Fried my computer - replacement help

[cobrat]

I am leaving for Asia next week. Does anyone know if I pick up a laptop in someplace like Hong Kong if I would have any problems getting it to run here? Seems like I would just switch the electric cable to accommodate a US outlet, there are coverters on the cables, right? I’ve been checking some models, prices are often comparable or slightly less on sale (and I can bargain price somewhat) and no sales tax in HK. I suppose customs could require declaration if I pay over $800 US, but I hope not to do that.

One option to consider with some hassle is something a friend has done three times when he wasn’t sure of what notebook to select and he needed some in a hurry to test out while traveling for work.

If you have a Costco membership, you can buy one of their notebooks, use it within a 90 day period, and return it for a no questions asked refund if returned BEFORE THE 90 DAY PERIOD IS UP.

While most of their notebooks IME tend to be consumer/budget bigbox models I wouldn’t recommend, this is one exception to the rule as if done right, you end up renting the computer effectively for free minus time/expense of returning it to costco for a no questions asked refund.

On a computer in HK, no idea on compatibility with U.S. I do think I fried a laptop by plugging it in to local power in HK with just an adapter. You have to look at the brick on the power supply and see what the input range is.

Hong Kong uses a different power outlet plug with different power outputs. You will need to get a separate plug and power converter if you buy a PC here in the US.

http://www.hong-kong-traveller.com/hong-kong-electricity.html#.V-_4wsku6zM

With few exceptions of the exceedingly cheapo dodgy adapter plugs/power converters, most can be bought and used without issues. Most relatives and friends who have traveled to HK and other countries have been able to successfully use their US bought electronics abroad without issues…and vice versa.

I do think I fried a laptop by plugging it in to local power in HK with just an adapter.

If it was not a power converter to convert the higher power output of the HK/UK outlet to the US electronic device…that would definitely cause it to fry. US power outlet output puts out 110 volts versus 220-240 volts in HK/UK.

What I’ve done that has worked is find the exact same model used on Ebay, buy it and swap the hard drives so that new hardware is booting your hard drive. It may have to locate some drivers, but generally it boots right up. YMMV

Unless someone is comfortable opening up their notebooks or otherwise serving as their own tech support, I don’t recommend someone do this as one can easily cause further damage if one’s not careful.

There’s also the issue that some notebook models…especially consumer/budget models bury hard drive bays deep inside the machine like some HP models I’ve worked with.

With those, you literally had to take apart the keyboard and external casing of the notebook to even access the hard drive bay. Wouldn’t surprise me if this was done partially as a way to encourage owners to toss it and buy a newer model from them.