Laptops on airplanes

[bignickel]

Ok, I DON'T want to spend for biz or 1st class, so that relegates me to coach.

Certain coach seats have a plugin for laptops. However, it's the wierd 'aircraft' power socket.

Now: I DO have an AC converter that plugs into a car lighter socket.

Anyone know where you can buy a cord that plugs into airline power sockets (the ones travelers can use to plug laptops into), and terminates in a car lighter receptacle?

Couldn't find this thing at Radio Shack last night.

[DoubtingStephen]

There are two different styles of airplane CD power connectors. One is the same as the CD connector in a car, the one that was formerly used as a cigar lighter. American Airlines is one company that uses this type of DC power connector.

The other type of airplane CD power connector is smaller.

Many (most?) auto-air power supplies have both connectors, the larger auto style plug can be removed from the smaller connector.

You can see which seats are likely to have power connectors at www.seatguru.com.

[Soapy Sam]

I saw a cartoon online a while back- a guy has plugged in his laptop on an aircraft and the screen reads " Found New Hardware: Airbus A320. Format Y/N?"

Anyone seen it? I wish I had bookmarked it.

[DaveW]

Some Northwest flights have standard AC plugs. Almost all the others have the special airline plug (if they have a power outlet at all - check www.seatguru.com for info). You can usually get an all-in-one type adapter at radio shack (the iGo stuff). However, you are limited, even on the flights with standard AC adapters to 70W (I think) draw, so if your laptop is a power hog (like mine), you are still out of luck (you will trip the seat's breaker). Good luck.

[Ducky]

Ok, I DON'T want to spend for biz or 1st class, so that relegates me to coach.

Certain coach seats have a plugin for laptops. However, it's the wierd 'aircraft' power socket.

Now: I DO have an AC converter that plugs into a car lighter socket.

Anyone know where you can buy a cord that plugs into airline power sockets (the ones travelers can use to plug laptops into), and terminates in a car lighter receptacle?

Couldn't find this thing at Radio Shack last night.



I recently bought an adapter for the car for my laptop and it had a plug to use on airplanes. Look for an adapter that does both, they're out there, and not too expensive.

[Soapy Sam]

And if you hear the engines slow down when you plug it in...