halcyongolf

I have a DC to DC inverter on contrary to other's experiences, mine works very well. I have never had an issue using it on AA flights and have used it to charge my iPod, power/charge my Sony Vaio S series laptop, etc etc. It was a generic 150watt adaptor, so I can't give specific recc's, but it has been great so far and far more flexible then a single-purpose speacialty adaptor.

CloudCoder

I had a DC to AC inverter from Radio Shack and was happy with it, until it croaked. It worked fine when new. Then it started delivering not enough voltage to charge the notebook while it was in use. I'd hafta use the computer until the battery drained, then turn it off while leaving it plugged in to re-charge. Eventually the invertor completely stopped working. I conclude that Radio Shack inverters deteriorate gradually over time.

Now I have a chinese-made DC to DC adapter which I bought overseas. I'm quite happy with it. It comes with several different power tips, and it has a sliding switch which lets you choose any of several different output voltages.

Power ports in AA planes are rated for 75 watts max, although they easily handle a 90W notebook.

ZakkW

I did some searching before on the boards and read that Lind had the best power adapter for flights. It wasn't chearp (~110), but I have used it on a lot of AA flights and never had a problem. If you are going to use a power adapter frequently, IMO it is the one to buy.

ZakkW

ipd054

Check with the maker of the computer. I know Dell and HP both have an AC/DC power source for their computers. The one I have for my Dell is exactly like an i-GO just labeled Dell.

ricktoronto

DC to DC would not be an inverter (it would be a transformer) . An inverter takes the DC in the seat and converts it to 120V AC (square wave) for use with an AC plug. Note the 150W does not mean it consumes 150W all the time, but that it has the potential to draw that so if you use less current it would work. Exceed the limit on the seat plug and the seat plug will turn off.

ricktoronto

Also if Lind has no adapter for a popular laptop it is because they know it cannot work with a seat power adapter in an aircraft. They are really the gold standard of DC to DC adapters.

DataPlumber

I also recommend using a OEM type DC to DC inverter. My Lenovo draws 90W AC, but works fine on the plane in DC to DC.

JGR01

On International flights .. AA sells one or two adapters (I think they are inverters as they have 110 style plug-ins).

Think they are like $100 for onboard duty free purchase.

bernardd

Targus also have a combined input 'brick'. It's a little bigger than the one supplied with my Toshiba, but a heck of a lot more convenient than carrying two. I've got the APM12US, and I believe there's also a APM10US. So far I've used it in cars, on AA and on the Empower outlets on BA.

netsean02

I'll catch you on a technicality here. You are correct, a DC to DC converter is not an inverter, but it is not a transformer either. Transformers only work with AC power. The best term to use to describe a DC to DC converter would be a voltage regulator.

Silverado

I have the iGo Juice 70 which comes with connectors for auto/air/wall current power. For AA, I use the auto (cigarette lighter) adapter. If I'm on a flight that uses Empower, the auto adapter snaps off to provide the Empower connector. The wall current adaptor is a three prong US plug, but a multi-adaptor for other countries solves that. The Juice 70 ran me about $80.

I also bought the dual-port adapter for $15. It adds another tip connector so I can charge a phone, iPod, camera, etc at the same time. Tips that work with it are available for about $10.

I've had it for two years now and have taken it from home to car to flight to hotel to conference room and all over the world. Never a problem. I'm not sure if it's the absolute gold standard, but for al around use, it fits my needs perfectly.

steve32

I have a "MANLY laptop" computer that stretches the definition (at just over 13 lbs, and 135W!). Bought before started flying, and specifically for heavy duty 3D graphics (like CGI scene renderings) to take on driving vacations when had time late at night to "play". (I usually carry it in the rolling carry-on, rather than by hand anymore--big surprise )

I do lug it with me sometimes when flying if I know I will be doing flights w/o a power port (for the DVD player I got). I got a spare battery, so between the two I can go almost 4 hours on the laptop. Then another couple hours on DVD battery to watch movies/shows. Any time left on the flight I have to amuse myself another way.

If you want a computer for use on a plane, suggest a lower power one that can live on the 75W coming from the power port.

Steve

the phoenix

Thanks the Dude. A search for the term "laptop" didnt yield recent results addressing my question. Perhaps it was only b/c I searched this forum. And I wanted to be specific and address powerports on AA a/c.

Thanks so far for all the info. I am borrowing my friend's Conpaq Presario for that July 4 week. What I might do is a 'dry run", borrow it this week and see what the specifics are.

Will keep y'all posted. As for my seats, I did try to seat myself on the 763 and 737 on the "power port appropriate" rows But i will double check the seat map on aa.com

Plato90s

You'll want to remove the battery if you know the laptop draws more power than the power port supplies. When I use my work laptop (Dell Latitude D620) the laptop goes nuts constantly trying to switch between battery to direct power because there's not enough juice to charge the battery.

After removing the battery from the bay, it works perfectly.

netsean02

Good advice, just remember that the power ports are not the most reliable power source, and power loss without the battery in will lose your unsaved work and could easily damage the laptop. I would definitely try it with the battery first (since AA has no policy against this unlike some other airlines) and be aware of the risk of power loss if you use it without the battery.