Hello Everyone, I will be studying abroad in France this fall and will be using my laptop and a rechargeable battery charging pack (an older version of something like this. What converter would be appropriate for both these objects? Would this converter work? http://www.amazon.com/Seven-Star-Voltage-Converter-240-110/dp/B000AY84NQ/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1376699752&sr=8-9&keywords=voltage+convertor Thank you!
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19268 posts
Unless a battery charger specifically says that it works on dual voltage, 120/240VAC, I would assume it doesn't. However, most laptop chargers today work on dual voltage. Look for something like Input 120V/240v on the charger specs. Then you won't need anything except a plug adapter. The first charger doesn't say it works on 240V. The second one is too heavy.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
If you're only need to recharge AA batteries, it would be far easier just to buy them as needed in France.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32345 posts
Daniela, You didn't provide a link to your "older version of something like this"? You may or may not need a Voltage Converter. The first thing you'll need to do is check the Input Voltage ratings for EACH device you'll be taking along. If these state "Input 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz" then you'll only need inexpensive Plug Adaptors (you'll need Plug Adaptors anyway). It's likely that your Laptop has a multi-voltage power supply, but you'll still need to verify that. I didn't get a "favourable" impression from looking at the Voltage Converter that you showed from the Amazon website. The fact that it's sold by "Bombay Electronics" didn't inspire a lot of confidence. IMO, the quality is "questionable" and that model will also be very heavy to travel with. If you do if fact need a Voltage Converter for your Battery Charger, a 50-watt Transformer type should suffice, perhaps something like this - www.magellans.com/combination-converter-447 (this one will be much easier to travel with). Enjoy France!