Mobile Computing: Power Outlets on Airplanes

Feature: Plugging In After Taking Off

As I type this newsletter on my notebook, I'm on a cross-country flight. And unlike the guy next to me, who's also working, I'm not worried about running out of battery power: My computer is drawing juice from the power outlet at my seat.

Not every aircraft offers power outlets for every passenger, of course; but power outlets are becoming more prevalent. The catch: You need a special adapter to plug your notebook into an airplane seat's power outlet.

Though such adapters can be expensive ($80 to $120 or more), I highly recommend them for frequent fliers who work or watch DVD movies on their notebooks during long flights. Adapters are available from IGo, Kensington, Lind Electronics, Mobility Electronics, Targus International, and others. Each lets you run your notebook (and recharge its battery) from an airline power outlet, which is usually located in the armrest divider between seats. Most such adapters allow you to power your notebook from an automobile's cigarette lighter/power outlet as well.

There are differences among the auto/air power adapters on the market, however. Here are some tips for finding the one that's right for you.

Be Sure the Adapter Fits Your Notebook

Some manufacturers sell adapters that work on selected notebook models only. For example, Lind Electronics sells an auto/air adapter that works with Dell Latitude XP4100 models ($100), another that works exclusively with Dell Inspiron 3500 and 7000 notebooks ($100), and so on. Judging by its Web site, Lind makes adapters for practically every major notebook manufacturer.

Other companies (such as Kensington, Mobility Electronics, and Targus) sell adapters that come with a set of interchangeable tips. Each tip is designed to fit the power port on one or more notebook models. Thus, one adapter can charge a variety of notebooks.

• Targus's Universal Auto/Air Power Adapters ($120) include tips that fit notebooks from Apple, Dell, Gateway, Compaq, and Sony (model PA380U) or from Compaq/Hewlett-Packard, IBM, and Toshiba (model PA360U).
  
  
• Kensington recently introduced its Universal AC/Car/Air Adapter ($200), which includes ten interchangeable tips that fit notebooks from Apple, Compaq/HP, Dell, Fujitsu, Gateway, IBM, Toshiba, and Sony. Unlike the Targus models and most adapters that work with specific notebooks, Kensington's model can also act as an AC adapter. As a result, you can plug your notebook into a wall socket, an automobile power outlet, and an airline power port using a single device and interchangeable power cords or plugs that are designed to fit specific power outlet types. For the latest prices, check the PCWorld.com Product Finder.
  
  
• Kensington also sells a Universal Car/Air Adapter, which lacks its previously mentioned adapter's AC power capability and comes with seven, rather than ten, notebook power tips. It retails for $130; for the latest prices, check our Product Finder.
  
  
• Power tips for the IGo Juice ($120) support Apple, Compaq/HP, Dell, Fujitsu/Siemens, Toshiba, IBM, Sony, and Gateway notebooks. Like the Kensington model, the IGo Juice can act as an AC adapter as well. The adapter comes in two versions: one with power tips for IBM, Toshiba, and some Compaq/HP notebooks; a second comes with tips to power Apple, Dell, Fujitsu, Sony, and other Compaq/HP models. However, if you need a power tip that didn't come with the IGo Juice you purchased, the company will send it to you for free, according to a spokesperson. For the latest prices on IGo Juice models, go to our Product Finder.
  
  

See If It Can Charge Your PDA and Cell Phone

Some air adapters can power PDAs and mobile phones, too (though you can't use the cell phones in flight, obviously). Again, you'll need a specific power tip or cord for each device you want the adapter to power. This can be a huge convenience, because you don't have to unplug and pack the power adapters for each gadget you take. Just keep the auto/air adapter and necessary power connectors packed in your notebook bag, and you're ready to go.

• Targus's Universal Auto/Air Power Adapters can also power PDAs, mobile phones, some printers, and a few portable DVD players. Power tips are purchased separately (about $20 each).
  
  
• Mobility Electronics offers a Peripheral Powering System (PPS) for IGo Juice. The PPS is, in essence, a system of interchangeable cords that can power specific PDA or mobile phone models. A PPS cord can be attached to the main IGo Juice power cord--which enables you to simultaneously power two devices. That's an advantage IGo Juice has over its competitors. Each PPS cord costs about $20.
  
  

Consider the Size

Of the IGo, Kensington, and Targus adapters, the lightest appears to be the Kensington Universal Car/Air Adapter (which doesn't provide AC power). It weighs 3.85 ounces, according to Kensington's Web site. Next on the scale is the Targus adapter, at 5.6 ounces. The IGo Juice is rather bulky, at 7.5 ounces. The Kensington Universal AC/Car/Air Adapter offers AC power in addition to car and auto, weighs in at 9 ounces.

I've traveled with both the IGo and Targus models. The Targus adapter fits easily into a notebook bag, while the Juice brick occupies more space.

To lighten my load, I've traveled with the Targus in my carry-on notebook bag and my notebook's power brick in my checked suitcase. The downside: I have to unplug my notebook's power adapter, pack it in my bag, then unpack it when I return. Comparatively, I can simply leave the IGo Juice adapter packed in my notebook bag at all times.

Make Sure the Plane Has Power Ports Before Booking

An auto/air adapter won't do you any good if the airplane doesn't have individual power ports. I've often asked airline telephone reservationists if the aircraft I'm traveling on has power ports, but I've found their answers to be unreliable. Here's how to get the information you need:

• Check the airline's Web site before you fly.
  
  
• For domestic flights, go to SeatGuru.com, a Web site that offers detailed seat maps and information on amenities (including power ports).
  
  
• Targus's Web site offers a partial list of aircrafts with power ports.
  
  
• See my newsletter article, "The Best Airplanes for Notebook Users," for more tips.
  
  

Which One's for You?

Based on my tests of the Targus and IGo adapters, here are my suggestions:

• Buy an adapter that supports multiple devices. For maximum flexibility, shy away from dedicated notebook auto/air adapters. The Targus and IGo Juice adapters cost just about the same as many dedicated-device adapters, yet provide interchangeable power tips supporting a variety of devices. These two offer a better value for your money.
  
  
• Light packers, go with Targus. I recommend the Targus adapter to anyone who wants to keep their carry-on baggage as light as possible. Because of its slim form factor, the Targus adapter is much easier than the IGo Juice to pack in a carry-on bag.
  
  
• To quickly recharge multiple devices, go with IGo. With the IGo Juice, you don't have the hassle of packing up AC adapters for your notebook, PDA, and mobile phone. Plus, with Mobility Electronics' PPS, you can use an IGo Juice to recharge two devices at once. The IGo Juice also comes with a convenient carrying case, with fasteners that let you keep the cables organized. And the power base emits a soft blue light when plugged in, enabling the IGo Juice to act as something else every intrepid traveler needs: a nightlight.