I'm looking to get the adapter for my laptop and came across this:

http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=PAPWR005U

It doesn't explicitly say it does, but they plug that the cigarette lighter plugs into looks like an empower port and the description says you can use it in the air. I also think this one looks good because it eliminates the need to try and find the right adapter for your laptop since you just plug the AC cord right into it.

Does anyone have any experience with this?

The item you reference is an inverter.........converts DC to AC. You'd still have to plug your computer power adapter into this, plus it's much larger than you'd like to lug around.

IMHO you're better off with the Targus PA3779U (http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=PA379U). This is a compact device that plugs into either your car or Empower. Just make sure the draw on your laptop isn't over 70 watts......some 15" units draw 90W.

I use the item above.....it's easy to pack and works well.

By the way, where does one plug in their laptop on the plane? I can never find it! :confused: :confused:

In Y, the port is on the armrest. In F, it's under the armrest. In both cases you have to flip up a spring loaded plastic door to access the port. There should be a green LED indicating power. If the LED is red, the port has been disabled.

Note that this is ONLY on Airbus metal.

So i have to buy that Targus convertor in order for my laptop to work on the plane?

So i have to buy that Targus convertor in order for my laptop to work on the plane?

Yes, you do. But it's very light and compact. Although I have not done it so don't know the details, the Targus kit also charges anything else that is "charge-able" such as your cell phone. It's a standard cord and you put one kind of adapter on one end, depending on what you're charging, and something different on the other end, depending from where your power comes. The key is to know in advance so you travel with only the pieces you need (it comes with something like a half dozen adapters).

My new dell is not compatible with the targus converters. I had to purchase one separately from Dell. If you have a newer model laptop, be sure and check with your manufacturer so you don't waste $39 on a "universal" empower adapter.

My Toshiba is brand new...it may be the adapter and not the computer, actually, as my adapter costs $98. They have a webpage printed right on the package so you can see which adapter goes with your computer and model. I had the guys in the store do the research for me before I bought it so as not to waste the $98.

I've been using this handy Empower cord with my PowerBook G4's.

http://store.yahoo.com/smartdiskstore/airadfortits.html

It's great! No wart...just a simple cord...and only $20! :)

You might want to check Juice (http://www.igo.com/#) by iGo. Some online places have it for ~80 shipped and you can probably find it for less on Ebay. Just make sure they have a tip that fits your laptop.

The big advantage is that it replaces your existing power adapter AND an air adapter (or inverter). This translates to less weight to carry. In my case, I save ~1lb in 'carry' weight. It doesn't sound like much, but when you schlep a laptop everyday, every pound is noticed after a while.