Originally Posted by
JDiver
Some places to go to see what you need to stay powered...
Most FTers know about
SeatGuru for some airlines' cabin configurations, including which seats have electric power and the type of outlet - but they have recently added the very helpful "
The Ultimate Guide to In-Seat Laptop Power Ports" as well. SeatGuru includes helpful hints like:
"
Will there be enough power for my device (how many watts can it handle)?
Most airplane power systems are limited to approximately 75 Watts of power draw per seat. This means that your new 17" laptop, with the power-hungry processor, might not get enough juice to operate. Sometimes the laptop will know not to charge the battery and will just operate via the power, but other times the laptop won't work at all, or will work for a short period of time before tripping the power circuit. You can try taking your battery out all together, or buy a smaller laptop.
I use a Kensington 120w adapter to power my IBM T41. My recent experience in getting things powered are:-
BA 777 Generally cannot be guaranteed to work. Normal mode here is to use seat power with laptop off to charge battery, then run laptop off battery only.
bmi 330 Absolutely no problems whatsoever. Only drawback is the power outlet is basically under your backside, which means that you get a warm sensation from the Kensington adapter nestled against your thigh.
KLM (Privatair) Long Haul 737 As BA. Made worse by the fact that your power supply is also used for the portable video player they give you so you can't charge battery and watch a film at the same time.
CO 757 / 767 OK. 757 across Atlantic offer real 110V and works like a dream. 767 is also fine to charge battery and power laptop at the same time.