USA Electrical items and appliances

• 

  retiredfeline on 13/03/2014 - 18:25

  +3

  Also the frequency is different, 60Hz there and 50Hz here.

  Things that use a power pack, like computers are usually ok as the converters are mostly universal. But do check that it says 110-240V. A workaround in the uncommon case that the converter is only 110V is to get a 240V equivalent.

  Things that generate heat like cookers and hair dryers are usually only one voltage unless there is a switch to change it, like a travel hair dryer.

  Things that rely on the speed of motors that use AC will run slower. So even if you use a transformer for a coffee grinder, it will run at 5/6ths the speed.

  • 

    Pumpkin_rrr on 14/03/2014 - 10:17

    Thanx heaps Possum. You have used a really good analogy (generate heat) so I wont have to waste my time reading each and every item.

• 

  c64 on 13/03/2014 - 18:51

  +2

  if the device is 120v only it will not work in australia without an external step-down transformer (which i don't advise).

  if it is rated for worldwide usage (120-240v) then it should work with a new cord/plug.

  high current/wattage appliances like curling irons, rice cookers, etc are most likely to be 120v only (in the usa).

  you could probably get items with external 120v powerbricks which produce a dc output to power the appliance to work by completely replacing the powerbrick. most powerbricks seem to be 120-240v nowadays anyhow.

• 

  sm007h on 14/03/2014 - 10:14

  +1

  Laptops are very cheap in the US. Highly recommend buying on there. Be aware if you are purchasing one with a BD-Rom that it is region encoded.

  • 

    Pumpkin_rrr on 14/03/2014 - 10:18

    How'bout tablets? I remember reading somewhere that said Apple stuff are quite standard price, but Androids are not? I am tossing between iPad Mini and Nexus 7/8….

    • 

      sm007h on 14/03/2014 - 15:31

      Sorry, I don't deal in tablets much so I wouldn't know. The only thing I can tell you is that Aussie retailers are earning miniscule margins on tablets.

      Regarding the Nexus lines, they are the best value for money for an Android device.

    • 

      RockyRaccoon on 14/03/2014 - 20:57

      Really do some online research on prices.

      Given that with a Tablet you can buy here, then get GST refund, and load with Apps before you go, you can then use it on your trip, whereas buying OS then trying to get Apps/movies/books etc while traveling is harder. **

      If you are driving you can preload a GPS app, if the tablet has GPS functionality.

      Only having personal experience with an ipad (no not advocating that may be the right one for you), getting a sim for the ipad was fairly easy and gave internet access while traveling. Search Whirlpool for details.

      Plus here you might also get a discount before you leave.

      Keep in mind when buying in the US the web prices you see will not include sales taxes which can vary up to 10% (8% is a safe estimate). So do the math.

      As for appliances, I lived there and brought some back when I shipped my family home, but really there wasnt much advantage in doing this, except that we used the items there and were offered peanuts when displaying them at a garage sale. We have a 7amp transformer, the size of a cement block, which I didnt have to pay for, but after a few weeks we tired of hearing the hum, and most of the appliances weren't much better than local units.

      With electronics we always knew we would come back, so we only bought multi voltage units. Others have covered the computer points above.

      Then these appliance items will eat into your baggage allowance, better spent on clothes etc.

      And repairing them will be a bear if they fail.

      ** you can use upto 2 months before you leave and still be eligible for GST refund, so you can load them up.