j_the_p

Bought one and it arrived. Used it this morning to watch a horrible episode 1 of the new X-Files.

yyznomad

And your verdict? (The product - not the X-Files )

j_the_p

As advertised, it holds a tablet just fine (iPad Air 2 in that pic). Seems sturdy and well made. The bungee is so stiff that I thought it wouldn't handle the iPad, but it does. I can see the elastic tension in the bungee cords being the first thing to go though. All in all, no complaints (other than the fact that I was in Y).

GJS - yow

Is the Surface considered a "large electronic device," like a laptop? During takeoff and landing, large electronic devices need to be stowed.

I know that phones and e-books are allowed to be used (in airplane mode, of course!) during takeoff and landing. I think iPads and other tablets are also allowed. Is the Surface considered a tablet, and therefore allowed?

If not, who makes this determination? Transport Canada, Air Canada, or is it just up to the individual FA?

(p.s. I have a Surface Pro 4 as my only computing device, serving as a desktop, laptop, and tablet)

Adam Smith

Regardless of what the AC/TC policy is, FAs make it up as they go on this one. Sometimes I use it with the keyboard all the way from boarding until after take-off with no problems. Sometimes they get mad at me as long as I have the keyboard attached but are fine with it if I take the keyboard off. One time an officious person wanted me to put it away altogether like a laptop. So I did, waited a minute or two after he had gone, pulled it back out and used it without the keyboard without any further comment from him.

I used to get a lot more hassle about the keyboard, but over time they seem to have become less fussed about it and these days I'm more able to just keep using it.

CATSA is another story. It is very consistently a "laptop" that needs to be removed rather than a tablet that can stay in the bag. I don't even bother trying with them anymore, I just take it out every time.

flyquiet

the pictogram on some security stations shows laptops AND tablets being placed separately n the bin.
(and of course, at other stations, NEITHER need be removed from the bag)
Unless it is clearly neither, I generally do both.

GJS - yow

I suspected it would be this confusing. Just like not being able to use a Bluetooth mouse in-flight on a WiFi-enabled aircraft. I haven't had an explanation about this that makes sense. I know Bluetooth is not the same as WiFi, but both are forms of low-power wireless communication.

AltaBound

When travelling I use an ESR folio case. Kickstand is not used and the folio forms a triangle at the bottom that prevents the Surface Pro from falling of the back of the tray table.

yyznomad

You clearly don't understand that all FAs are technology experts.

You know, like my Surface is a laptop.

Adam Smith

In Europe, for sure, they almost always want the tablets out (in MAN, not only did I have to take out my Surface and iPad, but also my Kindle, two phones, iPod Nano and a calculator ), but I don't think anyone in North America has ever told me to take out my iPad.

quantumofforce

hold up, you have all that electronics and still carry a calculator!?!v

Adam Smith

Can't remember why I had it in my briefcase at the time, I don't usually carry one.

GJS - yow

Silvercity

I use only a iPad Mini when I travel. It does everything I need and want. Further I watch all my movies and shows on it. All in Hi-Def 1080P. I haven't brought I Laptop on a plane in over 18 months. Lastly you don't ever need to take it out of your bag at security. It's not treated as a Laptop.

AirCanadaFlyer

I actually asked IT if I could swap it and they said yes since everyone is looking fir a surface. Traded it in and got an HP laptop last week and this week it is working like a dream!