Comments on: Power Adapters on a Plane!

Question: Power Adapters on a Plane!

gregvr — Mon, 17 Jul 2006 18:08:24 -0800

Help! It's my father-in-law's birthday and he wants a "power adapter so he can use his laptop on an airplane"... (details inside)

My father-in-law has a Dell Inspiron 5100 and wants a power adaptor that he can use to plug it in on an Airbus airplane. There seem to be plenty of adaptors from plenty of sites for plenty of computers OTHER than this particular model. The problem seems to be that this model draws 90 watts but the Airbus power source only puts out 75 watts (supposedly). I did find this Kensington product, but it says it does 120 watts! So... given the power conundrum, I don't see how it can possibly work, and don't want to blow the money if there's no way it can work.

By: cabingirl

cabingirl — Mon, 17 Jul 2006 18:26:49 -0800

I know some people who like iGo products. They have power tips to fit most computers, it seems.

Looking at the Dell website, it appears that the OEM power cord is used for a number of different models including the 1100, 2600, and 2650. iGo lists the 2600 and 2650 on their site.

By: McSly

McSly — Mon, 17 Jul 2006 18:42:17 -0800

What cabingirl said. Also, if the Kensington model can put out 120 Watts, you're fine. it doesn't need to be an exact match. What 120 Watts means is that the device will be able to power any laptop requiring up to 120 Watts so it will work with your laptop.

By: jtfowl0

jtfowl0 — Mon, 17 Jul 2006 18:56:15 -0800

I have an iGo Juice 70 and it works fine with my (older) Dell Inspiron. It came with about 10 adapters to fit nearly all kinds of popular laptops and Radioshack carried a bunch more to fit less popular models.

I bought mine for a trip to England to power my laptop, but my seat didn't have access to a power outlet...contrary to what iGo, the airlines, etc., want you to believe, power plugs are still a pretty rare commodity on airplanes, at least in the cheap seats. You can check Seat Guru to make sure your seat has a plug available.

If you are lucky enough to have an outlet available, I would just hit up Radioshack and get an iGo. As an added bonus, it will also come with a car power adapter, and for an extra $20, you can buy an accessory cable so it can charge your cell phone/iPod/whatever.

By: oaf

oaf — Mon, 17 Jul 2006 20:04:21 -0800

If you are lucky enough to have an outlet available

This is the kicker. Outlets are rare enough in the aircraft that have them. You've no guarantee of getting one you can use.

By: TheOnlyCoolTim

TheOnlyCoolTim — Mon, 17 Jul 2006 20:10:40 -0800

Power adapter wattage ratings are maximums, like the top speed of a car. It can provide up to 120 watts.

Now if by the "Airbus power source" you mean the socket the airplane provides (as opposed to an adapter you plug into it) only provides 75 watts, you may be out of luck.

By: Argyle

Argyle — Mon, 17 Jul 2006 21:40:40 -0800

I second & third the iGo Juice. I've used it on several planes and it works.

By: nathan_teske

nathan_teske — Mon, 17 Jul 2006 21:50:56 -0800

What jtfowl0 said - check Seatguru for your exact config and exact seat before buying a $130 power brick.

By: Xurando

Xurando — Tue, 18 Jul 2006 04:08:20 -0800

Check out this thread. There is some doubt as to whether the Kensington actually works.

By: Kirth Gerson

Kirth Gerson — Tue, 18 Jul 2006 04:09:27 -0800

Seatguru is great. Thanks, jtfowl0.

By: schwa

schwa — Tue, 18 Jul 2006 08:52:19 -0800

I just flew intercontinental on a A330 (US Airways Charlotte to London/Paris to Philadelphia). All the seats seems to have the airline style DC sockets underneath.

I bought a Targus PAPWR005U converter at the Charlotte airport. It was about $60.00 (which was way below the price of all the iGo adaptors - but froogle is listing it for around $40+). It provides 90W and has a car 'cigarette' style output and 3 prong US standard AC outlet.

Worked like a charm and didn't get two hot.