EmPower for a Pentium 4
 

I called Targus for a connector for my new laptop. Because it has a Pentium 4 chip, the CSR said they don't carry a connector because it re3quires more amperage. Anyone know a way to connect?
Thanks

I've heard something about this recently. What is the make and model?

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Michael Steinberg
Editor
BizTrip
www.biztrip.com

Sony VAIO PCG-GRX600K

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but:

From the LaptopTravel.com web site
"PLEASE NOTE that the power required for this adapter exceeds the limits of inlight power systems thus an auto/air model is not available at this time."

You should contact Sony's tech support and see if the have anything to say.

Sorry

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Michael Steinberg
Editor
BizTrip
www.biztrip.com

Thanks for the info. I appreciate your doing the research.

You actually want to try to use that beast in flight???? It's a great machine but it's definitely NOT designed for mobility. The GRX600's mission in life is as a desktop replacement. As such, Sony probably weren't very concerned with power consumption. If Sony kept the same one from the GRX-550, the power brick isn't the standard size either... it weighs as much as some subnotebooks! Also, even in F, getting that thing fully open on a tray table is going to be a challenge. IMO, you need a travel notebook in addition to your GRX.

[This message has been edited by kanebear (edited 02-09-2003).]

Perhaps an empower > 110V adapter will be the solution, the charger will probably be able to spit out just enough juice to charge it...

This is gonna sound like a REALLY stupid question to those of you who freguent this part of the board.....

But, what is "empower" and why do they call it that??
Thanks in advance and best wishes!

EmPower is just the trade name for the low voltage in-seat laptop power supply that many airlines elected to go with.

The EmPower in-seat jack is unique, and therefore whatever voltage converter you have, it must have the proper EmPower compatible plug on one end, and the proper plug to fit your laptop at the other.

I'm guessing they picked it as a trade name as it "EmPowers" you to continue to work on long flights by having an endless power source. Catchy double meaning and all.

[This message has been edited by PremEx (edited 02-10-2003).]

I have a P4 Toshiba 5105-S607 with a P4 1.7GHz and an NVIDIA GeForce4 Go... NO issues finding an adapter for this model.

No problems using the Empower port (e.g. no fault/trip of the plug, etc) even when using the most power consuming modes (e.g. playing a 3D game, hence P4 at max freq and NVIDIA chip running)

Also Centrino (previously called Banias) is a P4 core with MUCH better power consumption, hence less issues with beefy power supplies will be launching Mid-March.

If any of you are SERIOUSLY considering a P4 system you will travel with I would hold off for that. Current desktop P4's are horrible on battery life and heat in a mobile system.



[This message has been edited by NickP 1K (edited 02-11-2003).]