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Lind Auto/Airline PowerBook Power Adapter Reviewed

Lind Electronics, Inc.

SRP:	$99.95
What's Hot:	Convenient, works well, comes with carry pouch
What's Not:	Somewhat bulky, somewhat expensive

One of the oldest PowerBook-oriented companies out there is Lind Electronics, based out of Minneapolis. Years ago, I owned their dual battery pack for 5xx-series PowerBooks. It looked like someone had chopped-off the front end of a 540c and grafted a power cord onto it. Appearances aside, it worked very well. Lind is still here, and still cranks out power packs and adapters for a slew of Mac and Windows-based laptops. Their latest offering is the Auto/Airline Adapter for the PowerBook G3. While somewhat pricey and unwieldy compared to similar adapters from other vendors, this is still a handy, helpful accessory ideal for most road warriors.

The device itself measures 5.25"x2.5"x1.25" and comes in a rugged, metal and rubber power brick. There are two, detachable connector cables: one for autos and another for airplane in-seat connectors. The auto connector cable features a green LED to indicate the adapter is drawing power. This is particularly handy since some cars require the ignition to be turned for the cigarette lighter to work. The light eliminates guesswork: if it's on, so is your PowerBook.

The power brick and connector cables all fit inside an included, zippered carry pouch. All components are in "PowerBook black". Although the colors clash somewhat, the adapter also works fine with iBooks (no idea if a translucent auto/air adapter is in the works). Additionally, it can be used with 3400, 2400, and 1400-series PowerBooks. Lind provides ample documentation for the adapter, as well.

It's a little odd that Lind elected to use the "two cable" approach, rather than just having the auto adapter hard-wired to the power brick, with a standard air adapter that fits over the cigarette lighter plug of the auto adapter. It seems like one more cable to misplace. Then again, I suppose that's what the carry pouch is for.

Testing the Auto/Air Adapter was an experience. I drove my Ranger out to some farmlands, flanked on either side by an endless sea of fledgling corn fields. Once I got to an area where I could no longer see civilization, I plugged my Wallstreet into the Auto/Air Adapter, and the Auto/Air Adapter into the spare outlet in my truck. According to the manual, it doesn't matter which is plugged-in first. Lind's adapter performed well in the hour or so I was there. The cord is a bit short, so while using it I was basically tethered to my seat, but this wasn't a huge inconvenience. The adapter got slightly warm at the end -- but only warm. This was nowhere close to the usual skin-burning heat my Wallstreet gives off after an hour of resting on my lap. Curiously, Lind's adapter also emits a faint whirring sound. It's generally unnoticeable unless you're in a very quiet area and, as such, is also not a big deal.

Starting and stopping the engine produced no discernible effect on either the adapter or the PowerBook. The same applied to turning on the headlights and stereo, repeatedly hot-swapping the PowerBook batteries, and putting the PowerBook to sleep. Lind does not recommend using the adapter while simultaneously jump-starting another car. Additionally, using the adapter in conjunction with a dual-recepticle lighter adapter isn't advised, as those devices typically aren't adequately shielded against high temperatures.

An L-connector for the cable end that plugs into the PowerBook would've been nice, rather than the standard, straight one. This would've allowed my PowerBook to charge while still in its case, which could be handy for those needing to charge their systems -- but not necessarily use them -- while en route to an airport or other battery dependent location. This is a common problem for most PowerBook adapters, though, including Apple's own.

Speaking of airports, I had been looking forward to "air testing" the adapter on a pending trip to Providence. However, a quick phone call to US Airways confirmed that none of the four planes involved with my flight had air connector outlets. The attendant I spoke with mentioned that US Airways, and many other airlines, are slowly converting much of their existing fleet to accommodate laptop users. For now, though, only their AirBus class of planes have such connectors preinstalled. On a whim, I also called United and Southwest. Their message was similar to US Airways: air connectors are "coming soon" to the majority of their respective fleets.

As good as Lind's adapter is, they are facing some stiff competition from Madsonline. Last week, Madsonline released a similar auto/air adapter, only it's somehow "brickless". Apparently Madsonline's adapter is also a bit less expensive, too, coming in at $69 to Lind's $99. However, Lind may well have Madsonline bested in terms of voltage protection.

Lind's Auto/Air Adapter offers numerous power management and voltage regulation capabilities. Voltage is noise and spike filtered, and output overvoltage is controlled. Additionally, the adapter will automatically shut down if the input is too low, if the internal temperature is too high, or if there is a short circuit. In all cases, the adapter then automatically resets itself after several seconds. These features protect both the adapter and the PowerBook.

In view of recent offerings from Madsonline, Lind may want to consider reducing both the SRP and form factor slightly. However, the extensive voltage regulation features of Lind's product represent piece of mind that more than compensates for price or size differences. Simply put, the Lind Auto/Air Adapter functions well while simultaneously protecting your PowerBook. It represents a sturdy and convenient accessory for anyone constantly "on the go" with their system.

Now if I can just find a plane with an air connector...

Note: Although not specifically related to the Auto/Air Adapter review above, an interesting thing to note about Lind itself is that the company is entirely Mac-based. This includes all manufacturing, publishing, sales, schematics, accounting, and related areas. Interesting.