SAFETY

Have airlines to ban laptops to be used in flights?

On 21 June 2006, during a conference in Japan, a laptop computer suddenly explode into flames. The computer was on a table and no one was hurt. It was later revealed it was a Dell computer, even though there is any further details of the model.

An eyewitness reported the computer produced "several explosions for more than five minutes." The fire was put out with fire extinguishers.

Defective notebook batteries are known to have the potential of overheating and even bursting into flames.

Two comments:

1. It is maybe time to avoid actually using a laptop on our laps.
2. What could happen if such an incident breaks out on a plane? If electronic devices can not be used during take-off and landings, mots of the airlines allow computers to be used during other phases of the flight...