(73P4485) 72W Slim AC/DC Combo Adapter?

[beq]

In the TABook under T43 and X41T sections I see this new part number (73P4485) to describe a "slim" AC/DC combo adapter, whereas the old part number (22P9010) AC/DC combo adapter is not described as "slim".

But I can't find the new part number in IBM/Lenovo's store yet, and was just wondering if it's actually smaller/slimmer than the old combo adapter?

[Ground Loop]

I bought the 56W "Ultraportable AC Adapter" and was suprised to find that it's only slightly smaller than the standard 72W T43 adapter. It is, however, lighter.

02K6880 ThinkPad 56W Ultraportable AC Adapter

[DoS]

I finally got a reply from IBM after initially being told the part did not exist. Screen captures were attached to the 2nd inquiry.

Thank you for contacting Lenovo the makers of ThinkPad and ThinkCenter
products.

It seems the 'slim' model you have referenced (part # 73P4485) is not going
to be available until October.

The initial expected drop date of July was pushed back. We apologize for
any inconvenience.

Thank you for contacting Lenovo.

[jdhurst]

You should not be using the 56 watt adapter with a T machine. If your T draws the full 72 watts, it can overheat the 56 watt adapter. ... JD Hurst

[beq]

The old 72W AC/DC combo adapter is noticeably bigger and more unwieldy than the 56W AC adapter for my X40.

So I've been wondering if it's better to just carry the 56W AC adapter along with a small power inverter (which plugs into the lighter socket and supplies AC power, like this one).

But perhaps this new slim 72W AC/DC combo adapter is small enough that I can use it instead.


BTW, I wish they make ThinkPad power adapters with retractable cable, since I use retractable cables for everything else (from ZipLinq.com, Boxwave.com, etc). I already use retractable Figure-8 power cable that hooks up to the adapter (see bottom of this page).