Using a laptop on Megabus

Ash_Pole

I know they don't have tables like trains do, but is there enough room to use a laptop comfortably in a regular seat on a Megabus?

MilesT6060842

Probably not based on my experiences on National Express, likely to get back/muscle strain hunched over with the laptop on your lap in a cramped seat where you may not be able to open the screen wide enough (unless it is a mini 10inch/11 inch screen)

Power may be USB only (how is your battery life?).  WiFi may be weak (slow/spotty), but of course your 4G may also be spotty (and 5G very spotty).

Tablets probably a bit more comfortable (including the sort of laptop where the screen folds fully back on itself to work like a tablet)

On a related point, the new fully EV double decker buses that will be launched soon in London (including the future Superloop routes) have both USB power for every seat and a phone holder (landscape mode) in the back of the seat (no use in front rows, of course).

One point of advice:  when using public USB ports, use a charge only USB cable (not all wires connected) or a special USB dongle that protects against wiring faults/surges over the USB port (accidental or deliberate), or malware from a device hidden behind the port.  Public USB generally will only charge at slow rate 500ma anyway, so additional wires generally have no benefit.

nachtvlinders

MilesT6060842 said:

One point of advice:  when using public USB ports, use a charge only USB cable (not all wires connected) or a special USB dongle that protects against wiring faults/surges over the USB port (accidental or deliberate), or malware from a device hidden behind the port.  Public USB generally will only charge at slow rate 500ma anyway, so additional wires generally have no benefit.

What do you mean by getting a "special USB dongle" - could you upload a link for one that I can purchase, please? I used the National Express Coach a couple of weeks ago and found the USB port didn't connect with my cable as it was so loose. It was like that with other ports I'd tried. Do people use powerbanks still? I have some but they're really heavy. Are they any lighter than the ones I bought 6 years ago? (20000mah) 

Going back to the question on OP where it was practical to use a laptop on a Megabus. I was at the back seats (3-seater) next to the toilet and I was sat at window seat and another passenger on the other side leaving the middle seat free. I had to wedge my laptop with my crossed leg and my rucksack so that I was able to somehow create a bit of stability whilst I was typing on the keyboard. I made it possible, but it wasn't the easiest thing to get right. 

MilesT6060842

Example charge only adapter.  You can also get "charge only" cables.  If you can find one that offers electrical/surge protection then that's ideal.  

A USB power bank will be safer and more reliable in case the USB port on the seat is not working.

cymruchris

If it's a small lightweight compact laptop I think you'd be fine (10/11" screen) but if it's a big hefty laptop it might be a bit more uncomfortable. I recently used Megabus for the first time, and found that quite a number of their onboard USB chargers didn't actually work on the bus I was on. So don't rely on keeping it powered from the bus.

MilesT6060842

cymruchris said:

If it's a small lightweight compact laptop I think you'd be fine (10/11" screen) but if it's a big hefty laptop it might be a bit more uncomfortable. I recently used Megabus for the first time, and found that quite a number of their onboard USB chargers didn't actually work on the bus I was on. So don't rely on keeping it powered from the bus.

USB-A (the common rectangular ones) ports may cap at 0.5A which is not enough to power a laptop.  even a maximum power USB-A port can only provide around 2.1A and that's also not enough to power a laptop which typically needs at least 45W which is 9A (although will slowly charge a laptop which is off).  Tablets and phones need less power and usually can work indefinitely off USB (or may discharge battery slowly if in use for intensive activities like streaming video, especially over 4G/5G)

DullGreyGuy

Thought USB-A max was 0.9A/ 4.5w?

Certainly no recommendation for the OP but the one advantage of the new Apple laptops is their tiny power requirements. My "Pro" will charge from a 20w power brick whilst doing normal office stuff whereas my Surface Laptop wont even charge from it when not in use. 

The Mrs Air doing normal office type stuff tends to use about 5w and so in theory could charge, or at least hold its charge from a 4.5w USBA but never tried it.

A small laptop on the bus should be ok but personaly would want something to sit it on to raise it up as lap height is too low

MilesT6060842

DullGreyGuy said:

Thought USB-A max was 0.9A/ 4.5w?

Correct that the original USB-A spec maxed at 0.9A;  but I have seen sockets in devices max out at the 0.5A level (smartTV's to be fair).  Later versions of the spec allow a higher draw (most multi-port USB-A bricks offer a socket that is around 2A and other sockets at around 1A, for a total of 3-4A;  USB hubs (unpowered or powered) usually have a max draw across all the sockets as well

Getting more amps over a USB cable usually requires both ends to implement the PD (Power delivery) spec where the devices negotiate what is available (and I think can negotiate voltage as well, allowing higher than 5V). Unlikely to see PD in a "public" context.  

And some solutions originally used multiple USB-A plugs or an wider USB plug to increase available power to devices beyond what one USB-A socket could provide at the original specs. Now a rarity, and not really relevant to public USB-A socket.

CKhalvashi

A 17in laptop was too much to comfortably work on with Flixbus last time I tried (far outside the UK). I ended up working on my phone (we largely use Google Docs so not too big problem). A notebook or similar should be fine, as should a tablet.

I believe that Megabus have WiFi and plugs, but I'm not sure on this.