Q. I am an American currently residing in Britain, I am thinking of purchasing a portable computer while I am over here. Unfortunately, the one I have my eye on does not have a 110V option and only runs on 240V. Is there any way that I could modify my machine so that I can use it in the US? If not, I also have a voltage converter that allows me to use American products in Britain; would it be possible to modify this in any way sot hat I could use it in the US?

D. Netherton, London W1

A. There are two options open to you: the first is to contact the manufacturer of the machine and see if they can provide a power supply that has a voltage selector switch on it. Many portable computers already have this facility so you may be in luck.

It is also possible to buy a voltage converter that changes the US 110V into 240V. you say you arleady haveone that allows you to run American equipment over here - purchasing a new one will be far easier than converting this, and you should be able to find a converter easily while you're over here.

Once you have the correct voltage, you should have no problems running the machine in the US unless it uses a television for its display. Since the US TV standard and the British standard are very different you would not be able to use the machine without making quite a few changes to the inside of it.