No matter whether you are interested in technology or not, you somehow have to deal with the fact that USA and Sweden have different power plugs. Either you use adapters, or, if like me you will stay a longer period, you go ahead and get new cables for your gadgets.
Sweden uses the 250V "Schuko" plug which was invented in the mid 1920s in Germany. Today it is in use in several European countries.
The most commonly used connector in the USA is the 125V NEMA 5 which was designed about 30 years after the Schuko.
As much as I dislike cables (they are ugly, collect dust and are generally in the way) and wish that we had something better, the reality is they are still needed. So, let us look at which plug type at the end of our cables makes everyday life easier.
The NEMA 5 plug is only 2/3 of the width and height of the Schuko, almost 1 cm / 0.39" shorter, it is lighter and overall more manageable.
NEMA 5 wins!
1 USA : SWE 0
Although at least one side may be disappointed with the outcome of this round, we can all at least agree to be happy that neither team has the humongous British power plug!
Wow, USA scored the first point in this contest! Will Sweden be able to respond? Be sure not to miss the next round of The USA versus SWE everyday Life Contest!
