Current Concern: Buy Mac In US, Use In Europe?

V

visvaldis

macrumors member

Original poster

Jul 9, 2008

63

3

• Apr 15, 2012

• #1

In several months I plan to relocate to Germany. From an earlier period spent in Germany I know that computers cost less in the US. What I would like to do is buy a Mac laptop or desktop in America and ship it with me.
I wonder if anyone has experience with a similar situation.
The problem is Germany's 220 voltage. Are some Macs equipped with a voltage selector? Would a transformer be sufficient? If I take the Mac from Germany to other West European nations would that cause unique problems in each one?
I'd appreciate all advice. Thanks.

 

itickings

macrumors 6502a

Apr 14, 2007

947

185

• Apr 15, 2012

• #2

It is not only the voltage that is different, the frequency differs as well.

Just check the Electrical and Operating Requirements. It probably says 100-240V AC and 50Hz to 60Hz, making it fine. It would be wise to get a local cable rather than just an adapter for the connector.

If something requires a transformer, don't bother.

Additionally, if you are importing a computer from the states it might be subject to local taxes and custom fees.

 

Gav2k

macrumors G3

Jul 24, 2009

9,216

1,608

• Apr 15, 2012

• #3

You can ignore the above post. Your MacBook and its adapter will function perfectly fine!

 

E

ezramoore

macrumors 6502a

Mar 20, 2006

612

3

Washington State

• Apr 15, 2012

• #4

Gav2k said:

You can ignore the above post. Your MacBook and its adapter will function perfectly fine!

Click to expand...

This is correct. The MagSafe power adapter is compatible with the voltage/frequency in every country I can think of. You can even buy the correct plug end/adapter to slide onto it in place fo the US-outlet forks.

 

O

old-wiz

macrumors G3

Mar 26, 2008

8,331

228

West Suburban Boston Ma

• Apr 15, 2012

• #5

Virtually every computer sold in the world will work pretty much anywhere as long as you get the right plug. Goodness even back in the 1990s I could take a laptop to Spain and borrow a connector from the locals and the laptop worked fine.

 

4

416049

macrumors 68000

Mar 14, 2010

1,844

2

• Apr 15, 2012

• #6

You should be fine as long as you get the right plug head/adapter for germany. And from my experience within europe germany is one of the cheaper places to buy macs from.