Power strip question....

Stefanie, If the Power Bar is just a "basic model" without any RFI or Surge Protection, you should have no problem using it in Europe with only a Plug Adapter. However, I'm not clear on the "330V" rating that you listed. Could you post a link on the Power Bar that you're using? The iPads and iPhone should work fine on 220 VAC (when connected to the Power Bar), but you'll need to check the Camera Battery Chargers to ensure that they're designed for "world operation". One other concern is the fact that you'll be travelling with an iPhone. Have you spoken with your Cell network regarding data roaming charges? I'm sure you wouldn't be too happy to return home and find a $37,000 bill waiting in your mailbox (which is what happened to an iPhone user from Vancouver earlier this year). Happy travels!

Hi again, So this is the power strip I have... http://www.monstercable.com/productdisplay.asp?pin=596
It does have a power surge protection. And about my phone I will only be using it on Wi-Fi and the Rick Steve Audio Tours and notes I took for the trip. No Call, No txts. Only Wi-Fi. Thanks again!

Stefanie, Thanks for providing clarification on the Power Bar that you were planning to travel with. DO NOT use that Power Bar in Europe!!! As it's equipped with Surge Protection, it is NOT designed for use on 220 VAC electrical circuits. Connecting it in Europe will most likely destroy the Bar, possibly with a spectacular show of smoke and sparks! If you'd like a "second opinion" on this question, you might contact Monster directly at the "Contact Us" section of their Support link. Here's an excerpt from the FAQ's section of their website: Can I use my Outlets To Go in a 220 / 240 volt country? Yes, your Outlets To Go will function with the appropriate plug adapter. Make sure that any devices you will be using can also work in multi voltage applications. If not, a converter will be necessary. Therefore, I'd suggest using this product instead: www.monstercable.com/productdisplay.asp?pin=3842 As these Power Bars have a grounded plug, I'd recommend using this product with a grounded Plug Adapter. This product should be correct for both countries: www.magellans.com/store/Adaptors___Converters___Plug_AdaptorsEA23MDG I'd suggest taking at least two Plug Adapters, in case one is "misplaced". I just bought another U.K. grounded Plug Adapter this afternoon, to make sure I'll have everything I need for my upcoming trip. Cheers!

Something else has to be going on if you are burning up dual voltage, especially low voltage, equipment. In these units the conversion is in the power cord and not the unit itself. For example - son misplaced his charger for his ipod, so purchased a cheap one on Amazon assuming all power cords are the same. Just prior to last trip I insisted on checking all our input requires and were surprise to see his power cord was only good for 120. Which is why is was $20 cheaper than the replace cord from Apple.

The cord doesn't matter. It's the "brick". I've used five different laptops, a camera charger, and a rechargeable razor, all dual voltage, over a period of 10 years in Europe without problems. Consider this, they don't make dual voltage devices just for Americans who want to use them in Europe. They do that to simplify manufacturing. They make one dual voltage device or power supply and sell it all over the world. The only thing different is the power cord and it's plug. Your device could just as easily have been sold in Europe with a different cord and plug. In addition, you have to be very careful to get the right converter. The electronic ones (for over 50W) produce a wave form that can damage your device's dual voltage power supply. You have to use a transformer converter. Are you really going to need to charge all five devices every night? I use a 2-pin Europlug with a three way adapter. It can only charge three at a time, but it is much smaller and lighter than a power strip.

I've already packed Lee's gizmo for my trip in a few weeks! Brad, I really want to hear more about your troubles - how on Earth did that happen? The 50/60 thing can be a problem - depends on the item and the length of time you're using it. Stefanie, I'll repeat Ken - DO NOT USE your Monster Cable!!! And don't forget plenty of adaptor plugs...or you won't be charging anything 8^( And per Frank's post - it's interesting how there's cheap Chinese stuff, then there's expensive (yet about as cheap to manufacture) Chinese stuff...it gets confusing. Stuff sold on Amazon starts out as 'good and cheap' Chinese Apple stuff, then after several months it migrates in that 'trashy and cheap' Chinese 'Apple-ish' stuff...NOT the same product! It's a dangerous world out there for our gizmos. Let's bow our heads a moment for our electronics...

On a RS tour, my roommate was equally gadgeted up and we had one outlet for our room. We stopped at a local hardware store and got a small european power strip. We charged two cell phones and two cameras using the power strip and our adapters w/o problem.

I have been traveling to Europe for several years with a simple extension cord and a plug adapter. I plug my CPAP, phone charger and netbook into it and have never had a problem. I always take an extra adapter in case I need to use another outlet for other items, such as my wife's curling iron, etc. CPAPS, laptops, cellphone chargers, etc. draw very little current.