Finnair Plus - Goodbye to AVOD etc and welcome tablets?

Finnair is trialing this:

http://www.ausbt.com.au/finnair-to-ditch-in-seat-entertainment-screens-for-ipads

Finnair is trialing this:

http://www.ausbt.com.au/finnair-to-ditch-in-seat-entertainment-screens-for-ipads

Interesting, I didn't know they are already trying (sorta) this on HEL-HKG flights. I wonder how many iPads they have to lend? And what kind of entertainment is loaded in them?

"Finnair is already trialling a service under which business class passengers flying from Helsinki to Hong Kong can borrow an iPad in the lounge at Helsinki and take it on board their flight to Hong Kong."

At least a few airlines seem to be taking this direction. American Airlines has announced they will be issuing Samsung Galaxy Tab tablet computers to premium passengers on certain routes (notably 757s and 767s currently using Archos 704 PED / personal entertainment media players).

http://assets.gearlive.com/blogimages/Archos_American_Airlines.jpg
Current AA Archos 704 PED

http://socialmediaseo.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/samsung-galaxy-tab-video-review-demo.jpg
Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1

Sounds like a good idea, and I think a lot of airlines are going to go with something similar in the future. According to Wikipedia (yes, not the most reliable source in the world, but matches what I've heard from other sources) an PTV-IFE system costs something between 2 and 5 million USD per plane. Even at retail prices (which AY would not pay for sure) that 2 million buys 4 000 iPads.
Also maintenance is a lot easier for devices that can be easily taken out instead of making the plane wait while a mechanic changes or fixes a faulty component on the fixed IFE.
It just a sad fact that if something is made for a plane, it costs at least 10 times what a similar product would otherwise cost.
If they have a nice wireless feed of content and a possibility to charge the device conveniently at your seat + a decent stand then why not?