cathy

I will be traveling to Heyman Island and Hamilton Island (fron U.S.) in February and would like to know what type of converters I will need for laptop, camcorder, etc., and some ideas as to where I can purchase these. Thanks for your help!

Martin

As the most important aspect is the amount of power you are putting though your computer I should think that the best person to ask would be the computer people themselves. You will always be able to buy an adapter for the plug in Australia but I would think that a transformer would be the first thing on your list and only your people can help you with that

Kay

Cathy,<BR>we have a different electrical voltage here in Australia (220 volts) and also a different plug for the wall socket.<BR>The plug is easy, any shop that sells travel accessories will have one. You would be best off buying one in the US as most of our converter plugs are for Australians heading overseas. Try luggage shops, department stores or the airport. Our plug is two flat pins (sometimes three) at angles like this<BR>/\<BR> <BR>if there are 3 pins, the extra one is straight up and down and underneath (if that makes sense).<BR>For the voltage issue on your laptop I'd also recommend a computer specialist. For other things like hairdryers, you can buy them with dual voltage but a place like Hayman will have them for guests(5 star).<BR>Kay

Kay

Sorry, that plug looks like a V which they are not. More like<BR><BR>/ \

mina

Cathy, you may only need an adapter and NOT a converter/transformer for your computer. Most modern laptops are created dual voltage. I'm not sure if I have the terminology exactly right, but an adapter is what will help your plug FIT into the outlet. A converter/transformer will convert everything over to the appropriate voltage.<BR><BR>I took my computer, curling iron/rollers, hairdryer and only needed an adapter. The magic number/statement to look for on the AC adapter to your computer is "100-240V~50/60Hz". This means it will automatically work with electricity anywhere from 100 to 240 Volts, and will work with electric cycles (I may be using the wrong terminology here) of 50 or 60 Hz. This will pretty much cover you worldwide. Any appliance you plug in should have this info somewhere on it. If it only says something like "120 V 60Hz" that means it will only work in the US.<BR><BR>Stores like Radio Shack and travel stores will have them. I bought mine at Rand McNally, the "map store".<BR><BR>I almost didn't believe my computer would work, but I plugged it in without a transformer, closed my eyes and turned it on waiting for it to explode. It worked just like home. However, if yours does explode, I will put in the disclaimer that I'm not an expert, and not liable!