I have read that there are experimental human-powered generators (e.g., Yo-yo) for laptops to be sold to children in under-developed countries. Does anyone know of a commercially available human-powered generator suitable for use on the long flights to and from Africa to recharge a laptop's battery?

I'm no expert on this, but planes are commonly equipped with 120vac outlets in the restrooms. Send it in with my wife and it will be fully charged by the time she vacates

Check with your airline because on most long haul flights a certain number or seats in economy and most seats in business class will have power ports in the seat.

Some power ports will accept your three prong plug some will require a special adapter.

Check with your local computer guy. There is a device noe that plugs into the headphone jack and will convert that little bit of energy to the battery of your laptop. My son has one for his Apple laptop.

stonecreek -

Mr. Cunningham,

Thanks for the suggestion. I checked the Apple website (just out of curiosity as I have a PC-based laptop) and found only adapters for EMPOWER or 20mm power ports. As it turns out SAA doesn't offer power ports in Economy, so I guess I'll have to leave the computer and take a long book.

As for using the restroom plug, I'm out of luck because my wife is staying home.