Yup yup

Do not use a transformer (the big heavy power brick-type converter) with any electronics. They'll fry.

Remember, you're dealing with two different things - Voltage (which changes from country to country, US is 110, France 220, UK 240 etc) and wattage. Most electronics (like cell phones, Palms, Blackberries, computers, etc) are low wattage. Hairdryers are high wattage. I don't think the wattage use changes as you go from country to country.

All Mac/Apple laptops come with dual-voltage power converters. I've never had to use anything other than a plug adapter, and Apple also sells snap-on plug adapters for their products, which are really great if you spend loads of time on the road.

I agree re: hairdryer. If you want to go cheap, just buy a cheapo one there and save the cash. Don't ruin the one you have at home using a converter. Your US one will burn up in a minute on 220-240V. One bought for use at 220-240 won't even get hot or run fast enough on 110-120V.

Now, I have a very expensive, amazing travel hairdryer which does dual-voltage. But I spend 10 months a year on the road, and have hit about 5 different continents with this thing and never had a problem...a good set of plug adapters and I am good to go with it. It's a worthwhile investment for me, and is the only dryer I use, even at home...it's T3 ionic travel dryer, and I got it at Sephora (online). Not cheap, but worth every penny to me..it takes quite a beating in my suitcase and on the road. The other great thing about it is the super-long cord...you never know where an outlet will be, and often they're nowhere near a mirror, so this is helpful too.

Good luck on the road!