So I'm heading to Prague and I have a few questions that I can't seem to get a straight answer about from the internet.

I'll be bringing a Laptop, a charger for camera batteries, and a Nintendo DS with charger.

Laptop
100-240V 50-60HZ

Camera Charger
120V 60HZ

DS
100V 50-60HZ

Prague is 220V and so is Italy and most of Europe if I'm correct.

So for the laptop I only need an adaptor?
and the charger and DS charger I need a converter?
Do the Hertz matter or the Wattage?

My biggest question is can I use a surge protector from here and plug it into a converter thus eliminate the need for multiple converters and adaptors? or will I need a transformer?

Also do any stores actually sell this stuff or do I need to get everything online.

Thanks

...and sorry for sounding like I don't know anything, but I've had bad experience in Egypt with a fried PS2 because I was misinformed and I don't want a brand new laptop and a DS to die the same death.

1/12/2007 12:34:50 AM

i'll be going to chile over spring break and sweden in the summer...so this is relevant to my interests

1/12/2007 10:28:42 AM

You are correct about when you'll need a power converter and just an adaptor. As for you power strip idea, you'll need to see what wattage / amperage your converter is rated for. The items you listed are all fairly low drain devices so it shouldn't be a problem. There's a travel store in Cameron Village near that new wine bar where you can get this stuff. Most radioshack stores carry this stuff as well. The staff at the travel store is faily experienced so they should be able to answer any questions.

1/12/2007 10:35:13 AM

[Edited on January 12, 2007 at 10:49 AM. Reason : eh, not sure what Im talking about]

1/12/2007 10:42:20 AM

You are absolutely right. The laptop can handle it with just an adapter. But be careful, my best friend managed to damage my laptop by plugging it in at a train station without checking the voltage. I don't remember what-all he said, but aparently the outlet was 250V for floor cleaning equipment. It worked for several minutes before he noticed smoke coming not from the adapter, where I would expect it, but from the power regulator inside the laptop.

Either way, converters are often expensive and heavy. What do the chargers look like? Do they use an external transformer? If so, it might be cheaper to replace these transformers with a single universal 220V transformer than to get a converter.

As for the frequency, it depends. If it goes into a transformer then the results should be manageable. Specifically, the transformer will get hotter than usual because the inductive load was tuned to 60hz but is being fed 50hz, and as we all know the lower the incoming frequency to a transformer the more it operates as a resistive short. Either way, it should still output about the same voltage/current.

[Edited on January 12, 2007 at 10:57 AM. Reason : V=I*R]

1/12/2007 10:49:18 AM

http://www.amazon.com/Nintendo-Lite-Travel-Power-Pack/dp/B000FU3Y76/sr=8-14/qid=1168619133/ref=sr_1_14/102-2041814-6659322?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games

http://www.amazon.com/Targus-Digital-Universal-Lithium-Ion-Batteries/dp/B000G61X6S/sr=1-8/qid=1168619824/ref=sr_1_8/102-2041814-6659322?ie=UTF8&s=electronics

1/12/2007 11:38:01 AM