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First, congratulations is in order for making it all this far - good job!
Now that you have all of these wonderful goodies, how do you keep them juiced up in the air, on the road, or overseas? Power terminology can be confusing, with adapters, converters and inverters all playing their key roles. As someone who uses all three on a fairly regular basis, I'll help sort it all out.
Adapters are a lifesaver if traveling overseas. These multi-pronged intermediaries often have a male component on one side and a female on the other. When traveling overseas, you'll likely run into power outlets that aren't compatible with devices purchased back home. Keeping a few conditions in mind, this is an easy fix.
On the label of your device's power component, you should see an "input" variable, most likely with 100-240V listed to the right. While power in North America comes out of your household outlet at 110-120 volts, most countries operate at a higher voltage, usually 220-240 volts. Most electronic devices are designed with this in mind, and are compatible with voltage from any country. If your device covers both voltage ranges, you're in luck. There's also something called hertz (Hz) that comes into play, which deals with power cycles per second (it's called alternating current for a reason), but if your device is compatible with 100-240v, it'll likely work with 50-60Hz as well.
If your device is dual voltage compatible, you'll only need to purchase a power adapter, sold for compatibility with individual countries (more than one country will use the same style plug) or for use in any country, as is the case with universal adapters. Individual adapters will likely run you about five bucks, and can be purchased in airports or electronics stores. Universal adapters, though bulkier, might be a good idea if visiting multiple countries on one trip, such as France and the U.K., which believe it or not both use drastically different plugs. Universal adapters can be purchased for about $20.
If for some reason your device is not compatible with the higher 220-240V range, you'll need a converter as well, which basically takes the higher voltage electricity and reduces it from 220-240V to 110-120V, saving your device (and possibly yourself) from electrocution. Similar devices are used to reduce higher voltage power from outdoor power lines to 110-120V for use with household devices in North America. Most homes in the U.S. actually have 240V hook-ups as well, used to power high-draw appliances such as clothing dryers or electric ranges. If you end up needing a converter to power your lower-voltage device, be sure to purchase one designed for use with electronics rather than heating or motorized devices, and check the output wattage to make sure your device won't cause an overload.
Inverters come into play during your journey, and will covert power from 12-volt connections found on airplanes or in cars to 110-120 volts for use with electronic devices. Such a device will actually allow you to plug in your laptop on an airplane, with many more recent aircraft offering under seat connections. Not all seats have these connections, so check with your airline (or SeatGuru.com) when booking travel to make sure you're placed in a powered seat. Power inverters range in price from $15 to $150, but the one you need should cost closer to $15.
To power a single laptop computer, look for an inverter supporting 100 watts or more. The wattage should be listed as both continuous and peak. Be sure the continuous wattage is listed at 100 watts. If you have an inverter that doesn't provide enough output wattage for your device, try removing the battery and running directly on power from the plane or car. The battery draws unnecessary power, even when fully charged.
Once you get to your destination, chances are you're going to have a tough time finding outlets in your hotel room. A power strip will help with this problem. Try unplugging a lamp if you have a room with no free outlets (I'm always this lucky). Just be sure to choose a fixture that doesn't have a switched outlet, or you'll end up with dead batteries when the outlet loses power!
One free outlet is all you need. Monster's Outlets to Go 4 or 6 (number of outlets), a compact power strip, works great both domestically as well as overseas. For overseas use, just plug the power strip into an outlet adapter. Outlets to Go is compatible with both 110-120V and 220-240V power supplies and will cost you $20 or $30, for 4 or 6 outlets, respectively.
My power strip is about to explode after all the energy I used to write this article. Nearly 4,000 words later and you've reached the end! Now grab your fully loaded backpack and go see the world. After you return, be sure to enter your images in our PopPhoto.com photo contests and discuss the photographic aspects of your trip on the forums. Follow the links below for in depth reviews of the cameras mentioned and a travel photography how-to article as well. Happy travels!
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