M17x R1 doesn't work on Business Class airlines..

I have used various laptops traveling to several countries in Asia from the XPS M1730, XPS M170, various Sony laptops. However, in my last trip on the Singapore Airline All-Business Class flight, when I tried plugging in the M17x AC power, the power doesn't come on. I borrowed a fellow passenger's IBM notebook and it charged it no problem. I plugged my iPad, MP3, etc.. all worked fine.

Another friend of mine who also travels and have the M17x also had the same problem -- does the M17x suck too much power for airlines? Anyone else on business class experience this?

I called Alienware up and they said that they can't help because it's "not covered by warranty?" Basically, if it doesn't work on the plane, then they said they can't do anything about it.

Also, I have to say they're pretty cold when it comes to support.. I love the please hold on a moment.. and they come back 10 minutes later.. "Sorry, we can't help you with that. That's not supported." What?

 

I'm betting this. Your AW draws a LOT more power than any of those other devices and IIRC most outlets in an airplane are not designed to handle this.

http://www.singaporeair.com/saa/en_UK/content/exp/entertainment/pc.jsp

m17x draws up to 240v.

 

since you have an R1, you might want to give it a try with {gasp} stealth mode. this uses the integrated video controller instead of the nvidias and draws less power.

You also could try while shutdown and see if it at least charges the battery.

when i was doing transcon flights every week, i just packed an extra battery or 3. loved the lattitudes that could take 2 batteries at once, never had to shut down to swap a new one in.

 

It's too powerful for what they are letting you draw.do you have the small charger(I think ~150W),or try running it with the integrated graphics.

 

Ahh, ok - these are excellent info and suggestions. I'm impressed.
I will look into the lighter power charger.


Unfortunately by the time I was on the plane, it won't let me even power ON. I plugged in and the charger didn't even light up. Usually when there is power, the charger has a nice bluish circular glow near the input into the laptop.

 

Yes but some of them also places on airports are limited to I believe 150W
Also warning it has to be a Dell charger for the m17x or you'll get an error at boot

 

The airline power inverters are limited to about 100- 125 watts

its not the Voltage it is a amount of power (Current) available.

so definitley would have to be in stealth mode.

I was able to charge the battery with the laptop turned off on my last trip over seas on air Canada.

 

Wish I got a charger when flying ALl of my domestic flights have been battery only.

Fortunately I have 2 batteries and can get about 3.5 hours out of each one (enough for each leg in my usual flight from DC to Montana/Wyoming)

 

DAng! I do travel a lot and for long trips.. next one will be at the end of this month and i'll be going in Algeria... almost 13 hours only to reach Paris from Mex city and i was really hoping to spend them playing with it!

 

Be warned, you'll even get that WITH a Dell charger...

"Your A/C adapter is non-Dell's charger" or something like that. 3 times tonight....

 

Never heard of that before on the m17x with a Dell charger for the m17x as i stated in what you have quoted.

 

First time i saw them myself. Kind of a funny coincidence...

 

m17x charger recognition issues are well known. There's a sticky about it even.