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Post by con's fly is open on Nov 16, 2004 14:49:02 GMT 7
I want to buy a cheaper, more reliable laptop here in Canada. But the power is different in the two countries. What kind of adaptor cord do I need to make it run safely over there?
For that matter, will a cellphone over here work smoothly over there?
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Post by Raoul Duke on Nov 16, 2004 15:16:53 GMT 7
Both of these things should be easy to run in China.
Chinese juice is 220 Volt, 50 Cycle.
For a laptop, you're just converting to DC so finding a power adapter is easy...frequency doesn't matter so much. All you have to do is find an adapter that will safely take 220 as an input. Many adapters will handle both manly 220 and your pussy little North American 110 Volt inputs. If not, a 220V adapter should be easy to buy separately.
For a mobile, you'll likely need a new SIM card unless you've set up an expensive international roaming account. Again, power adapting is easy...just make sure that your adapter will handle 220.
The only electronics that are hard to power here are things that depend on a certain frequency input to run its timer chips correctly- TVs and much video equipment, some audio equipment, etc. Your North American 60-cycle clock radio will definitely give you a nice long slow 50-cycle day here.
Check the power rating on your appliance! As the world globalizes more and more products are being made with power supplies that will run on a wide variety of sources. Some things, especially newer ones, may not need any adaptation at all.
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Post by Nate M on Nov 16, 2004 17:32:23 GMT 7
Most power supplies for most laptops are adaptable, meaning they can function everywhere as long as you have the right plug. And most Chinese powerstrips accept American 2 and 3 prong connectors, so you shouldn't have too many problems there. Just check the laptop power supply to make sure it accepts both 220 and 110.
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Post by Jollyjunklass on Apr 15, 2005 22:06:27 GMT 7
Hi everyone,
Im new here, nice to meet you all, you seem llike a great bunch.
I have a few questions, regarding computers and internet hook-up.
Can someone explain, in simple terms, how one hooks up to the internet. Also, does everyone have the ability to hook up to the internet?
Once hooked up, how difficult is it to access the internet, is it slow, etc., etc.
Furthermore, my current computer is a MacIntosh. Are most hook-ups MacIntosh compatible or will I have to purchase a dreaded PC?
Anyway, any and all information will be appreciated.
Thanks, Millana
Ps. By the way, this site has been one of the most informative sites I've come across. I enjoy all your anecdotes, and your willingness to help one another. Refreshing to see!!!
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Post by George61 on Apr 16, 2005 4:35:51 GMT 7
You little suck-up, you!
Internet is easy(usually) Depends where you are going. ....most schools will give you a computer, and Internet. I had to get my own connection here(the Child, who speaks Chinese, handled the communication side of things, I handled the finance dept.) Cost me 480Y for 6 months, and they didn't leave till it was working propper. Then the school had an attack of generosity a month later and reimbursed me. I do believe that Macs run on the same Internet as the rest of the world....Try asking Hamish about that....Macs are foreign to me.
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Post by Hamish on Apr 16, 2005 5:32:31 GMT 7
None of this here riffraff will be able to help you as they all prey on the generosity of the Chinese to obtain hand-cranked, treadle-powered PCs that were rejected from the Edison Labs because Tom thought they were too slow, and besides they can't understand even what they've got anyways.
I have five Macs here, all my own, and we can talk.
Come on down to the corner booth. That is where I hang out.
Anything you want to do, on a computer, can be done in China with a Mac. Just don't expect anyone, particularly this mob, to be able to answer a question.
OS X 10.3.7 will run the DSL hookup, and I can help you with other software.
Watch out for George. He has a BAD bladder control problem and gets cranky in the early morning. Fact is, he is nasty ALL the time.
If you want another drink, just pound on the bar. Raoul is poofaced again and has collapsed on a pile of rags under the beer trough.
Don’t eat the “pig knuckles.” They aren’t from a pig.
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Post by Jollyjunklass on Apr 16, 2005 13:03:56 GMT 7
Well guys, I'll plead the fifth, for the time being. I wouldn't want to tangle with your macabre humor only to come out looking the fool. Hey, hey, hey, me no go there. Me not, willingly, subject meself to such indulgent exploitation. And George, is making the ghastly assumption that, "Macs run on the same internet as the rest of the world.", tsk, tsk, tsk. I daresay, he is comparing a lowly PC. to a MacIntosh!! My dear George, you don't know what your missing, but hey, ignorance is bliss. At the moment, I am no match for the two of you. However, in time, I may shed moi shell and give you a run for your money. Thanks for the info, though, it's a relief to know that I can continue to be the devoted Mac user that I am. And ahh, that RAOUL... I dreamt he was such a pious young lad, awwww..  ..shucks |
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Post by Raoul Duke on Apr 16, 2005 18:00:06 GMT 7
Aw, Millana, I just sober up before I post on other forums. I think I do, anyway...  Outside your school or an internet cafe, there are generally 3 ways to connect to the 'net here. One is via modem...a dialup connection. I believe the 16300 number (which is also the username and password) works all over China. It's cleaned up its act a bit lately and speed and accessibility seem pretty good. However, if you use the internet a lot this method can quickly become pretty expensive...in China one has to pay a per-minute access charge for local phone calls in addition to the internet costs. Our forthright and hardworking friends at China Telecom sell ADSL connections. I paid 300 RMB for installation and then something like 30 RMB per month. I'm using it now and I hate it. It seems to actually be slower than dialup, and I have trouble accessing a lot sites...even my e-mail. However, there are no per-minute costs at all. In towns of any size, cable broadband is available...oddly enough, usually from the neighborhood cable companies. My cable connection in Shanghai was wonderful and I miss it terribly. It has the highest upfront costs...something like 1300 RMB for a full year...but in the long run IMHO is the best value. How much software support is available for a Mac, I don't know. Perversion is officially frowned upon in China. |
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Post by Mr Nobody on Apr 17, 2005 1:45:44 GMT 7
Well guys, I'll plead the fifth, I will help you drink that fifth.  Welcome. I am new myself, though, so the others have more pull. and now, changing the subject back to the subject: Ok, is there any kind of reason why i would rather buy either a computer or cell phone here or there? |
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Post by Raoul Duke on Apr 17, 2005 2:13:47 GMT 7
Ok, is there any kind of reason why i would rather buy either a computer or cell phone here or there? None that I can think of. The ones you buy there are made here anyway. The one thing I can think of: computers you buy there are more likely to be loaded with English-language software. I used to be OK with using a Chinese-language computer but I've been spoiled long enough that I now find it utterly infuriating. |
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Post by Mr Nobody on Apr 17, 2005 2:18:22 GMT 7
Gotcha
bring english software.
I bought it all in HK anyway.
cool
Hardware i will sort out between paychecks then.
I gotta tell all you wonderful people something. I haven't posted this much in one place in my life. There is something liberating in that. No flames, or arguments. I still dont know what a troll is.
I like this place a lot.
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Post by Raoul Duke on Apr 17, 2005 2:38:36 GMT 7
It likes you too.  |
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Post by Mr Nobody on Apr 17, 2005 2:44:29 GMT 7
   One more thing, is that i have changed my opinion from "i need a temporary career change and this is a good way" to "sterca, this is a damn fine way of life" It inspired me.
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Post by George61 on Apr 17, 2005 3:30:36 GMT 7
Well, fancy that! You've become Somebody.
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Post by Hamish on Apr 17, 2005 5:04:05 GMT 7
I gotta tell all you wonderful people something. I haven't posted this much in one place in my life. There is something liberating in that. No flames, or arguments. I still dont know what a troll is. I like this place a lot. YEAH? Go m'kay yourself.! Feel more at home now? |
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Post by Mr Nobody on Apr 17, 2005 5:16:43 GMT 7
YEAH? Go m'kay yourself.! Feel more at home now? thanks for that final few inches, Hamish. Yep |
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Post by George61 on Apr 17, 2005 5:58:03 GMT 7
Hamish is a flaming troll. He gets away with it because he is OLD!!  |
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Post by Canuck on Jul 5, 2005 21:59:44 GMT 7
I was accosted by the import/export bureau at the Capital City airport.. BJ when I arrived because I brought 9 count'em scsi hard drives and 3 IDE hard drives in my suitcase.. I schmoozed the guy at the airport and told him I was bringing work with me while I visited the great PRC. he wanted me to pay import tax which I think is very high (or maybe just a bribe). Anyway I was able to convince him that I wasn't bringing them to China to sell. I think my RAM got fried by the nuclear devices they use to scan suitcases. 512 MB of RAM toasted. Oh and it is very expensive here.
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Post by Jollyjunklass on Jul 6, 2005 5:46:04 GMT 7
Okay,
I need a little more information here. In plain English, please. Can my laptop or it's contents fry at customs. If I have a carry on laptop, will they scan it with the nuclear device. What if I just start it up, is that good enough.
Hamish, if your out there, am I fine bringing my laptop over.
Will I be charged import taxes, I believe we are allowed to bring one computer, am I right in assuming this?
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Post by Hamish on Jul 6, 2005 6:08:56 GMT 7
Hamish, if your out there, am I fine bringing my laptop over. If you are white, and dress like a tourist, you can carry a 25 Kilo sack of cocaine on your shoulder through Chinese Customs and they will be busy shaking down a Chinese citizen for no reason, never even seeing you. Look tired and a bit confused. |
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Post by Canuck on Jul 6, 2005 9:02:15 GMT 7
Bring your laptop.. my laptop survived.. all of my other computer equipment survived. I brought 2 desktop computers (less cases) and my laptop. Only the memory for my desktop was damaged.. maybe the anti-static bag wasn't so anti-static after all.
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Post by Jollyjunklass on Jul 6, 2005 10:37:13 GMT 7
How did you manage to bring in all that, what is the weight allowance.
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Post by Jollyjunklass on Jul 6, 2005 10:38:41 GMT 7
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Post by Canuck on Jul 6, 2005 22:34:41 GMT 7
How did you manage to bring in all that, what is the weight allowance. The weight allowance is (I believe) 50 Kilos about 120 lbs. I packed all of my stuff into 1 suitcase. Fortunately Unfortuately I didn't bring any clothes with me.. cause they were all too big an mostly worn out. Clothing is so cheap here. I had a rough time with my carry on luggage.. my books weighed too much. So at the ticket counter (Canadian side) I take all of the books out of my carry-on until it fits the allowable weight. I leave the counter then return for my books, go around the corner, put the books back into my carry-on and get on the airplane. |
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Post by Jollyjunklass on Jul 8, 2005 11:14:42 GMT 7
Not quite sure what you mean Canuck, they watched you do that and allowed you? Did you get any medical insurance. Did you just get to China. I could use a bit of advice, flight costs, visa stuff. A few Canadian specific questions.
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