Another vote for the retractable cables and for the velcro straps for the power cords - I use both.

In addition, if your cell phone is on their list of supported models (and if you're in the market for a new laptop power source), the iGo Juice unit has an add-on extension that will simultaneoulsy charge your laptop battery and your cellphone. And it will do so whether you're connected to AC power or to the Empower or to the AA cigarette-style seat power adapter on board an airplane. Not the least expensive solution, but it does combine two chargers into one:

http://www.bargainpda.com/default.asp?newsID=1600

http://www.igo.com/mapfiles/juice.asp


I have no connection to iGo, I'm just a satisfied customer.


Another tip - if you buy home or office appliances that come with disposable plastic covers for the AC plug prongs, save them and use them to protect the insides of your briefcase or luggage. A couple of years ago my company bought several individual UPS units and I salvaged the plastic covers from the trash - they do the trick nicely

[This message has been edited by Non-NonRev (edited Dec 14, 2003).]