Mac Book runs on 110 and 220v? - Ajarn Forum

Capricious · 1st July 2007, 16:28

I've been planning on purchasing a new Mac Book upon arrival to Thailand, however I just realized that Mac Book's have the ability to run on both 110v and 220v. For anyone that had one.....is there just a switch to flip on the power brick? Also would it be wise to pick up "Apple World Travel Adapter Kit"?

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPL...nMore=M8794G/B

Thanks in advance for the responses. If it's really as simply as it seems, then I may as well buy one before I leave.

Kuhn Gary · 1st July 2007, 19:22

I think it will be cheaper back home. I think there is a 7% VAT here that kicks everything up. I guarantee that all Mac products run on 110/220 V. Only issue is a plug adapter (I don't think the world kit is worth the money). You can buy one of those universal travel plugs for about 10-15$ at Brookstone, etc. My apartment in LOS outlets accept US/EU plugs no problem.

BTW, no switch on the transformer. It just detects what is coming in and drops it down to whatever PC needs.

Capricious · 1st July 2007, 20:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kuhn Gary

I think it will be cheaper back home. I think there is a 7% VAT here that kicks everything up. I guarantee that all Mac products run on 110/220 V. Only issue is a plug adapter (I don't think the world kit is worth the money). You can buy one of those universal travel plugs for about 10-15$ at Brookstone, etc. My apartment in LOS outlets accept US/EU plugs no problem.

BTW, no switch on the transformer. It just detects what is coming in and drops it down to whatever PC needs.

Wow, thanks so much for the info

That helps alot. I will just go pick one up now and I will be all set for arrival.

Whitey · 1st July 2007, 22:17

But one word of caution, if you are using the power supply for long periods of time on 220v instead of 110V, you will need to change the transformer oil from time to time to keep it working good. It's pretty easy to do, just pop the power supply transformer and find the oil resevoir. You'll need to dump out the old transformer oil and put in fresh transformer oil.

I don't suggest using local Thai brands as they do not last as long. It's better to use a western brand. Now for a tip: if you put in just a wee bit of scotch with it, it will last a little longer.

Capricious · 2nd July 2007, 07:28

Hmmmm.....thanks alot for the tip Whitey. About how often would you suggest that I change the oil? Also, where is a nice place to get a good western brand? Just picked up my MacBook today

Whitey · 2nd July 2007, 08:10

The MacBooks pull a lot of juice so I would suggest changing the transformer oil once a month or so. The brand I use is Naptha. You can pick it up at just about any electronic store.

Mr Bean · 2nd July 2007, 10:36

Where's the little dip-stick Whitey?

............ Oh, she's right there; Tis the one that's trying to find the transformer oil, no?

tafy68 · 2nd July 2007, 10:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whitey

But one word of caution, if you are using the power supply for long periods of time on 220v instead of 110V, you will need to change the transformer oil from time to time to keep it working good. It's pretty easy to do, just pop the power supply transformer and find the oil resevoir. You'll need to dump out the old transformer oil and put in fresh transformer oil.

I don't suggest using local Thai brands as they do not last as long. It's better to use a western brand. Now for a tip: if you put in just a wee bit of scotch with it, it will last a little longer.

What the deuce? I have had my transformer thing plugged into the mains in uk and thailand for 4 1/2 years now. Seems to be running fine.

Whitey · 2nd July 2007, 12:47

That's a fire hazardTaffy, you really need to get the transformer oil changed. I can do it for 386 baht or you can find any old Somchai to do it for about 256.25 baht.

aging one · 2nd July 2007, 13:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Bean

Where's the little dip-stick Whitey?

I like that one.

spliff · 2nd July 2007, 17:28

110/220 automatically internally switched...just plug her in.

tafy68 · 2nd July 2007, 20:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whitey

That's a fire hazardTaffy, you really need to get the transformer oil changed. I can do it for 386 baht or you can find any old Somchai to do it for about 256.25 baht.

Are you talking about the little black box between the mains and the laptop? I never heard of that needing any oil man. Or are you talking about some kind of step down converter so that you can run 110v american stuff?

Whitey · 2nd July 2007, 21:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by tafy68

Are you talking about the little black box between the mains and the laptop? I never heard of that needing any oil man. Or are you talking about some kind of step down converter so that you can run 110v american stuff?

Yeah, the little black box that goes between the mains and the laptop. If you will look in your laptop manual, it talks about changing it if you excessively use it with 220v. See 220V is double 110V and when it steps down to the 18V your laptop needs it generates a lot of heat. If in doubt, feel the black box. Well, it generates even more heat with 220V. The heat can really degrade the transformer oil.

That's why you need to change it often.

When you change it, the little black box can be hard to pop open. I really suggest you use a wood chisel to open it with. If it's hard to open just pry harder and harder. After you change the oil the first time, it will be a lot easier to open the black box in the future. If you pry it open too hard, you might break the black plastic but don't worry, just use some duct to keep it closed.

tafy68 · 3rd July 2007, 07:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whitey

Yeah, the little black box that goes between the mains and the laptop. If you will look in your laptop manual, it talks about changing it if you excessively use it with 220v. See 220V is double 110V and when it steps down to the 18V your laptop needs it generates a lot of heat. If in doubt, feel the black box. Well, it generates even more heat with 220V. The heat can really degrade the transformer oil.

That's why you need to change it often.

When you change it, the little black box can be hard to pop open. I really suggest you use a wood chisel to open it with. If it's hard to open just pry harder and harder. After you change the oil the first time, it will be a lot easier to open the black box in the future. If you pry it open too hard, you might break the black plastic but don't worry, just use some duct to keep it closed.

Damm man, mines hot as hell. I could fry eggs on it!

Taking it to some somchai tomorrow man, I reckon its worth saving a few bucks.

theanimaster · 3rd July 2007, 09:47

Transformers can be deadly neat when they explode. Try watching the movie.