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the problem with airplanes and the MBP

I'd be interested in whether people think this problem is specific to my machine, or general.

I do too much travel on planes. I therefore couldn't begin to use my MPB until I could buy 3 batteries (about a month after I got the machine), and I also had to buy an inverter, since I couldn't find any iGo like tip to connect to the new magnet connection.

The first inverter I got was a Targus. It promised 90w - above the reported 85w drawn by the machine. Four flights, never would it work. Everytime, it would trip because too much power was demanded. I then bought a "CyberPower" inverter, promising 120w. That worked for a good 3 hours on an internatinoal flight, but then it began flaking as well. I then discovered that if I had a fully charged battery (so it wasn't trying to charge), it worked fine. So the obvious "solution" is either to have a fully charged battery, or to remove the battery -- though that's obviously a bit dangerous, since the cord disconnects from the laptop so easily.

This is a big problem with the machine. Is it just mine, or is it general? And is there any useful way to control how much power the unit draws? Notice, the processor speed control has been removed from the Energy Saver panel.

MBP Mac OS X (10.4.5)

PB G4, Mac OS X (10.3.6)

Posted on Mar 29, 2006 3:55 PM

82 replies

m_oody

Level 1

40 points

May 24, 2006 4:36 PM in response to Lawrence Lessig

anybody tried it in a car?

May 24, 2006 6:29 PM in response to m_oody

yes, car is the next topic and is relevant, I still haven't heard if anyone has successfully used an inverter in a car!

May 25, 2006 9:29 AM in response to moretti

You really have to kidding to think that American Airlines and all the other airlines in the world are going to up the seat power from their STANDARD 75 WATTS to accomidate the ONLY laptop in existance that uses more then 75 WATTS.

I dont buy the processor in a MBP needs so much energy that they need to use a 85 WATT power supply... the MB has the same processor.. just a litte slower and its 60 WATTS.

Its more likely to get the battery to recharge as fast as it does.. is why they opted to use the 85 WATT power supply.

The fix of "just take an extra battery" is just as crazy. What about people like myself that fly to Asia on flights of 16 +- hours... i suppose I to spend 500.00 on extra batteries and hire a valet to carry around my laptop bag.

Its a real shame that when you spend 5K to 8K on a business class ticket, you can't use the STANDARD power provied at the seat.

Apple should disclose to customers this laptop will NOT work on airplaines that provide seat power BEFORE you buy it.

May 26, 2006 9:45 AM in response to Craig Steiger

Dude, if you fly business class, take advantage of the big seat and get some shut eye. People are never happy, I don't get it (especially young lawyers). Plus, if you can afford that ticket, then you can afford to buy a Macbook. When I leave for Australia next month I think I will pick up a Macbook before I go just to save myself from lugging around my MBP or TiBook. Although, now that I've said that, I'm sure I'll get hit with a 2K car bill soon and my plan will be foiled.

J Michael

Level 3

660 points

May 26, 2006 12:43 PM in response to David Rodriguez7

You guys are all so hilarious. There have never been so many choices available for portable computing. Never. So just get what you need and stop whinging.

As for picking up a MacBook to avoid the weight and battery issues of the MBP, you remind me of the people who drive all around the parking lot just to find the parking space that is closest to the store. In the meantime, you have burnt up more gas and have gained more weight in the process.

moretti

Level 1

5 points

May 26, 2006 12:52 PM in response to Craig Steiger

No, I'm not kidding -- that's why I inquired.

Do you really believe that the MBP is "the ONLY laptop in existance [sic] that uses more then [sic] 75 WATTS"? You should do a little research before making such a baseless claim. (Hint: read some of the other posts in this thread...)

May 27, 2006 11:41 AM in response to Lawrence Lessig

Dear Dr. Lessig: Fuggetaboutit! The power Inverter 175, I mean. I bought it and it does NOT work with the MacBook Pro. I was complaining about the lack of an airplane adapter a month ago, and someone recommended this. Unfortunateky, it appears the MBP draws too much power! I'm twisting in the wind, too, awaiting a solution! Schlepping around batteries is a heavy and expensive solution that isn't tenable!

the problem with airplanes and the MBP