stokebailey

If we don't bring a laptop, are there internet cafes where you can charge these Mac items?

Therese

I'd just get a USB power adapter: http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB352

You'll need an adapter to deal with the prong difference between the US and the UK (unless you buy a UK version, of course), but the adapter itself is good for a range of currents, so no converter required.

grandmere

I have the power adapter, and it is great for travel or home. Much easier than hunting an internet cafe.

Shanti

Unless you already have one, you'll also need a plug-in for an electric outlet since you won't be able to use your plug-in to a computer.

I bought both an electric outlet plug-in and an adapter to use for my upcoming trip. I can recharge my iTouch in my room. It seemed a lot easier than looking for an internet cafe.

Mimar

You can buy a charger that plugs into a wall plug (for about $10), and then charge it in your hotel room. You'd need a plug adapter, but the charger probably handles a range of voltages, 120 for the US, 220 for Europe. Confirm this before you buy.

jkgourmet

for those who are reading this late - get the apple adaptor. The cheaper versions often fry the ipod and itouch - and will invalidate your warranty. You can use any prong adaptors, however.

stokebailey

Excellent. Thanks, all!

stokebailey

Is it easy to find prong adapters there? The one I have turns out not to work after all.

BigRuss

If you're in the US, just go to brookstone or Fry's (which is the best source).

You're getting mixed up advice here -- Therese correctly used the terminology, jkgourmet seemingly did not.

All you need is an ADAPTER that allows your plug to fit into the British outlet. You do not need the CONVERTER that changes the voltage because the Apple power cord works from 100-240 volts. The US uses 110, Europe uses 220, Japan uses 100.

An adapter shouldn't cost more than about $6. These are basic electrical devices, so if jkgourmet had problems with an adapter, not a converter, then there were issues with the outlet. We used no-name adapters on our Ipods and cell phones and they worked fine in the UK. The Apple adapter is just overpriced.

stokebailey

Thanks, BigR. All electricity is magic to me, and I don't know a volt from an amp.

kayd

After paying $12 for a plug adapter at my DC airport, I saw a whole rack of them at much lower prices (like 4 pounds) in the first Boots I entered in London. You should have no trouble finding one.

white_apple

I stayed at The Lanesborough in London and they had an iPod dock in the room so I didnt have to worry about charging my iPod!

stokebailey

All right! Good to hear. Thanks, kayd and w.apple.

lamava

If you are really in a bind, go to the Apple store and plunk it down on a dock for a few minutes. When I was traveling in 2007 my charger died and the employees at the store were kind enough to let me charge up using their display stations. (They did not have the charger I needed in stock or I would have just bought one!)

sashh

wait until you get to the UK and get a USB adapter that fits in a UK socket. The one I got actually had various plug top attachments so it could be used world wide.

http://www.diytrade.com/china/4/prod...or_mobile.html

similar to the pic but the 3progs slide off and you slide on the adaptor for whichever country.

NyCitygal

is there a universal euro adapter ? i have a sony ericsson cell and i will be in the uk a few days (probably won't need to charge it there, i will only use it a little) but then belgium, amsterdam, poland, czech, austria, italy. if anyone knows what i should get, id appreciate it...

stokebailey

There are universal adapters, kind of bulky things with moving parts. I ended up buying a UK adapter at the corner Boots for a reasonable price. You could probably buy one for the continent at a similar place if you won't need it in UK.

(I also took my sony ericsson mobile, since TMobile told me it would work, and then was able to use it only as an alarm clock and a camera.)

NyCitygal

thank you. i did go to a radio shack here in the states and they had what was supposed to be universal but then on the back said not in italy, etc.. lol. so sounds like i should just find one there.

stokebailey

I hope someone more knowledgable will chime in here.

violetduck

The website www.slowtrav.com has a wealth of information. For specific cell phone, electronics, etc. click on Trip Reports and Guides, then Guide to Travel in Europe and then
on Europe Trip Planning page go down to cell phones,etc.
Last year in France I used a country friendly adapter and three plug strip and could charge camera, phone and iPod. However,I never charged all three at the same time, but two at a time. Didn't have apple adapter,just an inexpensive one.Hope this helps.