I normally sit in row 1 Club Europe or 2D on the Embraer flight from/to LCY several times a month. These are front rows, but not exit rows. If I need to use my laptop during a flight, I'll put it in the seat pocket attached to the bulkhead during takeoff and landing. This is not normally an issue, but on 3 occasions the member of cabin crew has insisted the the laptop is put in the overhead cabin during takeoff and landing. It's usually a staff member who appears new.
I can't see any logical explanation as to why a laptop in the seatpocket of row 1, is any more of a problem that in any other row?
I'm intrigued, is this a case of cabin crew misinterpreting their guidance or is it a real rule?