What 'extras' should you send to run a USA bought computer safely in the RP?

[robert angel]

We know that the Philippines and USA have different voltage--220 versus 110 electrical set ups.

Can someone please help us figure what we need to send to safely set up a laptop computer for use in the RP?

We're sending a USA purchased new Gateway lap top computer to Davao City. My wife has 3 siblings attending university there and they will  all get a lot of use and pleasure from it. I've never brought my own laptop there, so I don't know the best way to set it up.

We know the plug prongs are different and we're prepared for that.

Do we need for sure a voltage 'step down' converter to avoid frying the computer or greatly shortening it's life? How about a surge protector for fluctuations in voltage? Aren't the new ones in the last 5 or so years set up to work on any electrical system?

I know there are the fairly commom, inexpensive setups many use and haven't had problems--as well as 'best practice' set ups. Spending an extra $30 0r $50 to include a step down unit to deliver consistent electricity levels and a surge protector to stop  lightning from frying the puter would be worth it---if needed....

My buddy been to Thailand five years in a row with the same Dell laptop and just has a plug prong change out and it still works fine, so I dunno...

Thanks guys...

[Dave H]

Hey Rob,

Look at the power supply on the laptop. There is an AC Adapter box in the middle. Our's (5 - several different brands) are all listed as 100-240 V. If so, you don't have to do a thing but plug it in. Some of the newer printers are also 100-240V.

Desktop and tower PCs usually have a switch (100-240 V) on the bottom.

Dave

[robert angel]

Thanks again Dave,

I sort of figured it was like this, but wanted to check with someone --namely you-- a somebody who actually lives there and not in some state of the art Makati condo. I know here is the states, I use a not too expensive surge protector that supposedly modulates surges, but then again--if the electricity just isn't 'there'--it's not going to amp up the juice flowing to the computer and make it run any better.

The electricity is just weird there, ebbing and flowing in different places and at different times--a surge protector can't hurt-they get lightning too. Guess I'll send a few more plug prong adapters, for when they're at home versus college in the city, etc

Computers may be fine running dual voltage,(we'll check for any switch--good suggestion)  but I've heard stories of things like made for use in the USA hair dryers and electric shavers frying real quick over there--those babies use a lot of juice.. Hey--the US purchased digital camera we sent  with rechargable batteries is two years old and running strong!
thanks again!

[Heruamen]

   I didnt need any thing extra for my laptop the whole 3 months i was there.  I bought the laptop at best buy in Atlanta Ga.  I just plugged it up and was good to go.   I also was able to use my girls printer. Just plugged it into the usb port and good to go.

[robert angel]

Thanks again, Dave and Heruamen--better safe than sorry! In the past, because I was staying a lot in hotels in the RP, I didn't want to leave my computer in there--fearing a rip off. But as we're sending one to family there, it's different and next time, I'll probably bring my own lappy anyway--those internet cafes get old after a while..

[Woody]

I have yet to come across a US OEM laptop power supply that is not universal voltage and frequecy. Check anyways. An advantage to laptops is that they are not very sensitive to voltage fluctuations because they basically have a built in UPS. That said, a surge suppressor or even a low grade UPS would be an excellent idea. Don't bother buying surge suppressor in the states, unless you cand find a universal voltage travel suppressor.