Power converter/Adaptor questions
 

All,

I'm a little lost on what type of power converter/adaptor I need to bring to Europe from the states.

I'm bring
(1) My new mac book pro
(2) My ipod
(3) My new digital camera
(4) my blackberry

What do I need to buy. Thanks so much!

Hi galaxy -

You might want to look closely at all your items to determine if they are dual voltage (they probably are). If this is the case, all you need are plug adaptors suitable for whatever country/countries you will be visiting.

cool! Can I buy one of these plug adaptors in the airport in spain?

Thx

Beth

Macbook Pro and iPod are dual voltage for sure. You will only need a plug adaptor for them. They have them at Radio Shack. For your camera and blackberry look on the charger to see if something like 110v-240v is printed in small letters . If it says that then the plug adaptor is the only thing you need. If its 110v only then you will need a power convert as well.

thx!

You should also try to charge your blackberry via your computer's usb port. Not sure if it works with a mac, but if it does, you can leave one charger at home.

Interesting question. Just why do you need all of this paraphernalia? I estimate that you will spend much of your vacation servicing this equipment. Can you get by with only the, camera? Where do you live? Visit the travel shops. Find out how to use a transformer/power converter and how to select the correct power socket adapter.

If you are on a working holiday you may need all those things - otherwise leave the laptop at home. Laptop + charger + spare battery adds a lot of weight to your carry-on, and you will constantly worry about theft. Internet cafes are everywhere in Europe, so you don't even need a laptop unless you have to work on your own files. Without it you will need an iPod charger - they are very small, and work on 240V power.

Is your BlackBerry compatible with European 900/1800 frequencies? Do you have an international plan, or will you buy a separate SIM?

Different strokes for different folks, I guess, but I couldn't imagine traveling without a laptop.

I just moved to the UK from New York and brough basically the same laundry list of electronic items with me.

Apple sells an neat adaptor kit that works with all its existing power supplies. It costs $39 and you can buy it online and in the store. You can slide out the US plug from the white box thing (technical!) and slide in the correct plug based on what country you are in. I've just been charging my iPod right off of my laptop. You can probably do this for your blackberry as well, so bring the cords that connect those items to the USB ports on your Mac.

I also purchased a $20 adapter/converter kit from best buy, and I've been able to easily successfully use it with both my blackberry and my digital camera battery charger. They both have built in transformers, so you just need to slide the adapter over the existing plugs so that it fits UK outlets.

I take my laptop when I go back to visit relatives in the US. It gives me something to do while everyone is at school and work. In my hometown there are lots of wi-fi hotspots, but no (that I can find) internet cafes with public computers. I could go to the library, I suppose.

I spend far too much time on my computer at home, but that's the last thing I want to do while on holiday.

Lizziea06, that is the iPod power adapter I was talking about - I have one too.

<i>Don't use your devices with a travel tranformer if they are 100-240V. They are already designed to be used with European electricity, and the travel transformers won't do them any good.</i>