Re: FGW Refurb

826 wrote:
On 21 Mar, 15:45, Philip Hardy <phi...@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Chris wrote:
A problem I've heard with the table sockets is that they are situated
too close to the top of the table, not leaving enough space for the
(often strengthened, and not fully flexible) cable issuing from the
base of your plug, making it near impossibleto plug it in properly.
Yes. The table sockets are of an extremely poor design. You cannot use
the table sockets with a Apple Laptop (Macbook, Macbook Pro, etc.) as
there is not enough space for the power brick when it's directly
attached to the plug - it needs about another 2cm clearance (this
probably affects iPod chargers too, which are of a similar, slightly
smaller design). If you try to use the extension cable then you run into
precisely the problem you describe.

As a Macbook owner I find this quite annoying. And I feel it's a stupid
oversight on FGW's part given the popularity of these laptops (I tend to
spot *at least* one in addition to my own on trips to the cafe-bar when
traveling on the East Coast).

GNER put laptop sockets in a similar position to FGW on their
non-refubished HSTs, but they have enough space. On their refurbished
HSTs the sockets are on the walls - similar to Voyagers/Meridians/Mallards.

I'll pass your comments and the suggestion that Chillterns solution is
looked at, but I am a Macbook Pro user and haven't had a problem. It
was purchased in January so maybe the flex design has changed?

Mine's less than a year old and looking at Apple's Website, the design hasn't changed (http://store.apple.com/Apple/WebObjects/ukstore.woa/wa/RSLID?mco=37163AAD&fnode=home/shop_mac/mac_accessories/power&nplm=MA538). Macbook and Macbook Pro adapters appear to use the same physical design, just with a different Wattage. My old Powerbook G4 also used the same design - so it's been around for a while. Are you using it with the plug directly attached to the power brick or with the extension attached? If the extension is attached then it is possible, but the flex is pressed against the table and has to be bent away at a tight angle. Without the extension it just wont fit at all and it's game over. I don't tend to carry the extension - it's permanently plugged in at home.

I should add that I've had no problems with the sockets in the airline seats, and it's a good idea the have them between the seats rather than on the wall. Also the seat back trays fit my laptop perfectly!
.

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