Must I use a converter and then plug iTouch in converter, or can I charge the iTouch through the USB port of a computer in Italy? Are there other options? I want to use the iTouch on the transAtlantic flight and am afraid it won't be sufficiently charged to enjoy those RS podcasts, etc. once I have arrived.
Posted by
Carbondale, IL, USA
1201 posts
You have a couple of choices.
Apple makes two plug in wall sockets for the Touch and most of the handhelds including the iPhone.
One is a small block that has a two prong US blade style plug on one end and a USB port on the other. It comes with about a 4 foot USB to Apple connector cord. It currently costs 29.00 at Apple although I think I saw it at Best Buy for 29.99 the other day. If you already have this one, you could buy an adapter to make the US blade plug fit the round pims of the Italian electrical outlet. the apple part as well as your Touch will take the higher European voltage. Adapters are usually available at Radio Shack or travel stores.
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB352?mco=MTM4NzA1MjA
The other option is a world kit that Apple sells that gives you a two part wall plug in and the USB cord. The plug in takes several different styles of plugs for the different world systems.
The part that sticks in the wall slides out and another one slides in. It costs 39.00
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB974ZM/A?fnode=MTY1NDA0MQ&mco=MTA4Mzg5MjI
Or you can always use the USB port of any computer you find over there.
Posted by
Baltimore, Md., USA
33 posts
I have a Wall-to-USB that I got at Radio Shack.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32353 posts
ashe,
I've been packing THIS CHARGER along for the last few trips, and it works well. It doesn't come with a Cable, so I have to take the Charging Cable from home.
You could also have a look at Rick's Plug Adapter which is also equipped with a USB Charger (again, user supplies the Cable).
If you're travelling with multiple electronic devices, you could consider using THIS PRODUCT which charges as many as six devices at the same time. The same firm also supplies THIS PRODUCT which will keep IPOD's powered up on those long flights.
Charging via computers in Italy is not really a good option, as you'd probably have to remain at the Net Café for the duration. That would be a waste of valuable travel time.
Cheers!
Posted by
OP
Now in US
18 posts
Thanks for the feedback. I may have access to a computer in my b&b. Assuming it has a USB port, would I be doing damage to my iTouch by charging it that way? By the way, I like the looks of the RS converter plug, but I'm not sure I want to spend that much.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32353 posts
ashe,
USB Ports use a standard voltage of 5 VDC, so any computer with a USB port should be fine for charging.
Even though you'll "have a computer" at your B&B, this might mean sitting in the Lobby for several hours while you wait for the IPOD Touch to charge.
Taking your own Charger along will be a much easier solution, and the nice thing about Rick's Charger is that it serves two functions - Plug Adapter and Charger. You'll need Plug Adapters anyway.
If you're packing along any other electronic gadgets, be sure to check that the Chargers or power supplies for those are designed for operation from 100-240 VAC.
Cheers!
Posted by
Dallas, TX, USA
1170 posts
If your iPod Touch came with a wall plug charger, you can use that in Italy. All you will need is a plug adapter to make it work. No need for a power converter. If it did not come with the wall charger then one can be obtained from the Apple Store.