With the situation changing all the constantly there it's really difficult to find reliable information, as not too long ago even camcorders were frowned upon.

Has anyone had any problems with customs when bringing in a laptop or ipad? I am staying for ten days and can't completely leave work behind.

It's no problem at all. But if you want internet connection, keep in mind that with the exception of top-tier hotels, they are pretty rare. And even in hotels, they are pretty slow and are sometimes down. But this is changing rapidly.
Also, foreign cell phones do not work there. But if you have a "not-too-bad" wifi, you can connect a blackberry or i-phone and receive your e-mails.

You can find a internet cafe almost everywhere, but the connection will be very slow of course. Also almost every mid-range hotel will have a connection.

No problem to take electronic to and from the country now.

It is no problem bringing in any electronic equipment as a tourist (and hasn't been for many many years now).

In Yangon many cafes and restaurants have wifi as others have said it is slow but fine for email etc just don't think about streaming video etc.

Thank you all for the responses and assuring me that it's all alright.
I understand the internet connections are really patchy (just like power in general) but I mainly need it for general offline work, and perhaps checking my email twice a week, no biggie.

I've been there twice in the past year, bringing laptop, ipad, iphone and large camera. No one cared.

Anyone try to use GPS in Burma?

Remember, GPS is carried by satellites in orbit, not by anything in the country you are in.

Unless a country specifically jams the signal it's going to work.

Yes, I did. No problem at all, but the maps aren't correct. Don't know if they use a faked offset in the maps like china do or if its just the poor quality of available maps (I think the second is right).

Can't speak for Burma but for GPS stuff in general...

I'm sure the coordinates are correct unless they are being jammed by the military or the government (unlikely).

In any case, even in western countries in order for the maps to be accurate they have to be lined up with the coordinates manually at certain intervals distance wise (but once it's done, you're good), either by ground staff or via satellite photos. Burma and other less developed countries probably just haven't been focused on because of the extensive efforts required.

Yes, but e.g. China have a offset in the maps. If you check google maps with google satellit you will see the difference, they doesnt fit. If you are in china they will show you the right map without the gap. So if you downloaded a google offline map when you was abroud and travel to china, you cant use it. If you download the map while you are in china there is no gap.

Thanks for those details, I wasn't actually aware of that discrepancy with the Chinese maps.

Figured I would post an update to the situation now that I had returned.

Customs for the most part was indeed a breeze and they will essentially let you through with anything as long as you don't plan to leave it behind. The customs agents actually went through everyone's bags and made us all (ie the entire flight) fill out very detailed declarations listing anything of value; computers, ipods, cellphones, watches, books and even my wedding band. At this point due to my suspicious and non-trusting nature I gave them a fake address just in case the information is sold to some "field associates".

Regarding the GPS... yes for the most part the devices worked alright when it came to showing the coordinates but the maps are completely off and there is some jamming going on in remote sensitive areas where the signal would either completely go away or just be all over the place.