I think Boeing must have been reading this thread, I have just noticed this new limitation in the latest 737NG FCOM Vol 1 page L.10.7 dated Sept 28 2006:
"ELECTRICAL
The use of Flight Deck Auxiliary Power outlets in the flight deck requires operational regulatory approval."
Since this is an FCOM and hence AFM limitation there is no way around this. Make sure your laptop is fully charged before you come to work.
