Derek McClure, an International Police Advisor on the Civilian Police Assistance Training Team in Baghdad, Iraq, pointed me to a power charging solution for my upcoming flight to Germany (and all future flights, for that matter):

Hey Chris, I just watched your Travel Gear segment on YouTube and just wanted to offer my experiences since I have traveled through the Middle East and parts of Europe and have used my laptop, iPod all along the way.

I also don’t like all the clutter of cables and adapters. For my iPod I carry a device called the Inflight Power recharger. This device allows you to charge any USB chargeable device from the audio output on your airplane seat. It also comes with a iPod to USB adapter and has a battery backup if you wanted to charge without the audio output.

As far as the laptop goes, “most” will handle 110/220 so all you need is the outlet adapter like you displayed on your video. It should work fine. We have 220-240v here is Iraq and in Jordan when I travel there and all I ever use is a simple plug adapter. Power surges/spikes are your biggest threat though. So I would certainly suggest a converter and/or surge protector.

I’ve ordered two of ‘em – and I’m loading up my iPod and PSP with a few media files that I haven’t had a chance to watch lately. Here’s the video Derek is refereeing to, BTW:

Power on the Airplane: Airline Adapter