What Device Needed for 747 First Class Computer Hook-Up??
 

Please help!! I'm taking a flight from O'Hare to Narita later this week. Can anyone tell me exactly what kind of cord/plug-in device I need to hook into United's "Empower" or whatever it's called now allowing me to get power for my laptop. I use a Hewlett/Packard Omnibook 6000. I went to Radio Shack and they seemed fairly clueless. If anyone can tell me a precise brand or model, that would be enormously appreciated. Also, any estimate on how much it should cost (in general terms) would be helpful -- I don't want to get taken! Thanks.

From ual.com (http://www.ual.com/site/primary/0,10017,1074,00.html):

In-flight laptops
United Airlines® offers in-seat power when you fly United First or United Business. This feature is currently available on our B767-300's, B747-400's and North America B777s. Existing B757 and A320 aircraft are currently undergoing system installation, while our International B777s are undergoing system modification. New B777, B767 and A320 aircraft deliveries arrive with laptop power activated.

You can connect your laptop using a special PowerXtender adapter, which you can purchase directly from Xtend Micro Products or within Duty Free on international Trans-Pacific and Trans-Atlantic flights. PowerXtender adapters let you use your laptop the duration of the flight while recharging your batteries (on most models). They have power status monitoring LEDs, and are airline quality compliant for safety as an external power source. All models come with both airline and automobile connectors. Xtend has adapters to fit hundreds of today's most popular notebook computers. To learn more about the specific power cord for your laptop, visit www.igounited.com. To place an order, call:

United States: 1-888-258-7721 (U.S. toll free) or 949-660-7376

United Kingdom: 0800.849.4444 (U.K. toll free)

Europe: 011.44.208.233.3014

Hong Kong: 011.852.2780.9919

Australia; New Zealand: 1-800-HANDVISION (Aus. toll free)

I purchased the offically-sanctioned United model a couple of years ago and it works great--in the car, too. Er, it works great assuming the plane actually has power ports.

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Jon Wright
mailto:[email protected][email protected]</A>

Targus makes a universal air/car power adapter that works great with UA Empower. The one for HP is model PA375U. It is $119.95 from Targus but you can get it much cheaper elsewhere. In the Bay area Fry's has them for $99.95. Radio Shack is not to bright when it comes to stuff like this. You could probably even pick one up at the airport but most likely it would cost more. I have one and it works great.

http://www.targus.com/accessories_power.asp

[This message has been edited by Baze (edited 06-25-2002).]

I have that same laptop. I bought my empower cord on one of my plane rides from duty free -- that's probably the easiest choice. USD $99.

FWIW, I bought it when I had a Dell, and when I got my HP, it worked just fine (box says Dell, HP and CPQ I believe).

The best part of buying it on the plane is that the first one I bought did not work properly -- can't really test that until you're on the plane, though -- so they just swapped it on the spot...

Go to Targus. They have a matrix listing laptop model numbers and Targus adpater number. If your model is not listed, go to the HP/Compaq website.

Targus has several models of adapters - I would say three or so. Each one fits a variety of brands and includes a good number of power tips that fit only on that brand laptop. Find the one that is good for HP/Compaq and you should be set. I have a Targus as well. Just don't forget to pack it when you disembark! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I'm super jealous of you and your wife... have fun !

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When once you have experienced being a 1K, you will forever fly the friendly skies with your eyes set on 100% mileage bonus and SWUs, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return, every year!

I would say buying it through onboard duty free would be the easiest... and if you're 1K, you can buy something else and use the $$ off coupon which came with the 1K kit... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/tongue.gif

I have used the Xtend Micro Products EmPower compatible adapter for ~ 3 years. My version is a bit bulky, with very heavy cords. The ‘adapter-pc’ connection is a replaceable cable and I believe that you can order a new cable if/when you change PC’s? I also believe that this is the model that is sold in-flight? Mine works fine, and I’ve used it on SQ as they use EmPower as well. (FWIW LH has the easiest implementation; direct AC connection!) Anyway, I would add that I’ve traveled with other FT’ers who’ve used the Targus model (PA360U; ~ $85 USD on-line) and I think that this model/version is much better. It is noticeably lighter, the cables are also lighter and more manageable. And you only have to change the tip (that connects to the PC) in the event that you change notebook models. Were I to replace my adapter I would get a Targus EmPower adapter..

I’ve noticed that lap-top power has been a bit spotty of late. In some seats it might not be working as it may be broken and repairs of this type might not be at the top of the priority list. If the green light is not illuminated, look to see if it is on in other seats. Ask the FA’s to re-set the system.

Also don’t count on UA having the power adapters available for sale on your flight. They might have one, and they might not.

You can test your adapter prior to your flight. These adapters come with a automobile cigarette light adapter, in addition to the EmPower adapter. You can try it out in a car to make sure it works.

I have been using the APC Travel Power 75W DC/AC Inverter for a year now.

It is the only power inverter I know of that is approved for use on-board aircraft (Complies with RTCA 160D).

It has the em power adapter needed for most planes AND comes with the lighter plug as well.

The best thing about it compared to the dedicated em-power adapters is that you can run ANY AC powered device from it as long as the draw is 75 watts or less -- like portable TVs, CD players, boom boxes, etc. There is also a 230v version.

It is smaller than it looks - it easily fits in my BOSE ANR headset pouch.

DISCLAIMER: I'm just a happy user...I have no other interest in the product or APC.

RAD