Flying Laptop Power
I just heard your comment on Marketplace about the fact that airlines
don't supply the cable necessary
to connect a laptop computer to the new power jacks.
It's a liability thing. There are hardly two computer power supplies
that put out the same DC voltage.
The power jacks on the airplanes provide 24 volts, which is higher
than what any computer requires. The
special power cable drops that down to the voltage that's required by
the computer and regulates it,
same as the power adapter that plugs into the wall outlet. With all
the different makes and models of
computer power supplies, it would be difficult to have a complete
assortment of cables on board to
match each one. If the airline gave you the wrong one and your
computer was damaged from
over voltage, guess who would be blamed.
So, they got in cahoots with one marketing company who supplies power
cables, you order one for your
computer (they cost about $80) and then the airline is off the hook,
unless of course their power blows
up your $80 adapter cable. And next year when you get a new computer
(and you WILL get a new
computer next year - most people do), chances are pretty good that
you'll need a different airline power
adapter for it.
I notice that many Amtrak trains, even the cheap ones that run from
Washington to NYC have 120 volt
AC power outlets at several of the seats in the cars and in the
parlor cars. On almost any commuter run
you'll find people in the parlor car with a beer and a laptop
computer on the table.
Mike
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