[byron]

i've read quite about regarding the power outlets on amtrak's trains and how it isn't the cleanest power out there (ie surges, spikes, etc..). can anyone suggest a "travel surge suppressor" that i can use with my MBP? would a surge suppressor really do any good? I realize that for surge protectors to work the outlet has to be grounded.. but i don't know how the power on trains works as far as that goes.

would it really be a bad idea to use one without any sort of protection?

[Waragainstsleep]

You can check the quality of the earth on a socket with a cheap device designed for exactly that purpose. Its the size of a plug. Try radio shack or similar.
If its properly grounded, you can use whatever surge protector you want.