What is a good converter for our Sony Vaio, studying abroad in Edinburgh, traveling 1st throughout Europe. Need to find one that will work for school.
Thanks Paula
Posted by
Freedonia
15087 posts
Are you talking about an "electrical converter?" You may not need one. Look at the power chord for the Vaio. If it says, 110-240V then all you need is an adaptor plug. It will automatically convert the power.
Posted by
San Diego, CA, United States
864 posts
You'll need different plug ADAPTERS (not converters) for the UK, Germany and Italy. Your cell phone, computer, camera battery charger etc. should all say "input 100-240 volts" on the back. Outside of some specialty electronics most stuff manufactured today is good to go here or overseas (it's a small world after all). Adapters are cheap so buy two sets. I have a small roll of electrical tape I travel with and tape the adapter and the appliance plug together so the adapter doesn't stay plugged into the wall by mistake when I check out. Still, it happens which is why have have two sets (and I frequently bail out other travelers who've lost their adapter(s). Again they're cheap, lightweight and very small.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32213 posts
Paula,
It's VERY important that you check EACH device you'll be travelling with, to ensure that the Chargers/Power Supplies are designed for "world operation". Look for the "Input Voltage" spec's, which will hopefully say "100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz".
If the Chargers are designed for world operation, you'll only need inexpensive Plug Adapters and a Voltage Converter won't be necessary.
For the areas you'll be travelling, you'll need two different Plug Adapter models. The UK style has three large rectangular pins while the Euro model has two round pins. I'd suggest taking two of each type "just in case", as they only cost a few dollars each.
For photos and other information on Plug Adapters, check This Site
Happy travels!