I have read JonNYC's thread about laptop power systems, and I am thoroughly confused...

Whatever JonNYC is trying to say, it sounds like his method involves carrying a ton of what I call "dangling tanglage" (dangling cords that tangle all around themselves).

The Targus is in fact a good solution, because it's compact and self-contained. This is invaluable to me.
http://www.targus.com/accessories_po...asp?sku=PA350U

The two different kits that Targus offers - the PA350U and PA375U - are the same, except that the set of tips each comes with are designed to be used with different laptop brands out of the package.

I don't believe either the 350U or 375U come with Dell tips, but you can contact Targus customer service and request the appropriate tip for your particular model of Dell. (There's a link to a compatibility chart from the Targus link above. If you have an Inspiron 8000, the correct tip is #26). Targus will send whatever tip you need, free of charge, and with a smile.

As for buying the adapter to begin with, may I suggest you order it from Staples.com (item number IM1133527), armed with a discount coupon from ValueConsumer.com (see following link):
http://www.valueconsumer.com/Results...me=Staples.com

Get in touch with Targus in the meantime, and within days you should be up and running.

By the way, you might also want to apply some silicone or rubber grip-strips on the bottom of the Targus adapter 'box,' since it tends to slip around on the airplane armrests/tray table if you don't.

Hope this helps.

[This message has been edited by ETOPS (edited 04-04-2001).]