Electronics in Europe from NA

[Codicier]

So I'm going on vacation to Portugal at the end of the month. I'm planning to bring a laptop so I've been looking into what I need to get in terms of power converters/transformers and plug adapters.

Anyone here with experience taking a laptop from NA to Portugal, or Europe in general, that can give me any advice on this? From what I've read, it sounds like I'm going to need a voltage transformer rather than a voltage converter for something like a laptop; since it takes continuous power. There also seems to be a wattage rating for different transformers, so what should I be on the lookout for there?

I'm also bringing my DS charger and I'm wondering if that can also run off a transformer or if I need a lower powered converter to prevent it overheating melting.

I'm don't really know much about electronics/hardware so the more and more specific info you guys can give the better. Even if its really obvious stuff to you it probably isn't to me. :)

[boratika]

Here's what you do: look at your laptop's power adaptor where it has writing on it and find where it says "input". If it says 110-240V (or 250V), 50-60hz (which it almost certainly does) all you need is a plug adapter or another figure eight cable (or whatever cable plugs into it) whatever's cheaper. Typically, a laptop's power supply won't change from region to region, just the cable that plugs into it. Also they expect people to travel with them.

DS chargers however aren't universal. So... I'm not sure what the easiest solution is.

[Abyssion]

When I went to Europe last year I found a third party DS charger for what would cost between 10-15 US dollars. I bought it at a store in a shopping center. It seemed to work fine and I don't think it harmed my DS in any way.

[Codicier]

Here's what you do: look at your laptop's power adaptor where it has writing on it and find where it says "input". If it says 110-240V (or 250V), 50-60hz (which it almost certainly does) all you need is a plug adapter or another figure eight cable (or whatever cable plugs into it) whatever's cheaper. Typically, a laptop's power supply won't change from region to region, just the cable that plugs into it. Also they expect people to travel with them.

DS chargers however aren't universal. So... I'm not sure what the easiest solution is.

Hm, that's definitely good to know. I'd read about devices like laptops that are able to handle variable voltages but I wasn't sure if this was a universal feature of laptops.

[Codicier]

New question. My laptop AC adapter has 3 prongs and the plug converter I bought has two slots. Can I use the converter anyway and just let the grounding prong stick out or do I need to get a 3 slot plug adapter?

[muddi900]

Definitely take the two-prong adaptor. Most places with converters for the american plugs are on for the two-pronged connectors.

[civil]

All solid advice here. Regarding your laptop, you have to make sure you laptop and battery can handle the power difference as others have said. Most can, but always check! A friend had his laptop fried once; granted, this was around 7 years ago but it's always made me weary. And do get that 2 > 3 prong converter. Actually, if you can buy a fancier converter- I'm positive I've seen some that allow for 3 prongs (by fancy I mean something over $30 USD). And make sure what you buy is made for appliances/laptops as some aren't meant to that kind of sustained power.

I've taken my DS, PSP and iPhone overseas plenty of times and used the regular $10 - 15 USD ones you can buy at Target. Oh, and as a final piece of advice make sure that your adapter is for mainland Europe. Those mofos in the UK needed to differentiate themselves (yet again) from the continent by using a different plug shape.

Have fun, I'm one jealous bitch.