it will work fine in the UK. Either buy a new lead or simply cut the plug off and fit a uk one.

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by dsv77
Hi
Can any one tell me if you need a special adapter to enable us to use a laptop bought in the U.S here ?
My 2 sons bought laptops from Bestbuy and used them with a U.S to U.K adapter but found the battery drains faster when used without a plug . I also bought a voltage converter from radio shack but it says not be used with computers
Thanks[/quote]

[Robert5988]

The transformer/rectifier(power pack) supplied with most laptops these days will work on USA or UK voltages. Mine - a bottom of the range Dell - has an input voltage of 100v to 240v. (obviously check first)

However it should make absolutely no difference to how long the battery lasts. Charging a battery from any mains source in UK, USA - or most of the world - simply charges a battery in the laptop to exactly the same level and it should last exactly the same time - assuming it is fully charged.

[Frosty]

As said before, most Laptops have a universal power supply these days.

The battery life has nothing to do with the charging voltage, as long as it is fully charged.

Some batteries do suffer from partial discharge then charge/discharge. It would be advisable to full drain the battery and then recharge fully.

Some Laptops have a kind of battery conditioner, where they discharge then charge themselves to optimum use out of the battery. Check you machines to see if they have any such utility.

It may just be that the batteries are old and spent and lost their ability to hold charge, in that case its buy a replacement time[msnsad]

[Magical Dreams]

You can also change the power settings to extend the battery life especially if you are using Windows Vista

just click on the Battery icon in the task bar for options.