Accessories plugging in while abroad

[droidros]

This question isn't specific to the Droid X.

I am currently in the UK and can't use my X to make calls but I can stilll use it to get email and internet access through a wifi network. I can also still access my audible books and other apps of course.

I have a loaner Global Blackberry from Verizon to use as a phone. It came with a convertible plug and adapters that allow you to plug the phone into British power outlets. Unfortunately it is for a mini-USB device and the X is a micro-USB so I can't use the same charger to charge the X while in England. I was not able to find a similar set of plugs to use with a micro-USB device.

My question is, if I get a plug in England with a micro-USB connector, is it safe to use it with my Droid X -- or do I need a special plug that will convert the different voltage? I think it would be okay since the power has to be converted to work with the device's battery anyway -- and I would assume the batteries are the same -- but I just want to be certain.

 

[buxleyp]

USB is ~5V, globally; you're ok. You're thinking of different AC in different countries.

 

[droidros]

USB is ~5V, globally; you're ok. You're thinking of different AC in different countries.

Yes AC is 240 volts in England.
Thanks, I'll look for a charger here.

 

[Napalm]

do you not have a general AC plug adapter? Just use it and your standard DX charger.

Also if you just have your cord, plug into a computer. it will take longer to charge, but it will work just fine.

Also I think the standard DX charger will accept 240 or 120. I don't have mine with me to read, but I vaguely remember my old MOTO and BB chargers allowing that.

 

[droidros]

do you not have a general AC plug adapter? Just use it and your standard DX charger.

Also if you just have your cord, plug into a computer. it will take longer to charge, but it will work just fine.

Also I think the standard DX charger will accept 240 or 120. I don't have mine with me to read, but I vaguely remember my old MOTO and BB chargers allowing that.

No, I didn't have a plug adapter - I wasn't sure what I needed while I was looking for one in the States and the adapters I saw were very expensive - around $40. I didn't know whether I had to get an actual power converter. The charger that came with the loaner Global Blackberry has a special plug which you can slide one plug off and put another one on.

But I found an electronics store on Oxford Street and bought an adapter - the type you're referring to - and can just plug in my standard charger into the adapter, which then plugs into the wall socket.

I tried charging it through the computer USB port - it took forever and every time the computer went to sleep, it would stop charging. After an hour or two it was still only at 50%, and I somehow managed to drain it almost immediately - I have no idea how because I hardly used it. But the next time I tried to turn it on, it was already completely dead.

 

[JubbaTheHutt]

No, I didn't have a plug adapter - I wasn't sure what I needed while I was looking for one in the States and the adapters I saw were very expensive - around $40.

You must have been shopping at Best Buy...

Bought 3 of these for my last trip to Germany...worked like a charm.

Amazon.com: Universal World Wide Travel Charger Adapter Plug, White: Electronics

 

[Napalm]

No, I didn't have a plug adapter - I wasn't sure what I needed while I was looking for one in the States and the adapters I saw were very expensive - around $40. I didn't know whether I had to get an actual power converter. The charger that came with the loaner Global Blackberry has a special plug which you can slide one plug off and put another one on.

But I found an electronics store on Oxford Street and bought an adapter - the type you're referring to - and can just plug in my standard charger into the adapter, which then plugs into the wall socket.

I tried charging it through the computer USB port - it took forever and every time the computer went to sleep, it would stop charging. After an hour or two it was still only at 50%, and I somehow managed to drain it almost immediately - I have no idea how because I hardly used it. But the next time I tried to turn it on, it was already completely dead.

If you travel overseas alot, or if you plan to go again anytime soon, get one of those kits but get one off the internet. The only reason for the expensive one with the converters is for using equipment that can't tolerate the voltage and frequency differences. IE corded shavers, hair dryers etc.

Most portable device chargers, laptop power supplies, etc can take either and are auto sensing. so all you need is the actual plug adapter (usually less than $10 US). I have a whole set of them, UK, EU, JAPAN, etc.