Going to Australia..Power Adapter/Converter Question...

[jb22]

I'll be leaving for Australia soon and have a question about getting a proper power adapter and converter. I have a 200 watt converter that converts 200/240v AC to 110/120v AC 50/60HZ. I actually used this while in Italy, so I bought what's labeled a type C adapter but it looks like the proper plug for Australia, with a "\ /" shaped plug. There's no ground on the adapter, would this be an issue?

I assume this should be find for all the electronics I'll be using which are:
- To plug in my laptop to charge as well as run while plugged in, along with my external hard drive
- Battery charger for my camera
- to charge my cell phone, PSP, and DS

Also, besides Circuit City, does anyone know a good place in Mississauga or even downtown Toronto to look for a good quality power converter? I bought a 85 watt converter at Circuit City but I don't like the design very much as it goes directly into the wall outlet, so once I place the adapter for the Australian outlet, it's hanging out too much and looks like it'll break.

I'm looking for something that I can rest on the floor and has a cord from the converter to the outlet. Also, anything with multiple outlets would be a bonus.

Thanks.

[Jay1234]

If you are just using laptop, camera charger, etc. you should check if the box packs (power pack for the device) supports multiple voltages and frequencies. Most of these kind of power packs do. If this is the case, you only need a plug adapter and no transformer. These would be a lot cheaper and easier to find as well as small.

I use one all the time when travelling through Asia.

Jay

[AcidBomber]

Most devices nowadays comes with universal adapters. So the plug itself fits into multiple wall sockets and allows different voltage. It should be printed on the plug. (IE: your laptop power cord)


They usually look like | |

[jb22]

I believe that my laptop does allow an input range on 100 to 240v at 50 - 60 HZ, so does my cell phone charger and the PSP charger along with the power adapter for me external hard drive. I'll have to check mt other camera chargers. So I guess technically all I need are adapters, but I think I'd still be more comfortable with a power converter, maybe I'm just being paranoid.

[Jay1234]

I believe that my laptop does allow an input range on 100 to 240v at 50 - 60 HZ, so does my cell phone charger and the PSP charger along with the power adapter for me external hard drive. I'll have to check mt other camera chargers. So I guess technically all I need are adapters, but I think I'd still be more comfortable with a power converter, maybe I'm just being paranoid.


You are being extremely parnoid. In fact, many of the "travel transformer power converters" will have a lower quality converter then what is built into the power pack of your device. Many of these may not be up to snuff on the current requirments you have as well.

My recommendation, just get the adapters that should be sufficient.

Jay

[jb22]

You are being extremely parnoid. In fact, many of the "travel transformer power converters" will have a lower quality converter then what is built into the power pack of your device. Many of these may not be up to snuff on the current requirments you have as well.

My recommendation, just get the adapters that should be sufficient.

Jay

Okay, I think I will be fine with the one power converter I have, just in case I do bring something that needs it. As for the adapter, the one I got a The Source looks like this:
http://www.thesourcecc.com/images/Online/27/2738619l.jpg

Now this is the only adapter they have, does anyone know any where else I can look for one that has a ground pin? Any alternatives to The Source to look for travel adapters?

[Daphne]

The adapter you have is sufficient for use in Australia. I was recently in Australia/NZ for a couple of weeks, and used the one you have shown in your msg. Most equipment would have dual-voltage (could be used at 110/220V) and just needs the adapter when you travel. I brought my laptop/ipod/dig. camera/cellphone and didn't need a converter. If it's not too expensive to purchase an additional adapter, may I suggest bringing 2 adapters, so that you could recharge your batteries simultaneously if you're bringing lots of gadgets with you. I found it helpful to have 2 with me when I travelled, especially since it is small and light.
Have fun downunder. :lol:

[Jay1234]

Okay, I think I will be fine with the one power converter I have, just in case I do bring something that needs it. As for the adapter, the one I got a The Source looks like this:
http://www.thesourcecc.com/images/Online/27/2738619l.jpg

Now this is the only adapter they have, does anyone know any where else I can look for one that has a ground pin? Any alternatives to The Source to look for travel adapters?

Most of these kind of plugs do not have a ground pin, you just bypass the ground pin.

You may also be lucky, some hotels may have universial plugs.

[yaldaren]

Has anyone tried charging their DS outside of North America/Japan? This was the only gadget I have that doesn't list itself as being multi-voltage and the Nintendo website says to buy a charger for the country you want it in.