[BC] 1950s' transistor radios pointed to more tech, changes

[RichardBJohnson at comcast.net]

http://www.electronix.com/catalog/popup_image.php/pID/351

That's a straight-away (as the Brits say) adapter if your item will take 220 volts (like most lap-tops).
It has two pins.

Here are more adapters:
http://www.amazon.com/SIMRAN-PLUG-ADAPTER-CONVERTS-PLUG-GERMAN/dp/B000WFYUGI/ref=pd_sim_hi_3
The rectangular pin ones with the ground are used in Germany, but you can't always count on that, either, if you are traveling. 

Very few UK hotels have anything like the grounded outlet to which you refer.

Cheers,
Richard B. Johnson
Book: http://www.AbominableFirebug.com/

----- Original Message -----
From: "r.j.carpenter" <rcarpen at comcast.net>

I am rather confused by RichardBJohnson's contention that the standard 
British electric plug is symmetric and can be plugged in either way.

The British standard since the 1950s is a huge rectangular-pin affair 
which contains a fuse and (usually) contains a switch.
http://www.kropla.com/!g.htm