I have a "monster laptop". It's a Dell M6400 Covet that draws 320W. The current draw from the power brick alone - without the laptop connected - is enough to trip the in-seat circuit.

What I've found, however, is that I can always get the outlet to work if I'm just persistent about it. I just keep plugging it in and unplugging it from the in-seat outlet until I finally get a power light on the brick. Then I plug in the laptop and it runs fine even with the battery in. Sometimes takes a dozen plug/unplug cycles, but I've never failed to eventually get it going.

Gone through routine on at least 25 flights now and I've never failed to get the juice flowing. Perseverance leads to success.

Good luck.

OPos.