It's just a hell of a lot cheaper.

October 11, 2005 3:58 PM

If I buy a Dell monitor from a US website, do I need to buy an adapter to use it in Europe (specifically, in Spain)? Or is there some way to change the current?
posted by sic to Computers & Internet (9 answers total)

It depends on what the monitor's power supply can take. Some can take anything between 100 and 240V, some are fixed. It varies, so a link to the monitor in question is needed.
posted by zsazsa at 4:03 PM on October 11, 2005

Best answer: The specs for two popular monitors:

The 2005FPW: 100 to 240 VAC / 50 or 60 Hz + 3 Hz / 1.6A (Max.)
The 2001FP: 90 to 264 VAC / 50 or 60 Hz + 3 Hz / 2.0A (Max.)

Those would both work fine in Europe with only a plug adapter or maybe a replacement power cord. Probably the rest of their LCDs too, though I would check the specs to be sure. (You probably need to dig into the manuals since the electrical specs don't seem to be on the product pages.)
posted by smackfu at 4:26 PM on October 11, 2005

Response by poster: Yes, it is the 2005FPW. So all I need is an adapter?
posted by sic at 5:29 PM on October 11, 2005

Response by poster: Or alternatively, I could buy a european powercord and just plug it in that way, right?
posted by sic at 5:33 PM on October 11, 2005

Best answer: Just so you know I'd buy one quick, they are only $394 right now!

Dell Home offers the Dell UltraSharp 2005FPW 20.1" Widescreen LCD Monitor for $699. Coupon codes "D8Q403R9G4FJ32" (35% off) and "82JMMHN1GRWXLZ" ($60 off) drop it to $394.35. Add $2.60 for shipping and handling. Deals end October 13 at 7 am ET or at 4,000 uses.
posted by meta87 at 6:33 PM on October 11, 2005

Yes, it should work fine. I've used things labelled like that (my camera charger in particular) with no problems. OTOH, don't come looking for me if it blows up.
posted by smackfu at 6:43 PM on October 11, 2005

Thanks for the tip, meta87! I didn't believe in those coupon deals, but it seemed to work...
posted by beniamino at 8:21 PM on October 11, 2005

Response by poster: Ok, I bought it at 394$ (thanks meta!) and I'm having it sent to a family member in the US who is going to visit me soon. Will she have any problems traveling with the monitor? Should she say it's an old monitor to avoid customs?
posted by sic at 2:57 AM on October 12, 2005

Response by poster: By the way, I found this nice table that describes all of the differences in currents in different countries.
posted by sic at 3:39 AM on October 12, 2005