Paul Freeman

We are new to this site and are hoping to be moving to Calgary for my new job around September this year. Wondering if anyone has any advice on whether it's worth taking our UK pc when we move, or if it's not worth it and we should just buy new when we arrive?
Also, is anyone using Skype to phone home? We are just starting to look into it and wonder if it's the best option?
Any advice gratefully received.
Many thanks.

MikeUK

Check the back of your PC. (Power supply up by the main back fan)

If it says 90-250vac 50-60hz then yes

Then check the monitor for this too

Some older machines allowed you to switch the power supply between 110 and 240 as well

If you have a printer and or other accessories you’ll do well to check the labels on their PSU’s too

Colsgirl

Yes we use Skype and have done for the 7 months we have been here. It is fabulous and saves us a fortune. It is cheaper to use Skype Out to call someone who hasn't a computer than buying a phone card. Skype Out calls to the UK cost 0.017 euros a minute!!

Colsgirl

I should have said that Skype calls from one computer to another (anywhere in the world) are completely free. All you need is headphones with a microphone.

Mountain Girl

I think Skype is great I use it a lot here in the UK, to phone friends and family. They have also recently updated the versions so that you can use web cams with it.

willmore

Use skype on my mac every day talking to family and friends all over the world!

Its excellent - very very clear.

Atlantic Xpat

Yes and Yes!

Many desktop PC's have switchable power supplies between 240 and 110V. On my Compaq I peeled off the sticker that said 'UK 240V AC' and switched over to 110V, bought a new powerlead and Bob was my mothers brother. I didnt bother bringing a monitor over, bought one here instead. (but had crappo monitor at home anyway & upgraded to nice TFT one.)

Skype is excellent. The latest version supports videocalls and is very easy to use. (Important for my technowrinkly parents at the other end). I use it to talk to folks back home every week and yes its saved me a fortune in phone bills!

jandro

If your pc doesn't have a voltage switch on the back near the power socket then you will need to replace the power supply once you get to canada. It is a simple task (and should be inexpensive) that can be done at any computer shop.

Atlantic Xpat

Thats a good point and what I had planned to do originally. Its also not beyond the DIY computer bodger if you dont want to pay Future Shop to do it

MikeUK

most newer Pc's using an ATX switching power supply accept a wide input voltage, the ones we have here take 90-250v 50-60hz.

Only the older machines will have voltage switches

DanielH

I plan on just getting a new power Cable for my laptop? I guess that will be fine... no need to buy a converter... just a Canadian Plug with the transformer to give me 19v 6.3A then Robert will be my mums brother as well.

MikeUK

Definitely check your power supply(tranformer), all you probably need is just a new plug or plug adaptor as most laptop power supplies have been 90-250v as standard
That would be about $5

DanielH

Thanks i just Looked and mine says 100-240V so all i will need is the bit from the wall socket to the transformer block...COOL.

Happydayz

I downloaded skype when we got here and tried it twice to speak to a friend in the UK but the reception was terrible, it was very difficult to have a conversation. Do you think that it is because we are on dial up and not broadband? Tony

Helen Parnell

We used skype and at first it was great, but my parents who are nearly deaf and have hearing aids, struggled with hearing us. We then started to have other problems and so gave up.