I fly business class on United's Intl flights and recently bought a laptop.I'm wondering if someone can tell me where I could get the wire to connect my laptop to the power unit in the seat.What is it called, where can I get it from and how much does its cost.Thanks for your help!

Generally, the manufacturer of your laptop should sell such an accessory. You might also be able to get it from a computer store/reseller. It would be called something like an airline adapter, etc. For example, Dell sells something that connects into Empower ports on airplanes. I am assuming, but not 100% sure, that the airlines have a standard for the power port. In other words, I would hope and think, that you would not need a different kind of adapter say for UA or US. But I would start out at the web site of your laptop maker.

I bought the ''wire'' -- called Empower -- from SQ's mail order service. SQ had an inflight mail order magazine that listed up Empower. I found it coincidentally at SQ's BKK office on Suriwong (or was it on Silom?). I filled in an order form noting the PC model I had (Sony Vaio XXXX) and gave the form to a lady in the office. The magazine said I could hand in the form at any SQ office. It was delivered to my home in Japan in about three to four weeks. I use it on UA, AA and CO. It works perfect.

Lots of web sites have it, http://www.absolutebattery.co.uk/empower.htm is one in the UK. CDW, Microwarehouse, Mobile Planet, etc. all stock some models.

I like www.igo.com - they seem to stock these cords for all laptop models, as well as just about every other kind of mobile/wireless item you might need. They also participate in clickrewards.

What model planes have the Empower ports? Are they mainly on international flights?

If you buy through the CO website, you get 20% off retail

Whether ports are onboard or not depends on whether the airline installs them.

At least CP outfits their A-320s and 767-300s with them. Haven't noticed any QF, CX or NH aircraft with them.

Does anyone knwo what SkyPower is? US uses this on their A319/20s but I can't find the things anywhere.

One piece of advice. When I bought my cord, I had the option of a single unit or one with several different tips. I took the later becase if I bought a new computer and it didn't have the same tip plug size, I would have to buy a new cord.

Also, instead of the em-power plug being attached permanemtly, I also have an adapter for the cig. lighter for the car.

This works great because I can use it in the car, airplane and my girlfriend can use it with her computer too. Other wise I would have had to buy her another cord. I just wish I could get an adaptor for the regular elec. outlet that way I don't have to carry around both the reg. cord and the empower one.

One set back is that the interchangeable tips of course can be lost. They fit very snug and I have never lost one, but there is no latch or clip for them. The packet of (I believe 3 different sizes) tips was included in the price. It was also $5 cheaper than the other set.

Great!Thanks for all your input.I'll probably go to a website today and buy it.

I'll second the recommendation for www.igo.com If you already have a car adapter, they have a piece that converts it to empower for only $19. They also have kits for almost all laptops that contain both auto and empower adaptors for a reasonable price.

AA uses Auto Air Power adapter. You can order them from their web site www.port.com.. You can also earn AA miles when ordering some of their power adapters.



[This message has been edited by Dalguy (edited 05-19-2000).]

For comparison's sake you might wish to check Targus. That is the type of adaptor used on Cdn. and comments have been favourable.
http://www.targus.com/

So there is no confusion - the airlines do not "use" a particular brand like Targus, or Auto Air Power, or anything else. They have installed the system, and if you buy the so-called "Empower" or ECM cords, you will be able to plug into the jacks on all aircraft with jacks (i.e. the jacks do not differ by carrier - its simply a question of whether or not there is a jack). The cords consist of several parts, the first part runs from the jack to a transformer, the second part is the transformer, and the last part runs from the transformer to your computer. It was mentioned above that if you buy a set that allows you to switch the third part, the unit will probably be interchangeable among several different laptops (watch the transformer output obviously).

Actually, there are 2 types of connectors. One looks like a car lighter, where there is a co-axial socket you plug in. The other type looks like an old-style AT-keyboard plug.

In general, any company that sells you an Auto/Airline AC adapter will include attachments to both types of connectors.