Going to Japan this summer: Computer Question. HELP!!!

[VampireFangs103]

Alright guys. I feel a tad stupid, because I'm no computer genius. Lol. Anyways, basically I'm going to Japan this summer, and I want to take my laptop with me, but I have a few questions, that I'm hoping SOMEONE can answer.

First of all, if my laptop isn't plugged into the wall, it will die pretty much instantly. However, my friend says I need to get something special to plug it into in Japan so my laptop doesn't explode. Or something along the lines of that. Does anyone know anything about this?

Also, I'm hoping to use my internet there. I'm not exactly sure what I have. I have a small box attached to my computer that sends signals out to a little thing I plug into my USB port in my laptop. A rotor or something? I really have no clue. >.>'''' All I know is that I can only use it in my house, and I THINK it works in cyber cafes and such, but I have yet to try it. Does anyone know what will be necessary for me to go online in Japan? Will I just need to go into a cyber cafe, or attach my computer to theirs? Stuff like that?

Sorry guys. x.x Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.

[Griff_the_dragoon]

Ya you need an adapter i dont know the name of it but the reason why is the power outlet there is different from ours it either puts out to much electicity or not enough. you will have to do some research to see what you need or you can get a larger battery for your laptop. i would find a 12 cell batter sence most laptops come with a 6 cell batter for starters. but i hope this helps

[Prince_of_Madness]

You shouldn't need an adapter unless your computer cable plug-inhas a third prong, I don't have a laptop, so I don't know if they have one.  When my friends and i were there this summer, we didn't have any trouble with the plug-ins, but none of the stuff I used had a third prong. I can't help you with the internet thing, for above reason, but my friends had no problem accessing wifi while there.  Good Luck!

[superjaz]

I didnt need an adapter when I went,
I was told that the current is a little lower and thats all the differnce so I think that would mean that it would take longer to charge somthing

as for internet acess not sure

[Wuntvor]

You shouldn't need an adapter unless your computer cable plug-inhas a third prong, I don't have a laptop, so I don't know if they have one.  When my friends and i were there this summer, we didn't have any trouble with the plug-ins, but none of the stuff I used had a third prong. I can't help you with the internet thing, for above reason, but my friends had no problem accessing wifi while there.  Good Luck!

I didn't need an adapter when I went,
I was told that the current is a little lower and thats all the differnce so I think that would mean that it would take longer to charge something

As for internet access, not sure.

These are both true.  Look at the following Wikipedia link for details.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AC_power_plugs_and_sockets#Type_A_.28North_American.2FJapanese_2-pin.29

You may also find this helpful:

http://ask.metafilter.com/69039/Using-a-US-powerstrip-in-Japan

Japan uses 2 prong outlets.  If the charger you use has the 3 prong (ground) style plug then you will have to buy a 3 prong to 2 prong adapter.  These can be found just about anywhere electrical parts are sold, and don't cost very much.  Also, they run on 100 Volt current @ 50hz. The US uses 125 Volts @ 60hz.  This won't harm your charging unit, Your charger is already taking power and adapting it to your laptop.  The adaptation is just a little different than normal.  Since the voltage is lower than the specifications, no harm will come to your adapter.  The power going into the computer should still be the same.

Also, I'm hoping to use my internet there. I'm not exactly sure what I have. I have a small box attached to my computer that sends signals out to a little thing I plug into my USB port in my laptop. A rotor or something? I really have no clue. >.>'''' All I know is that I can only use it in my house, and I THINK it works in cyber cafes and such, but I have yet to try it. Does anyone know what will be necessary for me to go online in Japan? Will I just need to go into a cyber cafe, or attach my computer to theirs? Stuff like that?

It sounds to me like you have a wireless router connected to your home computer system.  This device picks up signals from a modem, this may be either a cable, DSL, or dial-up modem located inside of the computer or another box that is connected to it, and any other wireless devices or devices connected to it using a LAN/ethernet cable. The router then broadcasts the LAN/modem signals like a radio station broadcasts music.  The card you plug into your laptop is a wireless internet card designed to pick-up these signals.  You should be able to use the wireless internet card anywhere wireless signals are being broadcast.  Common locations are College and University campuses, libraries, cyber cafes, and airports.  Some or all of these may be password protected.  This means your computer will pop-up some sort of window asking you to type in a username and password to get on the system.  If you have a reason for accessing the network you will usually be informed of such things when you enter the location.  Try using your laptop at such locations here in the US first, so you can familiarize yourself with the procedure.

Gambare!

[Radien]

So, are you going to Japan for education or pleasure?  It seems Wuntvor answered the questions you need, but since you're going to be using a computer in Japan, you might want to know about some of their software standards and typing system.  I had a hard time communicating with my Japanese friends via email, and if you're planning on doing anything like that, I hope you can avoid the same problems I had.

[totemo_oishii]

Are you staying in a hotel or at a house? If you're at a hotel, chances are they have wi-fi and you can just use their wireless for internet. Some hotels also offer things to attach to your computer to use internet.

I never had to use an adapter for anything in Japan.

[VampireFangs103]

Meh. I'm going as an exchange student July, and I'll be there for the month. So I'll be in a house. Then I'll be bringing back someone with me for the month of August. And then right after she goes back home it's kumoricon. lol

[Radien]

I came across something interesting while reading up on the JET program (something I recently applied to)... it's on this page at the very bottom, but I'll quote it for convenience:

Stuff to Buy in Japan: There are some things that JETs try to ship or bring to Japan every year that they don't think they'll be able to find in Japan.

    * A computer. I strongly advise you purchase a desktop system in Japan. Don't try and ship one from your home country or buy a laptop before you go. The voltage difference (while slight) is enough to fry rechargeable batteries, CD/DVD ROM drives, or even hard drives over time.

...Now, mind you, this is intended for the ears of people who are going to be spending 1+ years in Japan. For a visit as short as yours, the potential damage to your computer might not even be worth mentioning... but it's worth looking into if anybody else out there has similar concerns for a longer visit.

[uraharafreak]

I spent four months in Japan. Brought my MacBook Pro laptop with me. The plug for the adapter was three prong and had no problem with pluging in because the apartment had three prong outlets. I was worried about it too, so I bought a world adapter kit from Apple. Their Japanese adapter was exactly what I had, a standard three prong connector. The voltage in Japan is slightly lower (100v), so just expect a laptop to maybe charge a little longer than usual, but you should have no problem. Now if you buy a comp make sure it is either has universal compatibility for voltage, thus made for foreigners. If it's only made for Japanese electricity then it will be fired when you plug it in over here without an voltage adapter. That's just my experience, but it might not hurt to get a adapter to two prong just in case. 

[Radien]

Hmmm. I can see either potentially being true. This might be a question for Geeks to Go. (it's a volunteer tech help internet forum)

But yeah, regardless, buy a couple of three-prong adapters. I can say with certainty that your chances of needing them are at least high enough to warrant a few dollars of investment and a few square inches of suitcase space.