My wife and I are leaving next week for our first trip to Italy. We'll be there for just over 2 weeks. I think we're all prepared except...I just realized that I haven't thought at all about charging our electronic equipment when we're in Italy. I'm leaving my laptop at home and will only have digital video camera and our mp3 players. Normally, we can charge both through our plugged in laptop, but with that not there, will we be able to just use a plug adaptor? I know nothing about electricity...

If this info is posted somewhere, please let me know - I searched a few things and came up with nothing relevant.

Thanks,
Steve.

Most likely but you need to check the adaptors. You'll see some numbers. If it's just 110V 60Hz it's North America only. If OTOH you see 110-220V 50/60Hz then all you'll need is a plug adapter.

So check your chargers.

Awesome - my video camera has the 110-240 listing so I think we're good there. However, our mp3 players don't even have a plug in - they only have a USB connection and only charge through the computer. I assume USB ports are the same in Europe? If that's the case, I know my hotel in Florence has laptops in each room. In Tuscany and Rome I'm not sure what I'll do. Any suggestions?

Thanks a lot.

If it's a newish laptop you should be fine. I can't for the life of me remember when USB ports became standard but it's been a long time.

You can find USB chargers. They either have a built in battery or AA batteries. You charge the charger and then use it to charge the device.

Are you sure you cannot purchase an AC charger for your MP3? I have an AC charger for my iPod (whih has a USB connection), that I use in Italy with an adapter for the plug. If you are renting a car, you could also charge the devices when you are in the car with the same charger you use in the U.S.

Most travel stores/catalogs/websites list iPod chargers that, as Nick z mentioned, plug into the wall or let you recharge the device using batteries. Radio Shack may have them too.

TravelSmith advertises on the Slow Travel board, so you might start with their iPod charger HERE.

quote:

Originally posted by udder:
our mp3 players don't even have a plug in - they only have a USB connection and only charge through the computer. I assume USB ports are the same in Europe?

The U in USB stands for "universal," and USB port it is standard throughout the universe as we know it.

I would highly recommend using the AC adaptor/charger to charge your electronic gear. The USB is NOT the best way to charge your MP3 player or camera, even back at home.

It is a huge draw on your laptop using it as a power adaptor for other devices via the USB port.

As a professional videographer I carry a small bag with every AC adaptor needed for travel.

You can purchase an AC adaptor/charger for any electronic device. Or at least get a battery charger to keep the battery charged.

quote:

Originally posted by venexiananan:
The U in USB stands for "universal," and USB port it is standard throughout the universe as we know it.

While they are universal in that all USB plugs fit all USB sockets, older versions of USB (USB1) will not reliably charge appliances. They work fine to transfer data, but they either won't supply power for charging, or they will only do it if you run them through a "booster" plugged into the wall.

Newer devices have USB2 ports, so they will both transfer data (much faster than USB1) and let you charge things. It DOES matter if it's an old USB port or a newer one.

quote:

Originally posted by Patrick, Arkansas:
Newer devices have USB2 ports, so they will both transfer data (much faster than USB1) and let you charge things. It DOES matter if it's an old USB port or a newer one.

Good point. But they are both universal, i.e., they work in Japan, Europe, North America, and everywhere USB1 & 2 are sold.

Check the device hardware config to confirm whether it's USB1 or USB2 (high-speed).

Thanks everyone for the info. Neither of our MP3 players are IPODs - one is a Creative product and the other is an IPOD knock off made in China and bought there. The knockoff came with a plug that the usb cable can go into to. And that can be used with both mp3 players. So, I think I can use that with the Euro adapter - that should work.

Thanks again.