MacBook Pro: Problems with airline power inverters

Some users have reported issues using the MacBook Pro with power inverters offered on some airplanes.

The issue appears to be excessive power draw, as units can be charged from the inverters while powered off, but exhibit issues when turned on (while charging).

MacFixIt reader Al Horrigan writes:

"I just took my first flight on British Airways with my new MacBook Pro. I travel the route regularly and before now used my APC Teleadapt with my Powerbook G4 without any problem.

"When I powered up my MacBook Pro (while connected) the small light on the power cord flickered different colors, the screen flickered bright to dark and I had two kernel panics that required me to reboot. After two attempts to use it, I powered the MacBook Pro off but left it connected and the MacBook Pro charged up normally and I could use it on battery and have had no problems since I have been back for 3 days.

"Same plane Boeing 777, same tele-adapt, new laptop and new problem.

"Apples website offers Kensington Ultra Portable Power Inverter 150 and says 'Only currently available product (other than an Apple power adapter) you can use to charge MacBook and MacBook Pro notebooks'"

"First question is why, and second why isn't it boldly stated by Apple? Laptops are supposed to be used on planes with airline Empower ports so buyers should be adequately advised, if the adapter is so product specific."

If you are experiencing a similar issue, please let us know.

For further coverage, see our MacBook Pro special report.

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