Travel Technology - Converter/Adaptor Questions

I just bought a couple kits of Samsonite's Converter/Adaptor with the foreign plugs. The warning has "do not use with electronics i.e. computers, battery rechargers, CD players." I don't know what the point is of having this if it can't be used with electronics. Two questions...

1. Has anyone used this particular converter/adaptor anyway with electronics?

2. Any recommendations for different converters/adaptors that are reasonably priced?

Thanks in advance for responses!

I just bought a couple kits of Samsonite's Converter/Adaptor with the foreign plugs. The warning has "do not use with electronics i.e. computers, battery rechargers, CD players." I don't know what the point is of having this if it can't be used with electronics. Two questions...

1. Has anyone used this particular converter/adaptor anyway with electronics?

2. Any recommendations for different converters/adaptors that are reasonably priced? The "not for electronics" adapters are made to be used with appliances like heaters, irons, etc. which aren't very fussy about the quality of the electricity in their input. To answer your questions,

1. eventually you will blow out the electronics (it might take 1 minute, or it may take 10 years ... all depends on the quality of the original power supply plus the type of electronics you are using it with.

2. For USD 25 you can get a 50 watt high-quality converter, and for USD 30-35 a 300 watt converter. Lots of different ones available, see for example http://www.voltage-converter-transformers.com/deluxe-step-up-transformer.html

Converters intended for non-electronic devices, e.g. hairdryers and coffee makers, do not produce alternating current with a smooth sine wave and may also have all sorts of noise and spikes. Electronics don't respond well to this, and can wind up fried. However, most modern electronics these days are dual-voltage -- are you sure you need a converter?

Most expensive electronics (computers, camcorders, some cellphones) already have transformers that can handle voltages around the world, so all you need is a physical adapter to plug into the right outlet (no converter/transformer necessary beyond the one that came with your device).

Take a look at the transformers ("power bricks") for your existing electronic items. If they say something along the lines of "input AC 100-240v 50-60hz" then you're good to go. Just bring the right plug adapters for the countries you're visiting.

If it says something like "100-120v 60Hz" then you'll either need to buy a different transformer for your device or you'll need to buy a universal transformer, which typically costs in the range of $100 and weighs 5-10lbs.

What I've done is ensure that my equipment can be charged / powered from a car battery. Then I bought the 12V output version of this (http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=48484&criteria=SWITCH%20MODE%2012v&doy=18m9) switched mode power supply and now my charging / power requirements fit into a very small bag.

If you need something with a bit more umph then look at universal laptop. the main problem is that they generally don't supply anything under about 15V

If your electronics already have 110/220 capability, they will probably be fine. If they are 110 only, then the power the converters produce could cause some damage.

My Franzus converter is roadkill. I need another; I don't need any adapters. I currently use a converter for a curling iron and a digital camera battery recharger. In the future, I may use the converter for a laptop. What specific brand/model is recommended? I'm unconcerned about cost if this item is of best quality. Thanks.

Your laptop and battery charger likely accept 110-240v. Check them. If they do then do not use a voltage converter with these devices. Just get a plug adapter and plug them in.

Your laptop and battery charger likely accept 110-240v. Check them. If they do then do not use a voltage converter with these devices. Just get a plug adapter and plug them in.
Thanks. I don't yet have a laptop, but I have a curling iron and a digital camera battery charger. Do you have a converter recommendation for these?

Thanks. I don't yet have a laptop, but I have a curling iron and a digital camera battery charger. Do you have a converter recommendation for these?

I've always been pleased with the ones I get from Magellan's. I seem to lose them or loan them out (never to be seen again) about every 5 years.

I don't use converters. All of my electronics are multi-voltage/frequency and the fabulous Mrs. Xyzzy has a 220v hair dryer. That makes travel much easier.

The battery charger should be fine. Why not just buy a cheap 230v (or 110v depending on which way you are going) curling iron?

Thanks. I don't yet have a laptop, but I have a curling iron and a digital camera battery charger. Do you have a converter recommendation for these?

Look at your digital camera battery charger. What does it say the input is? It should say something like "100V-240V ~ 50/60Hz." If it says that, you don't need a converter. If the voltage doesn't get into the 200's and the alternating frequency is only 60Hz (not 50/60), then you need a converter.

I don't use converters. All of my electronics are multi-voltage/frequency and the fabulous Mrs. Xyzzy has a 220v hair dryer. That makes travel much easier.
The fabulous Ms. Tomayto (moi) has a 220v hair dryer as well. Guess she'll have to purchase a 220v flat/curling iron as well. As soon as she gets out of the third person. 8-)

Others have already said most digital cameras, cell phone, computer charges etc are multi-voltage. Radio Shack is a great source of the adapter plugs. You can just buy the adapter plugs you need. Continental Eurpoe is around $3.

Thanks, lewisc. Radio Shack is a convenient option.

Does anyone have a favorite plug adapter web site? That is, you're traveling to East Timor next month and you have no idea what the physical outlet on the wall looks like. Also, what's the best multi-use plug adapter that assumes a US device is being plugged into an outlet anywhere in the world? A simple google search yields this kensington (http://us.kensington.com/html/5519.html)model, but I've heard that there are smaller, slicker devices.