Short or compact AC power brick cable / cord replacement options

[Guest]

[oqo2ar]

So, I really have come to dislike the long, bulky 2-pin AC power cable when traveling.  I got a little sticker shock when I realized the OQO short accessory cable was 19.00 + shipping cost and it does not even tell you how long it is (though I found out later it is 8").  There are several standard cables on ebay if you search for "figure 8 power cord."  I bought a 2 foot version for 76 cents from someone in HK. 

Here is one slightly more expensive for example:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=310090158044

Also, here is a nice product from Ziplinq that I have not tried that has a retractable cable.  If someone has tried it, please give your opinion on how good it is for traveling:
http://www.jr.com/cables-unlimited/pe/CBU_ZIP_hy_PWR_hy_NB/

UPDATE 10/18:
Here is a great option suggested by "mviniegra" below.  It involves using a MAC wall plug which is essentially a 90 degree adapter that takes an AC wall plug to figure 8 power cord.  This adapter would plug directly into the OQO power brick and eliminate the need for any additional cord.  The metal prongs even fold for even more convenience.  The relevant part numbers are 922-5863 or 603-1377 or 661-4339.  Here is an example auction on ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Plug-for-Apple-611-0463-661-4269-661-4485-661-4259_W0QQitemZ260239609213QQcmdZViewItem?_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116

ANOTHER UPDATE 10/23:
Here is a link to the Cyberguys.com website that sells a 1 foot power cord for $1.79.  This is a great alternative to the 8" cord that OQO sells for $19.99 + tax + shipping:
http://www.cyberguys.com/templates/SearchDetail.asp?productID=6511

[Stuart]

I have the OQO short power cable.  It is about 8in long.

[stuartguthrie]

Also, here is a nice product from Ziplinq that I have not tried that has a retractable cable.  If someone has tried it, please give your opinion on how good it is for traveling:
http://www.jr.com/cables-unlimited/pe/CBU_ZIP_hy_PWR_hy_NB/

What a great idea to keep the cables neat and tidy when travelling! I've seen these with USB and Firewire cords but never AC cords.

Just a quick question, I'd be very worried about purchasing power cords over eBay for such cheap prices, would they be the same quality? Could they circuit the computer or something like that?

Stu

[sandydlc]

Also, here is a nice product from Ziplinq that I have not tried that has a retractable cable.  If someone has tried it, please give your opinion on how good it is for traveling:
http://www.jr.com/cables-unlimited/pe/CBU_ZIP_hy_PWR_hy_NB/
 

We have the Ziplinq for my husband's Fujitsu laptop and it's compact, however it doesn't retract reliably.  it worked fine at first, but gets stuck now most of the time.

The short cord on ebay is tempting.  Hmm.

[oqo2ar]

Just a quick question, I'd be very worried about purchasing power cords over eBay for such cheap prices, would they be the same quality? Could they circuit the computer or something like that?
Stu

The cord is standard.  All it really needs to do is carry a current.  The 2' version is a Toshiba replacement part.  I'm sure it will be fine but I will let you know when I get it.  You may also be surprised to know that most of the OQO is made is China.  I think I would rather pay 76cents + about $4 for shipping for a 2' cord then $19 + tax + shipping for an 8" cord from OQO. 

[stuartguthrie]

Just a quick question, I'd be very worried about purchasing power cords over eBay for such cheap prices, would they be the same quality? Could they circuit the computer or something like that?
Stu

The cord is standard.  All it really needs to do is carry a current.

Thanks for clearing that up for me. I'm guessing that the internal wiring would still be of the same quality.

Stu

[mviniegra]

What I have done, that works great from me is use the removable plug from an apple AC adapter. The prongs fold when not in use and it works great. Just attach it to the oqo transformer.

[oqo2ar]

Great suggestion about the MAC plug.  I've added that to the first post with part numbers.

[oqo2ar]

So the short cord I bought on eBay works fine.  It does what it is supposed to do (carry a current) and takes up less space in the carry-on.  I also ordered a MAC adapter which will likely be an even better option.

[sandydlc]

I had to place an order for Cyberguys today and I included the cord you referenced in your updated message.  Thank you!!

Sandy