andy@gistdev.gist.com (Andy Warinner) (12/11/90)
I am moving to Switzerland and I am taking my Mac (an SE/30) with me.
I understand that the Mac has a variable power supply that can adapt
itself to European current. My question is: where can I get a power
cable for Swiss power outlets?
Also, I am considering taking my Mac on the plane with me. Is it wiser to
ship it in its original box?
I would welcome any hints/experiences/advice on taking and using a
Mac in Europe.
Thanks in advance,
Andrew Warinner | "Credo Elvem ipsum etiam vivere" - J. Caesar
GIST, Inc. |
Standard | EMAIL: andy@gistdev.gist.com
disclaimer... | {uunet, uiucuxc}!gistdev!andykanala@sc2a.unige.ch (12/13/90)
In article <1035@gistdev.gist.com>, andy@gistdev.gist.com (Andy Warinner) writes: > > I am moving to Switzerland and I am taking my Mac (an SE/30) with me. > I understand that the Mac has a variable power supply that can adapt > itself to European current. My question is: where can I get a power > cable for Swiss power outlets? > > Also, I am considering taking my Mac on the plane with me. Is it wiser to > ship it in its original box? > > I would welcome any hints/experiences/advice on taking and using a > Mac in Europe. > > Thanks in advance, > > Andrew Warinner | "Credo Elvem ipsum etiam vivere" - J. Caesar > GIST, Inc. | > Standard | EMAIL: andy@gistdev.gist.com > disclaimer... | {uunet, uiucuxc}!gistdev!andy Andy: Don't worry. Switzerland is a civilized country. You can find anything you need: good, stable 50 Hz 220 V power (no need for UPS), developed dealer network, "official" Apple -agreed distribution, "gray market" - cheaper, but longer warranty - they just buy Macs in the USA elsewhere than from Apple, all cables you need, very good phone lines together with PTT (Postes, Tele- phones, Telegraphes) monopoly for modems so maybe you will be in illegality with your high-tech (but not yet tested) V42-bis modem, all software you need, but 2-3 times overpriced compared to Mac Connection, etc. etc. One think you should not do: do not use US ImageWriter, LaserWriter or LaserWriter Plus on 50 Hz power - it heates and burns! Newer Macs and Lasers (except Classic) have auto-configurating power source, so no more problems with clumsy external transformators. There are some external devices (older HDs, Ethernet adapters, scanners) that need manual voltage resetting, but a technician can do it for you for about $50 or 100. Roman Kanala, Universite de Geneve, kanala@sc2a.unige.ch
yeager@sc2a.unige.ch (01/02/91)
In article <1035@gistdev.gist.com>, andy@gistdev.gist.com (Andy Warinner) writes: > I am moving to Switzerland and I am taking my Mac (an SE/30) with me. > I understand that the Mac has a variable power supply that can adapt > itself to European current. My question is: where can I get a power > cable for Swiss power outlets? No problem, just buy from a local mac dealer, or do-it-yerself on the US cable with tools and a plug from the hardware store. DIY supplies may be the ONLY reasonably priced stuff that you can find in Switzerland. Hope they give you a raise... > Also, I am considering taking my Mac on the plane with me. Is it wiser to > ship it in its original box? Definitely NOT in the original carton. I had a friend who checked his computer all the way thru to England. Somewhere along the way it was heisted. What he learned was this: original cartons for electronics are easy targets for the dishonest employee. When one of these people sees luggage getting checked through to its destination, he knows that there is no way for the victim to prove WHERE along the way the crime occurred, if the victim has multiple connections. The solution is to claim the computer baggage after you complete each leg of the journey and re-check in. I use a special locked case to carry my SE/30. It looks like an upended steamer trunk, very rugged. You can buy or order one at any good mac supplier. And I don't put any FRAGILE signs on the box, which can only serve to tempt the delinquent baggage handler into stealing or deliberate damage. I have schlepped that machine trans-Atlantic many times, never a problem. Be prepared to open your case for inspection and to power up the machine to prove it's a computer and not an explosive device. And no matter WHAT they tell you about the safety of their X-rays, do not put your hard disk or floppies through the scanner. I read recently where someone passed boxes of ten written floppies through a scanner 1 to 4 times. After one pass, a few of the floppies were unreadable, and after 4 passes ALL where unreadable. You can insist on hand inspection. My US bought modem and Imagewriter II work fine here with a 150 watt 220V -> 110V transformer. Some claim that the power supply of the printer MIGHT frizz out on the 50 Hz, but I've been using my printer for over a year now with absolutely no problems. -- Mark Yeager -> yeager@cgeuge52.bitnet yeager@sc2a.unige.ch University of Geneva, Dept. of Biochemistry, CH-1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
cheshire@Neon.Stanford.EDU (Stuart David Cheshire) (01/08/91)
In article <1035@gistdev.gist.com>, andy@gistdev.gist.com (Andy Warinner) writes: > I am moving to Switzerland and I am taking my Mac (an SE/30) with me.... I have taken my SE/30 back and forwards to England several times. I particularly like it because it is so portable, so I always take it with me on the plane in one of those carrying bags. I know you are only supposed to take one piece of carry on luggage, but it has never been a problem taking the Mac as well, and I feel much safer not letting the machine out of my sight. Stuart Cheshire (cheshire@cs.stanford.edu)