I was reading in the archives some discussions about hair dryers and adventures with varying voltage issues (and even about some curling irons that melted!). My daughter is planning to take her lap top computer and (of course!) we'll be traveling with our IPOD's. Should we be concerned at all about plugging in for power in Ireland? Should we be considering some kind of surge protector?
Most power cords for laptops have a 110-220 converter built in and it's probably true for ipods too. Most stores that carry any sor of travel accessories have adaptor plugs and you can but the converters for about 10-15 more as a package. I've seen them at both Walmart and Target so they shoud be easy to find. Even though my cameras have a converter on the cord, I always use the converter that came with the adapters. Overkill, but I don't care.
wojazz3 is right. You'll just need an adaptor for those particular devices BUT I would still read the user manual or check with the manufacturer first. And as suggested, you can play it safe by just using a converter.
A tip...the cord (or "box" on the laptop cord) is usually labeled with 110/220 to show it has a built-in converter.
I feel especially qualified for this one because of my current resident status and since i brought a few appliances i can't live without and can't find here.
the laptop computer will only need an adapter. the ones we are happiest with are from walmart. the ipod will need a converter. the little white box of the plug doesn't have a transformer in it so be careful. the best deal i found on those was at circuit city.
if you forget them, the best place to buy here in ireland is at Roche's dept store. they have a wide selection and good prices. the second choice would be from any of the Bags luggage shops.
Every car I have ever rented in Ireland had a cigarette lighter (or as my husband has informed me is now politically correct -- "accessory outlets"). I suppose nowadays they are more used for ipods and cell phones than lighting cigarettes.