Sony Laptop Q/USB Q

Okay, so I'm finally ordering my power converter(s), and I'm getting so confused over the different types. 

I've already established that this cord: http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?ModuleNo=1168&doy=28m6  is probably what I will buy for my laptop once I'm inthe UK.  There's a maplin near Tim's house, so finding it there shouldn't be a problem, but I still need a power converter to plug in other things.  My iPod will get charged via USB, and I think I can charge my Nokia N810 via USB too (or buy a USB charger for it for $6.99), but I still need a plug for my mobile phone (LG 9900), Bluetooth headset (Motorola H505) and just in case the laptop cable won't work with my laptop, I'll need a plug to convert that. (US two-prong).

Can someone link me to a reliable online site to order one from?  UK only shipping is fine, as I'll ship it straight to Tim's if I have to.

If you browse the Maplin site (under "mains power") I'm pretty sure they carry plug adapters too.  Frankly though, most of the travel adapters are pretty poor quality, even the better ones. 

For transformers to convert from 240 to 120V for equipment which won't run directly on the higher voltage, I would suggest these two sources within the U.K.:

http://www.airlinktransformers.com/
http://www.newmarket-transformers.co.uk/

That's where I start to get confused.  What exactly do I need? a step-down converter?

This is the only one I can find on the maplin site: http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=29828 but I don't think it would work for my box-plugs (like on the mobile)

Can I buy a converter when I go back to the states (I'm in Canada until Sept 30) and just buy the one they sell at Wal-Mart or Target?

It's a little confusing for the layman since different people use the term "converter" in different ways. 

The item in the Maplin link you posted is just a plug adapter or converter.  It will allow an American plug to be connected to a British wall outlet, but it does not change the voltage.   Simple plug adapters like this can be used if the U.S. device will accept the higher voltage, e.g. a desktop computer which has a 120/240V selector switch on the rear, or a typical modern laptop power supply which will accept either voltage without adjustment. 

However, if the device you are connecting will run on 120V only (as shown on the tag/label), then you need a step-down transformer, such as the types shown on the Airlink and Newmarket links, which will convert the British 240V supply down to 120 volts.  A lot of the "wall wart" power supplies (plastic box which plugs straight into the wall receptacle) supplied with computer peripherals, phone chargers, etc. are 120V only.

I spent $16 on a 3 whatever clover mains lead.  Ordered online from Ebay.uk.

Unfortunately, the largest prong on my dell brick is to large to fit into the receptacle.

So I spent $16 on a converter plug and it works fine.  Plus I can use it for other things.

Took a gamble and lost!  Oh well..

It's a little confusing for the layman since different people use the term "converter" in different ways. 

The item in the Maplin link you posted is just a plug adapter or converter.  It will allow an American plug to be connected to a British wall outlet, but it does not change the voltage.   Simple plug adapters like this can be used if the U.S. device will accept the higher voltage, e.g. a desktop computer which has a 120/240V selector switch on the rear, or a typical modern laptop power supply which will accept either voltage without adjustment. 

However, if the device you are connecting will run on 120V only (as shown on the tag/label), then you need a step-down transformer, such as the types shown on the Airlink and Newmarket links, which will convert the British 240V supply down to 120 volts.  A lot of the "wall wart" power supplies (plastic box which plugs straight into the wall receptacle) supplied with computer peripherals, phone chargers, etc. are 120V only.

all the electronic items I'd be plugging in will convert themselves - I checked the labels on all the box plugs.

all the electronic items I'd be plugging in will convert themselves - I checked the labels on all the box plugs.

If they'll all run on 240V, then a plug adapter like the one from Maplin is all you need, although for the "wall wart" units you'd want one without a recessed socket on the front.