Will a Laptop from the US work in Finland (WiFi)Wireless Int

[shawn1980ma]

I was wondering,
As I am at the very beginning of planning a vacation to Finland
the hotels (some) say they provide wireless internet.
Does anyone know if this means my windows XP operated laptop will pick up the wireless signal via a wirless card that is driven by WINDOWS ZERO CONFIGURATION ?

Also does anyone have a link to what the electrical Plugs look like in Finland, and is there any store, or any place you can purchase a converter from North American OUtlet plugs to what you have out there. (meaning to charge my laptop)

[raamv]

Many posts have been done on this..Use the "seach" function for "transformers" or "converters"

[Jukka Aho]

As I am at the very beginning of planning a vacation to Finland the hotels (some) say they provide wireless internet. Does anyone know if this means my windows XP operated laptop will pick up the wireless signal via a wirless card that is driven by WINDOWS ZERO CONFIGURATION?

See here and here.

Also does anyone have a link to what the electrical Plugs look like in Finland, and is there any store, or any place you can purchase a converter from North American OUtlet plugs to what you have out there. (meaning to charge my laptop)

See here and here.

[shawn1980ma]

so it seems you have 3 extra channels out there, as we have only 11.
Im taking that as a yes that my wireless would connect. The additional computer language Im not exactly understanding in depth, though anyone out here in IT would.

as for the plug , it seams you have two styles? I'm not sure if you can purchase it from that website. but As long as my american equiptment would not get burned alive by plugging it into a converter and plugging it into the wall, i suppose It will all be ok.

[Tiwaz]

To ease your confusion. First plug image, one above, is one for grounded devices. Namely, there is third connector which leads from for example casing of machine into ground connector in wall socket. This is for sake of protection.

Second is plug used in devices which have safety insulation, namely they are built so that it should be impossible for casing of machine to become electrified, and thus lack the ground connector.

Both plug types fit into all regular wall sockets.


And never forget your converter. Finnish voltage is 230V as opposed to 110-120V in US system. Make sure everything you plan to bring with you has preferably manufacturer certified converter.

(yes, you already mentioned it but it's subject that people easily overlook and results and rather spectacular. back in the old days there was case where computer powersource had 110/230 volt switch in it. some idiot thought it would be nice trick to switch off computer and then switch it to lower voltage. result, loud noise, smoke and one fried computer)

[Jukka Aho]

so it seems you have 3 extra channels out there, as we have only 11. Im taking that as a yes that my wireless would connect. The additional computer language Im not exactly understanding in depth, though anyone out here in IT would.

Here’s an article that sheds some more light on the issue. But I think the autoconfiguration feature mentioned in there would only apply to the latest (and fastest) Wi-Fi standards...

(Older devices might perhaps need a different “European” driver, or even a different “European-oriented” firmware in order to be able to tune into the higher channels.)

Then again, it shouldn’t be an issue at all if the access point in the hotel is configured to use the low channel numbers.

as for the plug , it seams you have two styles?

There are three different plug styles for three different classes of electric devices: a round one with two prongs, a flat one with two prongs, and a round one with two prongs and two ground contacts on the sides. All of them are mutually compatible to a degree, but the idea is that if a certain type of plug doesn’t fit in a certain type of socket (without using force or making modifications), you’re trying to make a connection that is against the regulations.

I'm not sure if you can purchase it from that website. but As long as my american equiptment would not get burned alive by plugging it into a converter and plugging it into the wall, i suppose It will all be ok.

Adapters should be available locally, too. Search the forum for previous discussions on the topic. Or if the charger/power supply cable is not permanently attached to it, you could possibly buy another cable locally. (Some examples)

[shawn1980ma]

Thank you for your help.
Its even small things like this, that are important to me.

Because the day I eventually set a vacation to Finland, I would like know a good amount of information.

I will probably learn some basic questions, and responses language wise , at least.