Running a laptop on a plane? How to?

[EarlyPorsche]

I have never had a laptop on a plane. Is there a special plug that planes use? I have a macbook pro so I dont know if I need a cigarette lighter adapter or something else. Thanks guys!

[slodave]

Go to http://www.seatguru.com/articles/in-seat_laptop_power.php and see what flights have power for laptops. Some will have normal wall type jacks and others will require special adapters for the power cord.

[stomachmonkey]

Charge the snot out of it before you get on. Tweak your settings to maximize power. Pick up a second battery if the flight is over 3 hours.

Personally I can only stand to have the thing out for an hour or so no matter length of flight.

Just not comfortable.

[red-beard]

Most domestic flights do not have plugs. Most economy, even international, do not. Get an extra battery and/or and extended battery.

If you are flying on a 777 or 767 usually you need an adapter for the plug. The one I use simply converts the airline outlet to a car outlet. You then use a car adpater for the laptop.

[red-beard]

Wayne's ad machine is working, taking the forum content and selecting ads. See the bottom of the page.

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by red-beard

Wayne's ad machine is working, taking the forum content and selecting ads. See the bottom of the page.

I don't see it.

[imcarthur]

And type softly.

I had one jackass behind me that pounded his keys so hard I could feel it. The tray tables are attached . . .

Ian

[Joeaksa]

Turn the brightness down on your laptop screen and that usually can save around 30% of your battery life. Get a charger like James notes or an extra battery.

Also be advised that some flights you are not allowed to carry extra computer or phone batteries onboard. Check beforehand,

Joe

[Don Plumley]

There are three types of in-seat power adapters. They are largely found on business and first class seats on long-haul or international aircraft. As mentioned above, seatguru will tell you for sure.

The most common is a standard automotive style 12V plug. You can get a 12V DC to DC adapter that is specific for your laptop, or a universal one from Targus or similar. For your mac, there is a Mag Safe 12VDC adapter available for about $50. The second type is the EmPower plug, also 12VDC but an airline specific plug. Some airlines offer 110VAC at the seat.

Here's a picture of the magsafe adaptor with both 12VDC plugs:



As mentioned, you can also get a 12VDC-110VAC inverter.

But the likelihood is you'll be running off batteries. When you open your screen, be careful not to get the top of the display under the tray table compartment, if the guy in front of you suddenly reclines his seat and it gets trapped you can snap your screen.

[red-beard]

And turn off the Wifi and the Bluetooth, like the good captain tells you!

[Porsche-O-Phile]

To save battery, turn the brightness of your screen down, minimize hard drive use if possible (work in memory to the extent you can) and don't use the CD drive.

My laptop is pretty old (Dell Pentium III) and I've gotten it to last over 3 hours that way on one battery.

[vbaron]

Originally Posted by red-beard

And turn off the Wifi and the Bluetooth, like the good captain tells you!

Actually, not only are you supposed to turn them off, but you are not supposed to charge the laptop battery either (more power draw & noise). My HP adapter has charge & non-charge modes. The non-charge mode (supplies a lower voltage?) that only powers the laptop, but will not charge the battery. It also accepts 10-32V DC input and has a car adapter.

[john70t]

Not recommended, but here is the jist of it.......

[Normy]

You can buy an airplane connector for about $100 I think. Probably cheaper online.

Since I work in the cockpit, I usually just plugged my laptop brick into the 115 volt outlet next to the flight engineer station. Yes we have 115 volts, but it is 400 hz. The brick doesn't care- it makes 19 volt DC power no matter what you put in it- 115 volts, 240 volts, 50 hz European power, 400 hz airplane power, et cetera. If you don't believe me, read the fine print on the back of your brick. These work world-wide. I've even had my laptop on in a hotel room in Siberia. And 31,000 feet over Siberia-

The thing about those airplane connection kits? Most airlines only have laptop power connections in business class. You can go ahead and buy one, but if you are in coach you might be self-contained; Battery power only. Check with your airline.

N

[red-beard]

This is what is/was at the bottom of the screen

all-battery.com

[red-beard]

This is what is/was at the bottom of the screen

all-battery.com

[M.D. Holloway]

American Airlines has DC jacks under everyother seat - look for the lightning bolt next to the seat number on the over head. Korean Air has actual plugs.

Best bet is to get a back-up battry

[slodave]

It's becoming harder to take spare batteries on planes now. I recently remember my dad (parents travel a lot) telling about new rules with batteries. Joe mentioned this as well.

[EarlyPorsche]

I won't be buying a spare battery but I will charge up my current battery and buy a cord just incase. Thanks again guys!

[Scott R]

Originally Posted by slodave

It's becoming harder to take spare batteries on planes now. I recently remember my dad (parents travel a lot) telling about new rules with batteries. Joe mentioned this as well.

I fly just about every week, with three dell batteries, never get hasseled.