Travel Checklist: Power Adapters.

When planning on being abroad for more than a week, and traveling with electronics that require direct power or battery recharge, you'll have to address the issue of power adapters. Since most consumer electronics have auto-switching power supplies (i.e., support for 100-240 volts and 50-60 hertz), the biggest concern is the type of plug required for power outlets in the country or countries you will be visiting. I'm trying to eliminate any unnecessary equipment, so things like the iPod power adapter stays at home -- it can charge while connected to my Powerbook. As for the Powerbook's power supply, Apple sells a World Travel Adapter Kit with all of the plugs you might need. I expect to only need one type of adapter, which will be the only one I take on the trip.

You should always make sure and check whether the power supply supports auto-switching. Plugging a 110 volt power supply into a 220 volt source will destroy the power supply. Trust me on this. I once blew up a $2,000 laser printer by plugging it into a 220 volt outlet on a Norwegen-built ship that I worked on.

It's a good rule of thumb to assume that any non-portable consumer electronics lack auto-switching power supplies. In such cases, you'll need a step-down transformer, rated at the approprate wattage.