Travelling on Long Haul flight with Macbook Pro

[JamesU2005]

Travelling on Long Haul flight soon with my Macbook Pro and wondered if anyone had any tips for making it last the duration.

I'm hoping to watch movies downloaded via Sky Player.

Are there any external battery packs or the such?

 

[startrek2]

hypermac do external bricks... VERY expensive

 

[AtticusFinch]

Just plug it in on the plane seats have power sockets.

 

[Faustus]

Don't bother using it. Books are a much better option whilst travelling as far as I'm concerned. Trying to watch video whilst in transit anywhere is a right pain. I find a good book far more immersive and makes the time fly along with the plane.

 

[theheyes]

Turn off Bluetooth and wifi (obviously) and make sure nothing unnecessary is running in the background. You might also want to find out if they're putting the lights out at any stage, that way you can save your movies and dim the screen right down.

 

[Jez]

Go with an airline and/or class with power sockets.

 

[Spit]

Get an iPad.

 

[Westyfield2]

Plug it in on the plane, that's what I do.

Though the last few times I haven't bothered getting it out of my bag, just used iPad instead.

Only had my MacBook Air a week, but I reckon I'll use that instead on planes.... battery seems to last forever on it!

 

[JamesU2005]

Don't think British Airways has power for laptops in Economy.

But thanks for the suggestions.

 

[iraiguana]

Carry a spare battery is also an additional option depending on age of laptop

 

[jakspyder]

fall asleep on takeoff and wake up on landing. or use mac till battery dies then sleep

 

[Faustus]

Don't think British Airways has power for laptops in Economy.

But thanks for the suggestions.

Who on earth flies economy? That sort of thing is alright I suppose for cattle or people who fly with that Irish carrier.

 

[Feek]

Who on earth flies economy? That sort of thing is alright I suppose for cattle or people who fly with that Irish carrier.

Most people.

 

[NickK]

Carry a spare battery is also an additional option depending on age of laptop

I bought two non-Apple replacement batteries recently for my MBP3,1 (Nov07). Although they're grey plastic on the underside and sit a little proud (ie about 0.25mm) they offer the same 4.5 hour performance for 1/2 the price (~40 each.. ie half the price from Apple).

Just switch it off rather than sleep it when not in use (ie if you sleep) and that will extend even more.

 

[hyper_piper45]

Just have as few programs open as possible and try and keep the screen brightness as low as you can. I also suggests bringing some good over ear headphones as I find my in-ear ones don't isolate well enough on a plane.

Also try and have it on full charge when you go on the plane. Eg if you are using it while you are waiting in departures make sure it's plugged in.

 

[wozza2k]

Right so pretty much 2 years have passed since this thread was created and now I am interested in how to keep a MacBook Air powered for a long haul flight with a stop over (16 hours in total).

The best external power packs I've found is hyperjuice and powergorilla both are in excess of £100...... Can anyone vouch for either of them?

 

[mikeh501]

http://www.seatguru.com/ tells you which seats have power on most airlines.

i'd also say that the hinge on most macs doesnt go 180 degrees so you cant stand them up on end like other laptops.

 

[wozza2k]

http://www.seatguru.com/ tells you which seats have power on most airlines.

i'd also say that the hinge on most macs doesnt go 180 degrees so you cant stand them up on end like other laptops.

Unfortunately I don't have power on my flight (flying eco).

 

[Beansprout]

I usually end up watching the films on the plane then reading a book and falling asleep. I gave up with a laptop a while back.