I’m taking a 12-hour plane ride later this week, and I’d really like to take my laptop with me on the plane so I can watch movies and generally keep myself more entertained than the certain-to-be-terrible movie selections that American Airlines will offer me. The only problem is that my notebook battery only lasts for about 3 hours. So, I began scouring the internet for some options:

The N-Charge power system at first seemed like the best, easiest option, but at $150 it just isn’t something for the occasional traveler.

I then came across the iGo, an accessory that plugs into an airplane’s power ports (more and more planes now have power ports at individual seats), allowing a notebook, pda or phone to stay charged on a long flight. It also includes a car adapter so you can charge these devices in your car. I found an iGo 6500 on eBay for $35, and had it in my hands three days later.

Once I verified that the iGo worked (in my car), I went looking for some information on the planes I was flying, to see if I would even have access to a port (I know, I know, I should have done this step first). In the midst of my research, I stumbled upon an awesome website, SeatGuru.com, which details all the features, amenities and other details of every seat on every commercial plane in the US. It is one of those sites that reinforces my faith in the internet — a service that provides exactly the information I need in an easy to use, easy to find manner.

The only problem is that I didn’t find SeatGuru.com quickly enough — turns out the seats I have are some of the worst on the plane! I thought exit row seats always had more leg room — leave it to me to pick the only ones that have less. You can bet I’m kicking myself for not finding SeatGuru quicker. Oh well, there’s always next time…