Sunday, March 23, 2008

Transformers-style International Travel Adapter

Back in the day, I used to carry around a felt pouch with a half-dozen different plugs in order to be prepared for what the world threw at me in terms of odd electrical plugs my ancient laptop would face. Thanfully there are now more compact choices out there, including this SIP-3 “Ultimate International Travel Adapter” from Sima Products.

This model doesn’t go with the one-piece design you find in other electrical adapters. Instead Sima choose to offer a series of plugs that fit together in a way that ends of taking up about the same amount of space, but giving you the option to leave the ones you don’t need stowed away. It’s an elegant, efficient design that makes me wonder why it took this long to appear. Once you pull it out and put it back together, it just feels natural, almost intuitive. Plus the price is right--under $12 in some spots.

This set will cover you for some 150 countries, from Australia to China to the UK, so it is a handy item for any international business traveler or backpacker about to take off on a round-the-world journey with something that needs to be plugged in.

As with any basic set of adapter plugs, there’s no actual electric conversion. Don’t plug your 110v hair drying into one of these plugs in Europe and expect the motor to keep working. There’s no fuse either, so you need to use common sense and only plug in electronics that are designed for dual voltage.

You should be able to find this on their site, but if not click the link below to find the best deal elsewhere.


Find the best price for a Sip3 adapter

8 comments:

Nathan said...

Just bought one based on your recommendation, Tim! Thanks. - Nathan

Tim said...

Thanks Nathan. Hope you like it! Pretty handy invention and I've been happy with mine.

Anonymous said...

hey tim..This product says it works with hairdryers..does it not? I need it for my laptop as well is this the wrong product for me?

Tim said...

Kim, this is a simple adapter so no. If you are going to bring your own hair dryer, you should also bring a voltage converter. Otherwise it is likely to start smoking and die. Make sure you get one that is rated for the wattage of your hair dryer.

Anonymous said...

Are most laptops compatible with dual voltage or how do you find if it is?

Tim said...

The owner's manual or instructions will usually tell you, but also on the adapter itself or on the back of the laptop it will say something like "120-240 v". Pretty much every laptop sold in North America is going to be dual voltage, and most elsewhere as well.

Unknown said...

I am having trouble finding any info whether this accepts three-prong US plug w/ground? I will be using in Ireland and laptop has grounded cord. Any help is appreciated.

Tim said...

Yes J, it accepts 3-prong grounded plugs. Nearly all of the decent ones do--any brand.