Another Laptop Question (FOR MAC USERS)

mastergrimoire

Greetings. I will be travelling in West Bengal and Assam for several months and I will have a laptop with me. I most likely will be purchasing a MAC 12" super drive. I will be using this mainly for editing digital video and audio, managing my digital photos, and working on a book project which may or may not ever see the light of day.

I have been to India 4 times but never had the need for a laptop.

I will NOT need the laptop for e-mail or any internet use!

My question is for MAC users who have travelled with a laptop in India:
I have read several threads here and am still a little unclear on this issue.
Does the power cord from MAC (that comes with the laptop) have the ability to convert voltage or do I absolutely HAVE to have a voltage converter as well?

Also, please help me understand the necessity of having a surge protector with me as well.

Any info greatly appreciated and I have plenty of time since I won't be leaving until June or July.

GoanCanuck

The power adapter that comes with your Mac laptop has the ability to convert line voltages from 100-240 volts and because of this you do not need an additional converter. As far as the surge/spike suppressor is concerned you should in my opinion get one. These days even people in the US and Canada use them at home as well in their offices.

iyou

GoanCanuck's information is as usual 100% right on the mark. I would add that pretty much everything to do with small electronics plays nice with Indian voltage. You're presumably getting a PowerBook (12" iBooks don't come with Superdrives I think?). The powerblock handles US and foreign electricity equally well. The battery charger(s) for your digital camera(s), the power connection for your external hard drive (very handy if you're doing DV work), all will be fine. If you're starting in Mumbai all of the little plug adapters can be bought dirt cheap in Lamington Road. An equivalent area no doubt exists as well in Delhi. You can get surge protectors ("spike guards" in local lingo) there as well. We just picked up one that takes US and Indian plugs. Versatility is a virtual. Come prepared for shocking amounts of dust getting everything in June followed by warm drenching rain in July.

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--May a moody baby doom a yam.

mira4bai4

Just remember that the US used Apple PowerBooks in the Iraq war so if they survived that (WiFi HotSpot) then they will survive in India no sweat.

kenstee

Just wanted to let you know Apple is discontinuing the 12" PB. So, what is out there will probably be the last version of it. They may move to a 13" after the transition to Intel next year - no one is really sure yet.

mca2005

Since its converting from AC to DC is a surge protector really necssary?>

GoanCanuck

Yes. Very much so.