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From: kanala@sc2a.unige.ch
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.hardware
Subject: Re: Macs in Switzerland?
Message-ID: <1990Dec13.160242.341@sc2a.unige.ch>
Date: 13 Dec 90 14:02:42 GMT
References: <1035@gistdev.gist.com>
Organization: University of Geneva, Switzerland
Lines: 39

In article <1035@gistdev.gist.com>, andy@gistdev.gist.com (Andy Warinner) writes:
> 
> I am moving to Switzerland and I am taking my Mac (an SE/30) with me.
> I understand that the Mac has a variable power supply that can adapt
> itself to European current.  My question is:  where can I get a power
> cable for Swiss power outlets?
> 
> Also, I am considering taking my Mac on the plane with me.  Is it wiser to 
> ship it in its original box?
> 
> I would welcome any hints/experiences/advice on taking and using a
> Mac in Europe.
> 
> Thanks in advance,
> 
> Andrew Warinner | "Credo Elvem ipsum etiam vivere" - J. Caesar
> GIST, Inc.      |
> Standard        | EMAIL:  andy@gistdev.gist.com
> disclaimer...   |         {uunet, uiucuxc}!gistdev!andy

Andy:
Don't worry. Switzerland is a civilized country. You can find anything you
need: good, stable 50 Hz 220 V power (no need for UPS), developed dealer
network, "official" Apple -agreed distribution, "gray market" - cheaper, but
longer warranty - they just buy Macs in the USA elsewhere than from Apple,
all cables you need, very good phone lines together with PTT (Postes, Tele-
phones, Telegraphes) monopoly for modems so maybe you will be in illegality
with your high-tech (but not yet tested) V42-bis modem, all software you 
need, but 2-3 times overpriced compared to Mac Connection, etc. etc.

One think you should not do: do not use US ImageWriter, LaserWriter or
LaserWriter Plus on 50 Hz power - it heates and burns!
Newer Macs and Lasers (except Classic) have auto-configurating power
source, so no more problems with clumsy external transformators.
There are some external devices (older HDs, Ethernet adapters, scanners)
that need manual voltage resetting, but a technician can do it for you
for about $50 or 100. 

Roman Kanala, Universite de Geneve, kanala@sc2a.unige.ch