I was looking at Brookstone and Sharper Image at outlet converters to bring with us from the U.S. to Europe (Italy/London) this summer. There were way more options than I realized. Some say does not convert voltage and that I need a separate converter, some will convert but it says it won't charge batteries and can't be used with computers.

Does anyone have any recommendations on where to buy one and what features I need? I'd like to use a blow dryer and charge my cell phone.

Eagle Creek products are reasonably priced and work well. The travelstore.com has them. Cell phones and laptops only need an adaptor. I think Italy and Great Britain have different adaptors, so you may need to purchase the adaptor set. In order to utilize your hair dryer, you need a converter. These cost approximately $15. An adaptor just allows US plugs to fit into Euro outlets. Converters convert 110 to 220.

Hi Sher,

Your cell phone charger should say "110-220 V" (or similar). If it does you don't need a converter, only an adapter for the plug.

Buy a dual-voltage hair dryer.

It's all explained in egregious detail here:

http://www.franzus.com/Merchant2/mer...&Screen=UE

I read the article that Robespierre referenced - I have the sme concerns for my upcoming trip to England - but it didn't mention what I'll need for safel recharging my digital camera & MP3 player. I have an English hair dryer & am not bringing a cell phone or computer, but I sure don't want to damage my camera or MP3, yet I cannot use disposable batteries in them. What do I do?

Your electronics almost certainly use "switching" power supplies, which means they should be fed with a "transformer" type converter - if they aren't already dual voltage.

The only appliances that should use "switching" converters are things that function by getting hot.