MacBook Pro in flight power?

What is the solution for those of us who fly coach. Is there an extended battery/charger solution that doesn't require us to take the battery out? Most laptop manufacturers make extended batteries that easily pop onto the laptop. Or you can buy third party battery chargers. It seems that the mag safe prevents using these third party gadgets. Will the Kensington work or do you have to have a power source on the plane?

thats simple - we are out of luck... carry a second or third battery (untill these airlines start addition power plugs next to the economy seats).

Thanks RANJEETSODHI, but it doesn't answer the question of whether there is an external charging solution that does not require a plug port; maybe something short of a generator.

Thanks RANJEETSODHI, but it doesn't answer the
question of whether there is an external charging
solution that does not require a plug port; maybe
something short of a generator.

Well there are battery based chargers, basically book sized batteries with a short lead - when plugged in the laptop thinks it has mains power and charged, whilst it is actually discharging an external battery. They rely on interchangable tips to fit different laptops, so until availability of magsafe tips they aren't going to work (without DIY butchery !) In effect, the same problem that stops people using most of the other kit that's available.

Short answer - at the moment, there is nothing.

SIMON,

Thanks for the straight talk! I guess it's a waiting game for me.

Easum,

As a too-frequent traveler, one of my favorite web sites is SeatGuru -- http://www.seatguru.com -- it will tell you where to sit in order to get power.

best,

JT

I've had a quick look around, and this is one option for extra power :

http://www.apcc.com/resource/include/techspecindex.cfm?basesku=UPB80I

BUT - like everything else, it uses plug-in 'tips' and the only Apple one they do is for the iBook/PowerBook G4. It might help if you contacted APC and asked them when they'll have MagSafe tips for it ?

So, in absence of commercially available solution,
here is a link to someone who noticed the opportunity
and is trying to make it into a business.

http://www.mikegyver.com/index.html

I have no knowledge of who this person is, other than
the fact that he has the right technical solution -
DC to DC and forget inverters!!!!

As for his pricing and the business model, well that
is all together different story...

FYI

His business model is sound, in fact most auto manufacturers in Europe (if not in the US) employ the surcharge model for reconditionable parts (engines, carburettors, Alternators, etc.).

I did try it and like I said it felt like power was giong through it but it did not power my mbp 15. I tried it on several usair flights. You would think that by now there would be an adapter made for the mag safe computers with the power needed.

Haha, well, it looks like this thread is now pointless since they've banned all carry on luggage.

ugh, and just as I'd got the airline power solution sorted for my MBP 15"!!

-ds

The travel ban for carry on luggage only applies to flights heading from US to Heathrow airports. I have also heard that some other international flights were instituting the policy voluntarily.

It does not apply to US domestic travel, so you are free to travel with your laptop.

True. And it looks like even the restriction on taking carry on (laptops, etc) TO the UK from the US has also been lifted, but they (the TSA) wasn't able to confirm the reverse.

Of course, that's according to the official TSA rules, I'm sure that each individual airport will probably have their own version of the restrictions. (Like the whole 'shoe' thing).

-ds

I'd rather that Laptops & iPods etc would be carried in the pressurized passenger cabin than in the cold unpressurized cargo hold, where it has been suggested that Li-Ion batteries have exploded mid flight in cargo planes.

The pressure and temperature of the luggage compartment is about the same as the passenger compartment. No problem.

Pressure is the same, temp. is certainly not the same