Comments on: Laptop power on planes: observations, tips, and lessons http://blog.chaddickerson.com/2006/05/15/laptop-power-on-planes-observations-tips-and-lessons/ Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:39:16 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ By: Paul http://blog.chaddickerson.com/2006/05/15/laptop-power-on-planes-observations-tips-and-lessons/#comment-1785 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 22:21:09 +0000 http://www.chaddickerson.com/blog/?p=136#comment-1785 Wikipedia says Empower DC is rated for 75W. I have noticed that if I try to plug a large notebook into one (via an inverter or directly) a circuit breaker appears to trip and I get no power. I tested this by plugging just the inverter in (no load, green light), then the PC in (load, no power), in the same socket. So some issues may be current limitations rather than bad sockets.

]]> By: Pennysworth http://blog.chaddickerson.com/2006/05/15/laptop-power-on-planes-observations-tips-and-lessons/#comment-534 Sun, 10 Oct 2010 22:34:34 +0000 http://www.chaddickerson.com/blog/?p=136#comment-534 I need but cannot find a two prong to three prong adapter to seat inside an airplane power source. Nothing I’d have thought of an exotic nature; just your standard U.S. prongs. Has anyone found one or can you explain why I can’t find one?

Many thanks.

]]> By: Brian Gibbons http://blog.chaddickerson.com/2006/05/15/laptop-power-on-planes-observations-tips-and-lessons/#comment-533 Fri, 27 Aug 2010 13:47:58 +0000 http://www.chaddickerson.com/blog/?p=136#comment-533 Empower adapters(British Airways) can be boughr from Magellans.com. This is an Empower connector coupled to a cigarette lighter socket.

]]> By: David http://blog.chaddickerson.com/2006/05/15/laptop-power-on-planes-observations-tips-and-lessons/#comment-532 Sat, 03 Apr 2010 12:07:12 +0000 http://www.chaddickerson.com/blog/?p=136#comment-532 Problem is that the power outlet info is incomplete. You need voltage and maximum amps (or watts) if it’s DC. You need voltage, frequency, and maximum amps if it’s AC (watts is often confused with volt-amps, the two are different).

In either case, you need to know the connector required.

In either case, if your device requires more amps or watts than the supply can provide, it will probably shut down.

In addition, if you plan to use an inverter, don’t do it unless it is certified for use in an aircraft. It is a fire hazard (lots of comments about inverters or “power adapters” getting very hot) and inexpensive inverters may emit high levels of RF interference (which can apparently, under certain circumstances, interfere with aircraft communication and/or navigation systems).

The airlines went to the trouble and expense to provide this feature, but don’t seem capable of providing a full description.

]]> By: paul http://blog.chaddickerson.com/2006/05/15/laptop-power-on-planes-observations-tips-and-lessons/#comment-531 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 23:53:29 +0000 http://www.chaddickerson.com/blog/?p=136#comment-531 I wonder where Rachel works.

]]> By: Jason http://blog.chaddickerson.com/2006/05/15/laptop-power-on-planes-observations-tips-and-lessons/#comment-530 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 02:41:40 +0000 http://www.chaddickerson.com/blog/?p=136#comment-530 I have never used a DC/AC power inverter with the empower plug on a plane before. However, I am planning a 6.5 hrs flight and wanted to pick one up to keep the kids happy with a DVD for the trip. I found a Targus 150W peak power slimline auto/air inverter with the empower and cirgarette adapter at Target for $42. It has 1 AC plug and 1 USB port. I contacted the airline United, who confirmed that my flight has the empower port available. I am hoping for the best.

]]> By: Rachel http://blog.chaddickerson.com/2006/05/15/laptop-power-on-planes-observations-tips-and-lessons/#comment-529 Sun, 10 Jan 2010 22:54:33 +0000 http://www.chaddickerson.com/blog/?p=136#comment-529 The very best travel power adapter is the Kensington wall/air/auto adapter. It goes from wall, to empower, to cigarette lighter and it’s $129. Basically, it plugs into any wall, car or plane regardless of their systems. If you have an HP, although bulkier, they also sell a wall/air/auto smart adapter that actually has an on/off button for charging your battery so you don’t have to take it out ($129 for this as well).

]]> By: Samantha Haesemeyer http://blog.chaddickerson.com/2006/05/15/laptop-power-on-planes-observations-tips-and-lessons/#comment-528 Sun, 14 Jun 2009 23:46:49 +0000 http://www.chaddickerson.com/blog/?p=136#comment-528 Do you know anywhere that sells the empower adapters cheaper? I have a flight booked to Japan and it has the ports as a feature but I’m only finding $200 adapters.

]]> By: Chris http://blog.chaddickerson.com/2006/05/15/laptop-power-on-planes-observations-tips-and-lessons/#comment-527 Sat, 21 Feb 2009 08:57:41 +0000 http://www.chaddickerson.com/blog/?p=136#comment-527 I rely on in-seat power for a small medical cooler and the casual attitude exibited by many airines is a pain – well actually life-threatening. To be fair the cabin staff do do their best to help.

Some things to be watch out for are: (1) a change of plane so that you now get 120v instead or empower or vice-versa; (2) sockets that don’t work or are brokem; (3) 120v sockets sited so that they will not accept a plugtop power brick (take a short extension lead),

]]> By: James Dalton http://blog.chaddickerson.com/2006/05/15/laptop-power-on-planes-observations-tips-and-lessons/#comment-526 Sat, 12 Jul 2008 22:21:07 +0000 http://www.chaddickerson.com/blog/?p=136#comment-526 Im flying from JFK to Tokyo and I am glad I found this post. The boeing 777 i am going on has DC power, now I am hoping the adapter I need to buy won’t be too expensive.

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