Voltage converter

Perhaps, Nigel. My converter only weighs about 1 lb, but then again I don't use a hair dryer or anything that requires a huge amount of voltage. However, some electrical devices such as hairdryers (as opposed to "electronic" devices such as iPods) won't come with the internal voltage converter. So if that's what you're looking to use, you might still need to bring a voltage converter. Just be sure to get one that can handle the amount of voltage your device requires, otherwise you'll burn out your converter (and possibly blow a fuse in the process). You should check the back of ALL your devices to see if the voltage rating is printed or embossed as "100-240V". If so, then don't worry, simply connect the power plug to a socket (with your plug adapter, of course).

Certain devices will have thier own converter built in (usually newer devices). Others will not - for those you will still need a voltage converter.

Any appliance that is dual voltage (110/240) doesn't need a converter.

Hi Sally, I'm not sure if there's a question in there, but if you're just looking for confirmation on what you've been told, I would concur. You can check the voltage rating on each device, and as long as it says "110-250V" or something similar, you won't need a converter.
On a similar note, I'd take a few extra adaptors, in case you lose one, or to piggyback them to reach the extra deep euro outlets that are sometimes encountered.

Probably more info than you need, but here's a site that gives a good breakdown of different voltage issues: http://www.voltagesuperstore.com/4historyofworldwideelectricvoltage.shtml About 2/3 down the page you'll see the entry that explains how "Dual Voltage" devices have a built-in converter. I'd agree that it's probably best to still take a converter with you. It's not like it takes up any space or will weigh you down. Also, without testing the "dual-votage-ness" of your camera before hand, you never know how it will react (it's probably fine, but you never know).

Transformer type converters, required for for medium to high amperage devices like hair dryers, WILL weigh you down.

My iPod Touch charger cable for wall sockets comes with a converter (100 to 240 is printed on the converter) so all I need is a socket converter.

What's the max load of a 1lb converter? I seem to remember blowing up a 50 Watt converter maybe 15 years ago that weighed about a pound. I've got an 1800 or 2000 Watt one I almost never use anymore that can't be much short of 10 kilos.

sally, It's very likely that you won't require a Voltage Converter, however it would still be a good idea to double-check. Check the Chargers or Power Supplies of EACH device that you'll be travelling with, looking for the words "Input Voltage". If this specifies 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, the products will work fine in Europe with only an inexpensive Plug Adapter. Which countries will you be visiting? Note that the Plug Adapters are different for the UK than on the continent. What's the capacity (wattage) of the Voltage Converter you bought? If it's a high wattage model (1600W+), it will use solid-state conversion methods. This SHOULD NOT be used with electronic products such as Camera Chargers, etc.! Happy travels!

For avoidance of confusion - and OP has it right - adapters change the shape of the plug so you can physically plug in, and converters change the voltage so you don't blow up the device. Neither, BTW, changes the frequency so clocks, for example, may run slow in Europe (50 Hz) when they expect 60 Hz like in North America.

bad typo. Never post while eating at a restaurant talking to friends. "Socket converter" is absolutely the wrong term and probably makes no sense. I blew it. A socket adapter is what I thought I typed.

Ok, fellas. For what it's worth, here's a converter that weighs about a pound and can handle up to 1875w: www.amazon.com/Simran-Converter-Products-Countries-SM-1875/dp/B000W91XBO/ref=pd_sgrid_pt_0_0 It's not the one I own, so I can't speak to the reliability (the reviews don't seem so great). But there are some out there that don't weight a lot and will give you enough for your basic travel do-dads. Can you power your power saw or 50' plasma TV through it? Of course not. But you're not bringing those to Italy, are you? Converters like this will handle your electric toothbrush and maybe even your hairdryer (I checked - amazon has plenty of travel hairdryers that run 1100w and lower) and will not weigh down your roll-aboard too much. But this is really getting off-topic. The main thing you have to look at is the voltage requirements for what devices you are bringing, and if they're listed as "duel-voltage", you're golden.

@bob, The Voltage Converter shown in the link you posted SHOULD NOT BE USED with electronic products, such as those mentioned by the OP. That type of Converter uses solid-state technology to reduce the voltage, rather than a Transformer and the output is not especially "clean". When connected to a solid-state product such as a Camera Charger, unfortunate consequences can occur! Most manufacturers of electronic products such as Cameras, specifically recommend against using their products with that type of Converter. High wattage Voltage Converters are more appropriate for appliances with a simple resistive heating element and no electronic controls. However, some manufacturers of Flat Irons recommend against using ANY Voltage Converters with their products. If a Voltage Converter MUST be used, a better option is This Model from Magellans. This will automatically select the proper conversion method, so the user doesn't have to worry about choosing the correct method, or forgetting to change a switch. Cheers!

I recently got a voltage converter as well as a couple of adapters. I think it was less than $50 . It's an 'Eagle Creek' brand. Has not try it yet.