Do you carry battery only, AC adapter only, or both?

Am interested in the result of this poll. Thanks.

 

I’m not sure I understand the poll. Are you assuming many people have two batteries and bring the extra one with them when mobile? Otherwise I can’t imagine anyone leaving their one battery at home and taking a battery-less notebook, plus adapter, with them when mobile.

 

I think he means laptop+battery, laptop+adapter, or battery+adapter

 

haha yes. a batteryless laptop is rather awkward

yea I think he might means:
(1) laptop + bat
(2) laptop + bat + adap

or perhaps he means it as he wrote it. i.e. some people may very well bring a batteryless laptop + adapter

 

I have an x200 Tablet with the 8 cell. On the vast majority of occasions I carry it with the 8 cell battery only and no adapter. I have considered getting a supplemental 4 cell, but the reduction in size/weight is not large enough to justify the loss of capacity.

On a few occassions (namely browsing articles in slate mode while watching TV) I have run the machine without a battery. Although I can't imagine traveling without a battery.

Conversely, if I had an x200(s) or T400 I would strongly consider getting both the 4 and 9 cell battery options. If I expected to have an AC outlet available I would take the 4 cell and AC adapter. Alternatively, if I couldn't count on AC I would use the 9 cell w/o AC adapter (comparable weight to 4 cell+AC). Only on very long excursions (e.g. international flights) would I carry all three (4 cell, 9 cell, and AC adapter).


Also, if you frequently use your ThinkPad in two locations (e.g. home and office) I would highly recommend you purchase a second AC adapter. This ensures you have AC available at both locations and can cut 8-12 ounces from your carry weight. This 90w AC adapter from DealExtreme is a particularly good value (works with ALL models later than the x60/T60 [maybe not w700]).

 

It really depends where I'm going, and for how long. For a short meeting, I only bring the battery, for an afternoon at the library, where there's power outlets galore, I bring battery + AC adaptor. I don't see why anyone would bring AC adaptor alone, especially since then you cannot sleep your computer and bring it somewhere.

 

Haha, what I mean is:

laptop + battery
laptop + AC adapter
laptop + battery + AC adapter

I, for one, used to almost always bring only the AC adapter with my laptop, because I ususally used my laptop in the library where there are AC outlet and Internet access, also because the battery was much much heavier than the AC adapter.

 

I suppose that's an option. Although personally I would like to maintain the ability to operate for at least a short stint (say 1-2 hours) without the benefit of an available outlet.

 

That's a lot of weight!

That adapter has 3 prongs, Lenovo's 65W 20v has 2 prongs. How can you use it?

 

The cord from the brick to the AC outlet is not included. You have to buy that cord separately, for a dollar or two (3-prong brick arrangement to AC plug).

 

Yup, I bought one and use it sometimes. Although I rarely use my Adapter except at home. But thats mostly because I get 8+ hours with my T400.

 

I always carry my adaptor with me. It's great that ThinkPad adaptors are lightweight .

Just look at my siggy. Look! You can't get more hardcore than that: 8 cell + 4 cell + 4 cell extended life (the one that looks like a large wedge that fits under the lappy).

But when power sockets are easily available, I, like every lazy soul, carry the lightest, standard 4c Li-Ion.

 

I have the slim adapter that I carry with me. It works with car chargers, planes, and normal ac plugs and has a nice USB charger for when my thinkpad is asleep. Takes up little space for what it brings to the party and mixed with a 9 cell for my t400 I have all the tools needed.

 

No laptop ever gets put in my bag without an AC adapter. Too many "what if like zombies attack and I can't get home" scenarios float through my head to not pack it.

 

We think alike, Sir. My pack always has everything I need to fully function as if I were sitting at home(minus the external screens).

 

So, may I ask you guys--since the weight of the machines and batteries vary--

Approximately how many pounds (or kg) do you carry? Just laptop + accessories (don't count your books or grocery ).

I wouldn't tolerate more than 4 pounds since I have to walk long distance.

Haha, if there is a zombies attack you'll have a total blackout and no power anywhere.

 

Well the t400 + ac adapter + accersories = 10lbs maybe more. Alot lighter then when I carried my dell around, that was a 10-11lbs laptop alone.

Debatable. Being zombies they wont understand how to kill national infrastructures that run almost fully automated anyways.

 

If you added up the weight of my tablet, 8 cell, the bag (leather ultraportable), pens, and other minor accessories I would say it comes to about 8-9 pounds (4 kilos).

Even the form fit tablet sleeve comes in at a shade over 5 pounds.

By itself the tablet and 8 cell is 3.80 pounds (w/ 1.8" SSD).

 

And if you have the right plants in your yard, you can take them out - I recommend starfruit with cattails and tangleweed if you have a pool... ;-)

 

I've quite a few times taken out my x200 with no battery and the power supply when I know I'll be in an area with an abundance of wall outlets (ie: fixing people's desktops). Otherwise I'll carry it around with only the nine cell, and no power cord.

The walking dead are all around us... They don't even know they're dead!

 

Oh God, the mac users! Their Back!

 

There's no poll option for "it depends".

I often don't take an AC adapter, just the battery on my T400.
Other times I'll take the AC adapter.

I have a 90W adapter I leave at home and have a 65W adapter to carry.

 

Don't currently have a Lenovo, but my subforum is really (un)dead.

I have ac chargers at home and office, so I 'travel' between them with just a battery.

If flying direct, I pack the charger and run on dual batteries

If flying with 1+ stopovers, I keep the charger with me in the computer carry-on.

Works for me.

 

No pool as I live in a townhouse. But I have a mean Japanese maple that doesn't take crap from anyone or anything!

Creepy family guy voice: OHHHH NOOOOOOOEEEE!

The only issue I have with this idea(I have the same setup) is what if I get diverted from work or home and need my PC. Its happened before and when I first got my thinkpad I used to keep the slim at home and the regular at work until I got diverted. Thank God I can reach 9 hours of battery life.

 

Can you charge on the flight? Is there an AC outlet on the seat?

 

I only take my AC adapter if I know i will need it. My r61i has a 6cell bat and it lasts just over 4 hours which is usually enough for me.

 

Business class, first class, and some international flights have DC outlets in the seat. However, you will generally need a special adapter (e.g. the 90w Slim AC/DC adapter) to use these outlets. Unfortunately us poor souls that fly "economy" in the US are left without any power options.

 

As a fellow poor soul who doesn't fly first class, that's why I toss the charger in a regular bag on direct flights. (Hopefully still a carry-on, though. I like to travel light).

Unless I have a layover during a flight, I don't have much use for the charger. I'd rather keep the computer bag thin/light, so I don't have to fight to get it under the seat in front of me. 7-8 hours with wireless off is plenty.