Can I use a MBP in Japan.

[zellsillusion]

In 6 months I'm moving to Japan but right now I need a laptop. One incentive to buy the MBP pro over some low end dell is that I would have a decent machine to use while I was working there. However, it occured to me that power might be a problem.

I'm moving to a rural area that will likely only have the two-prong variety, does anyone have experience or suggestions about this. Are there converters, does the magpower work with that voltage?

 

[EricNau]

The Magsafe power adaptors can accept 110 - 240 volts. You can either buy a cheap prong converter or buy the Apple World Travel Adapter Kit.

 

[Chundles]

In 6 months I'm moving to Japan but right now I need a laptop. One incentive to buy the MBP pro over some low end dell is that I would have a decent machine to use while I was working there. However, it occured to me that power might be a problem.

I'm moving to a rural area that will likely only have the two-prong variety, does anyone have experience or suggestions about this. Are there converters, does the magpower work with that voltage?

As far as I know Japan is on the same 110V voltage system as the US. All you'll need is a cheap plug adapter to change the US style flat blades to the Japanese style prongs. You can get them at airports.

The power adapter that comes with the MBP works with 110V and 240V - it's auto-sensing and if my Canadian iBook has anything to say, working with a different voltage is a doddle. I have a Canadian -> Australian plug adapter on the end of the extension cable and that's it - everything works well.

 

[kasei]

In 6 months I'm moving to Japan but right now I need a laptop. One incentive to buy the MBP pro over some low end dell is that I would have a decent machine to use while I was working there. However, it occured to me that power might be a problem.

I'm moving to a rural area that will likely only have the two-prong variety, does anyone have experience or suggestions about this. Are there converters, does the magpower work with that voltage?

In Tokyo you won't have a problem, however in the country side the power can run low some times. You should be alright so long as you don't leave your MBP plugged in for an extended period of time. I lived in Japan for 6 years and I travel there on business once a month. I have not had any problmes using my PowerBook there though as I mentioned I don't leave it plugged in over night.

 

[Sophia]

In 6 months I'm moving to Japan but right now I need a laptop. One incentive to buy the MBP pro over some low end dell is that I would have a decent machine to use while I was working there. However, it occured to me that power might be a problem.

I'm moving to a rural area that will likely only have the two-prong variety, does anyone have experience or suggestions about this. Are there converters, does the magpower work with that voltage?

I believe this link should help.

 

[Cybix]

you'll want the apple travel adapter kit, coz it's sexy. hehe

 

[kalun]

In short, yes!

 

[kasei]

You don't need the adapter kit. Save your money. You are going to need it!

 

[YS2003]

In Tokyo you won't have a problem, however in the country side the power can run low some times. You should be alright so long as you don't leave your MBP plugged in for an extended period of time. I lived in Japan for 6 years and I travel there on business once a month. I have not had any problmes using my PowerBook there though as I mentioned I don't leave it plugged in over night.

I thought Apple's portable computer automatically adjusts 100V-240V and 50Hz-60Hz. Is unplugging overnight necessary?

 

[kasei]

I thought Apple's portable computer automatically adjusts 100V-240V and 50Hz-60Hz. Is unplugging overnight necessary?

It does, however the power can spike and dip in the rural areas of Japan. Unlike the power in the US, which flows at a steady current. In the rural areas it can drop as low as 90V well below the range Apple recommends.