[ltp] DVD Movie on T30 w/o AC

[linux-thinkpad@linux-thinkpad.org]

>Although I read something recently that because (some?) new type of
>wireless had demonstratedly interfered with plane communications, many
>airlines were thinking of blanket-banning laptops, since most flight
>attendents wouldn't be able to tell the difference, even to make the
>right announcement.

Interesting. The original rule was because cheap radios / tv are very 
sloppy on the bandwidth and can cause cross-interference. Modern wireless 
devices are far, far better at staying within range. The instruments in a 
plane that would be affected work in the uhf and vhf spectrum. The 
frequencies are just above the fm radio range.
Modern avionics should not be affected by these at all. 

During visual flight rules where these devices are allowed (you can still 
see where you're going if everything fails), we've used cellhones and 
handheld scanners and not affected the plane at all, even on the 
comparatively cheap instruments used in general aviation planes (small 
cessna's etc)

A lot of the rules implemented by the airlines are blanket rules not 
specifically mandated by the regulations. (Although, the seat belts during 
take off, landing, and taxi-ing are FAA regs, hence the keep belts on 
until at the gate)

I doubt this will go through though, on the typical flights that are full 
of business travellers, the laptop usage rate has got to be 10-20% of 
passengers.

Mike