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macgyvr64 · Dec 16, 2003, 01:36 AM

I just got my new 1.25 PowerBook a few weeks ago, and I'm about to fly partway across the country. I'd like to take my PowerBook with me, but I doubt the battery will last the whole time. I'd like to buy a plane power adapter so I can use it most of the time. Are there any plane-specific or PowerBook specific adapters? Also, is there any reason for me to be worried about a voltage spike on a plane, too? I've never had a reason to take my previous PowerBook on a plane, so I know nothing about power adapters. Someone kindly clue me in?

OreoCookie · Dec 16, 2003, 06:20 AM

1. Don't worry about the voltage, notebooks adjust to that for ages. Even Powerbook G3 Kanga was fine.

2. You don't need an adapter, last time I flew, you could with connect both, Euro and US plugs.

effgee · Dec 16, 2003, 06:34 AM

oreo,

was that business class or coach?

jo mei,

eff

macgyvr64 · Dec 16, 2003, 08:21 AM

...I've never seen any other plugs except some mini 2-prong thing. Normal country power outlets were nowhere except the bathroom, and who needs on there? hehe

Freeflyer · Dec 16, 2003, 09:07 AM

If you're flying in business class, the power adapters are usually 'empower' brand. There are usually two types of adapters. One allows you to charge the battery while you are working and plugged in, they usually cost around $110 and normally come with a car adapter plug, the other is a simple power lead that allows you to use power but won't charge the battery, they cost around $35. I have one of each.

From my experience it's very rare to get access to a mains power socket from your seat, they are usually in the bathrooms or around the flight attendants stations. On long haul you might be able to use these, but they're not as convenient.

To see which airlines offer power plugs, you could check here,

http://www.rentcomputers.com/sosair.html

But if you're travelling coach, very few airlines have adapters in coach class (some like continental have maybe 5 rows on their 777's) then you would be better off getting a second battery.

Hope this helps,

J.

chabig · Dec 16, 2003, 09:08 AM

I fly for United Airlines. In my years of flying I have never seen a 110 volt AC plug located at or near a seat, just in the bathroom (as macgyvr64 said) for electric shavers.

You need an adapter. The Apple online store sells a Kensington airline power cord for $29.95.

Chris

macgyvr64 · Dec 16, 2003, 10:56 AM

I usuallly fly coach on NWA, and they have some little connecton on the seats under a little flip-top, with two pencil lead thickness female prongs about 1/8" apart...maybe it's not even power. I thought it was. It's not audio, though, I know that. There are separate jacks for that (two mono jacks).

uv23 · Dec 16, 2003, 11:02 AM

There's a third party peripheral called the iGo that I am personally waiting for at a local Apple retailer. It is a power adapter with AC plug, auto plug, and both types of plane plugs.

macgyvr64 · Dec 16, 2003, 11:18 AM

Originally posted by uv23:
There's a third party peripheral called the iGo that I am personally waiting for at a local Apple retailer. It is a power adapter with AC plug, auto plug, and both types of plane plugs.

Is it available online?

uv23 · Dec 16, 2003, 11:27 AM

Originally posted by macgyvr64:
Is it available online?

No idea. I don't even know who makes it, only that it's expected "before the end of the year."

chabig · Dec 16, 2003, 11:32 AM

http://www.igo.com/mapfiles/juice.asp

macgyvr64 · Dec 16, 2003, 11:38 AM

Wow, that Juice adapter is expensive. I might as well just buy a second battery and avoid the hassles of adapters.

jdm5 · Dec 16, 2003, 04:53 PM

Originally posted by macgyvr64:
Wow, that Juice adapter is expensive. I might as well just buy a second battery and avoid the hassles of adapters.

The iGo adapters are GREAT! I have two now (one for work, and one to keep in my laptop bag). The new Ice90 is the same thing as the Juice adapter, but with more power (90 watts for the Ice90 vs. 70 for the Juice). I got mine from here - I have absolutely no affiliation with them, it was the cheapest price I could find ($78 with free shipping!). They delivered in a couple days. It works great with my 800Mhz TiBook, and I got the peripheral cable to charge my cell phone with it (Kyocera 7135).

Plus it works with my Thinkpad from work! I'm sold on this product!

OreoCookie · Dec 21, 2003, 11:30 AM

Originally posted by effgee:
oreo,

was that business class or coach?

jo mei,

eff

Business, was cheaper than paying for the overweight. (I am dead serious, the Japanese have shelled out major money for my flight.)