Step-down voltage converter or traval adapters?

Question

Hi,
I am studying in Ireland with my iBook that I bought in the US - as well as a few other US electrical appliances. I have been using step-down voltage converters, but having problems. I just discovered today that I was using too many watts for the converter (the power adapter for the iBook uses 45 watts, and the converter suggests a max of 30 watts) but I am still not sure if that is why the converters keep breaking. The fuse seems to be fine (why I don't think the watts are the problem) and the first two converters broke after being used for a few months (but within a few days or hours of being used with a computer for the first time). So I was still of the conclusion that the converters were just going bad on their own - not built to last so long.
Tonight I plugged my iBook in with a third, brand new converter and was part way through charging it up when the light on the charger went from amber to green and then off. Now this third converter does not seem to work anymore - and the fuse seems fine.
So at this point I'm pretty sure it does have something to do with the computer - but am not really sure how to proceed. Has anyone else experienced similar difficulties? I see that Apple offers a set of Travel Adapters. Do you recommend them? Might this be the simples solution to these problems with the converters?

Answer 1

Hi Oona,
All Macs (except rev.A G5 iMacs and eMacs) have dual voltage/frequency PSU, and can be plugged anywhere in the world with no problem.
—> You don't need any step-down voltage converter for your iBook.
You just have to find a plug adapter or an Irish cord or power adapter (btw you can use the 65W too). Apple's Travel Adapter is fine, but you can find cheaper in Ireland, unless you need a model that you can use everywhere in the world?
See this document
- World Power Differences Can Limit International Product Use (KB #129)
and check your other electrical appliances.
The electrical info is printed somewhere: do not use the converter with the dual-voltage/frequency ones.
About Apple Macs' electrical specs:
- Apple Power Supplies: Changing voltage settings (KB #75099)
Electrical info is always visible somewhere on all electrical appliances.
Axl