78J has a different system than the 789, and is world's better. I like it better than SQ's IFE. The picture-in-picture feature is neat, as is the split screen; the flight stats refresh so much quicker than the older systems.

Thanks! The captain made an announcement right after my post - something about making FAA happy.

The inaugural (official) flight from EWR was good. Hard product shined; although I expected nothing less following UA's 77W and other retrofitted Polaris configured birds. The IFE scored high in my books, super responsive and a lot of new features - e.g. relaxation mode, news, weather, picture-in-picture; split screen, despite no volume from the headset (second time now; previously SFO-TPE last summer). Seating not as comfortable as compared to 77W, maybe because 78J has narrower cabin?

On the other hand, the service left much to be desired, especially in J. Wasn't served until somewhere in the vicinity of Chicago; puzzling because it looked like the service was divided between rows 1 through 6 and rows 7 through 11 (was seated in row 7). I usually like the food UA serves, but tonight's meal looked and tasted subpar. Also, repeatedly asked the FA to check the headset volume issue but to no avail.

UA threw a small party at EWR to commemorate the new plane service. Media was on hand, there was a food spread, and everyone got certificate for being on the first flight. I think UA did the same thing for both UA2418 from LAX and UA275 from EWR.

Flying back to EWR this week on the same plane in PP.