Consolidated "EmPower (Laptop Power) on United Airlines" Thread [Merged]
#61
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: OSL/IAH/ZRH (time, not preference)
Programs: UA1K, LH GM, AA EXP->GM
Posts: 38,265
#62
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Seattle, WA
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Posts: 54
Well, remember the laptop runs on DC not AC, it's all in the brick. There is no easy way to explain this, but if the brick has power factor correction, then it will work with DC system. Try to take out your battery next time. Laptops consume much more power if battery is plugged in and charging. In addition to power limits, there are current limits. So just because you have a rated brick at 70W, no power factor correction, it may have a current greater that what the system is allowed to accept, in that case, you will not get power. If your laptop worked on some planes, not others, then you are within the margin tolerance of the system.
#63
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Seattle, WA
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Posts: 54
You are correct. EMPOWER is designed and made in the US, the other guys on TG and LH have the German system. Stick with EMPOWER!
#64
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: OSL/IAH/ZRH (time, not preference)
Programs: UA1K, LH GM, AA EXP->GM
Posts: 38,265
I am familiar with the concept of apparent power and effective power in circuit designs. The LH and TG systems cut me off after several seconds and not immediately when I am using a battery which I read a strong indicator that my effective power consumption is to high.
How can I 'stick' to Empower? The carriers offer no choice which system I can use in my seat .
How can I 'stick' to Empower? The carriers offer no choice which system I can use in my seat .
#65
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: AA Exec Plat
Posts: 122
Very useful post, thanks!! ^
#66
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Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
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#67
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: OSL/IAH/ZRH (time, not preference)
Programs: UA1K, LH GM, AA EXP->GM
Posts: 38,265
#68
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: Lifetime Global Services & Club, Lifetime Hilton Diamond, Lifetime Marriott Platinum, EK Platinum
Posts: 54
Of course you are right. The good news is most airlines fly EMPOWER about 100 worldwide. To name a few big guys: UA, AA, CO, SQ, BA, CX, Emirates, QF, Asiana, EVA, Air China, Almost all A380 customers, and almost all B787 customers.
#69
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: Lifetime Global Services & Club, Lifetime Hilton Diamond, Lifetime Marriott Platinum, EK Platinum
Posts: 54
I am familiar with the concept of apparent power and effective power in circuit designs. The LH and TG systems cut me off after several seconds and not immediately when I am using a battery which I read a strong indicator that my effective power consumption is to high.
How can I 'stick' to Empower? The carriers offer no choice which system I can use in my seat .
How can I 'stick' to Empower? The carriers offer no choice which system I can use in my seat .
#70
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: IAD UA1K, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Diamond
Programs: Random acts of kindness and senseless beauty
Posts: 1,235
Igo auto/air power 6500
I bought this for $30.00 at Radio Shack today. This is NOT the more expensive Igo Juice and is only good for auto and air, but it is a cheaper way to get empower. It is fairly light. I will try it out on Tuesday.
#71
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: NorCal - 1K 2MM
Posts: 2,089
If you're using a reasonably modern Dell, good luck! Let us know, but I think you'll be disappointed
#72
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: IAD UA1K, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Diamond
Programs: Random acts of kindness and senseless beauty
Posts: 1,235
Thanks your comment. I have a Viao SZ model. I will keep all the packing materials so I can return it if it doesn't work out.
#73
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Philadelphia, LAX, Paris
Programs: UA 1K/2MM, SPG/Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Lifetime HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, AA Exec Plat
Posts: 3,326
FWIW, my iGo Juice70 has worked well for me on UA, US, and AA with my IBM/Lenovo T43p and various Dell D series.
#74
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Danville, CA, USA;
Programs: UA 1MM, WN CP, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Gold, IC Plat
Posts: 15,720
Not sure why UA couldn't have installed simple auto-plug slots, like AA
Thank you againUNITED959 for a most helpful and complete explanation! ^