Customer Reviews

Travel Accessories Samsonite 60 Watt Step Down Transformer

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Hi, I travel a lot, and recently, I've needed a transformer to deal with a couple of products that do not have variable voltage (e.g., baby monitor and baby monitor camera). I used this in Italy and Hungary, and it served its purpose (I've fried a voltage converter and AC adapter by not knowing the voltage wasn't variable in the past).

A couple of key points:

1. The plug is for European output only.

2. I found this very useful in conjunction with a monster cable travel power strip, so I could plug in multiple devices through this transformer.

3. As others have mentioned, it is heavy, but if you really need this, then it's still a lot better than buying a European/Asian AC adaptor or not bringing an applicance that you need to use.

I think we'll be using this quite a bit in the future.

One final note--you do not need this product if you're simply plugging in products like mobile phones, laptops, camera battery chargers as these products typically (you should check your own product to make sure) are able to operate across multiple voltages and therefore require a simple plug adaptor that doesn't have any transformer capabilities.

I bought this to be used with Nintendo Wii (about 40 watts) and charge my Linksys CIT300 Skype phone (15 watts). Been using it for a year, almost continuously. So far no problem. Pretty heavy for travel, but still okay. It's a transformer, how light can it be anyways? I have another combo step up/down transformer for home use (550W) and I gotta say not much difference in weight. My advice is to avoid using appliances that require a transformer when you travel. Get those "universal" chargers when available (which covers 110v to 240v, 50 - 60Hz). These are becoming standard in Asia but somehow not so in the US.

The stepdown transformer does what it says it does. I took mine to Singapore for two items I own that don't have 220 volt capable chargers: a garmin gps, and a sonicare toothbrush. I also use it for a 110volt beard trimmer. All are low power draw so the capacity was plenty. I have used it for about two months at this point with no issue. I pack it in my checked luggage. It is a transformer so it it has a bit of weight to it. I gave it four stars because I like it. To love it I would want some way to cover the prongs (or fold them down) during travel so they don't stab my other luggage items - a minor issue to me.

I bought this so that I could plug a small fan into it. Whenever I did so, it started to smoke and fried. I am almost positive that the fan was within the guidelines for wattage, so I don't think that was the case. I wonder if it really should not be used with continuous draw appliances, although it says it handles them.