electrical transformer/converter--what's the difference?

Lynn, To begin with, some clarification of terminology is in order. These are the common devices used by travellers for electrical appliances: (1.) Plug Adaptor - this is a simple mechanical device that adapts the North American plugs to the different types of receptacles used in various countries of the world. Based on your description, it sounds like you're using is an "all-in-one" Plug Adaptor. Does the unit have any labels or a brand name - anything that might help to identify it? (2.) Voltage Converters - these are used to step-down or reduce the 220 volts used in Europe to the 115 volts used by devices in North America. There are two principles of conversion used: (a.) Transformer - this type is best used with electronic devices like cell phones, cameras, etc. as they produce a "clean" sine wave. As Transformers use an iron core and copper windings, they're inherently HEAVY. Therefore it's only practical to travel with small Transformers, up to about 50 watts. (b.) Solid State - this type is better used with high wattage appliances such as hair dryers that only have a simple heating element. Conversion is done by electronic means, which produce a very "rough" sine wave. The bottom line: the Charger for your new iPad should be designed for world operation from 100-240 VAC so you will only need a Plug Adaptor to use in Europe. Check the "Input Voltage" ratings on the Charger to confirm that. I normally use the cheap $4 Plug Adaptors (such as those on the Magellans website) rather than the "all-in-one" types. Some outlets in Europe are recessed, so that could be a problem for larger Adaptors. I've found that it's best to pack at least two, as they're easy to misplace. Happy travels!

If this is not the only time you're traveling I recommend getting this great tool from Twelvesouth: Bugplugworld Make sure it's not just Bugplug but Bugplugworld. It does solve all the global power issues an Apple user might have.

Andreas I don't see how that would help as it specifically adapts a MacBook Air adapter plug and I saw no evidence of a MacBook Air in the OP. Any USB splitter and a pair of cables would do the job for 10% or 20% of its cost, too. Sorry for the cold water on an otherwise neat invention. The red and white together look good too.... but $44?

Just to reassure, you just need the $1-3 dollar adapter and the charging cord and plug that comes with the iPad. Be sure and get more than one adapter - you'll probably lose one behind a headboard, forget one, or at times you may need to plug one adapter into another adapter because some outlets are very recessed into the wall. Adapters are more difficult to find once you're in Europe. (and an FYI - with ALL Apple iPod products, there's NO paperwork/manuals. Apple thinks we find their products more 'intuitive' than they really are...You have to figure out how to turn the thing on and off, etc...sorta weird. But, whatevah...) (And another thing - if it's new and borrowed, is it covered by insurance? Ask the owner...!)

@Eileen, "with ALL Apple iPod products, there's NO paperwork/manuals." The User Guides are usually available as PDF files on the Apple website. I downloaded one for my iPhone. While Apple products are intuitive and I'm quite familiar with how they work, I still have to refer to it from time-to-time. Cheers!

Thank you, Ken! And it's about flippin' time ;-) I had a small dungeon of 'researchers' looking for user manuals once, and there weren't any (and Apple said there wouldn't be any)...but that was quite awhile ago...I should've known to recheck their site after the iPad Mini came out :-)

Thank you all for the great input. The iPad Mini is mine, newly purchased and I am still trying to figure some things out but taking crash courses as we leave for the Continent in less than a month! I did speak to more than one rep at the Apple store about the converter issue and was assured that all I needed was the plug converter along with the supplied power cords with the iPad. I will look to take two as advised although I did not run into any deeply recessed outlets on my last trip and managed to bring home all the equipment that I went over with...I do realize best laid plans and all....Linda

http://store.apple.com/us/question/answers/product/MB974ZM/B/can-i-use-the-plug-adapters-with-my-ipad-charger/Q9PKPDJ7HXDAJCT7T If you device charger is rated for dual voltages, I.e. 110-240v, you are good to go with only needing a plug adapter. The Apple charger is a dual voltage charger that steps down the voltage. In general, if you use a transformer/converter to power a 110-120v device using a 220v source make sure that your converter is rated for the amperage demand of your device. This is not a usual problem with electronics such as battery powered computers, phones,or cameras