Wireless Mouse During Flight
Dec 8, 2003 | 10:00 am
#2
Join Date: Nov 2002
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It's a good question. Do most wireless mice use infrared?
A related question is whether airlines mind laptops that have wireless network cards in them. My wireless card goes in my PCMCIA slot, so I normally just remove it prior to flying. But more and more laptops come equipped with 'internal' wireless network cards. I'm guessing most folks don't disable them in the hardware profile prior to flying, so we've already got some wireless signals flying about the cabin...
A related question is whether airlines mind laptops that have wireless network cards in them. My wireless card goes in my PCMCIA slot, so I normally just remove it prior to flying. But more and more laptops come equipped with 'internal' wireless network cards. I'm guessing most folks don't disable them in the hardware profile prior to flying, so we've already got some wireless signals flying about the cabin...
Dec 8, 2003 | 10:12 am
#3
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Don't know if it's still the case or not, but most wireless accessories, like mice and printers, are prohibited.
Not saying it's valid, just saying they are not allowed.
Delta, for example states as prohibited for the flight:
Devices designed to radiate radio frequency energy on specific frequencies
Peripheral devices for computers or games connected by cable
Whicch would imply you could make an argument for the mouse since it's not connected by a cable and doesn't use radio waves if it's infrared.
Not saying it's valid, just saying they are not allowed.
Delta, for example states as prohibited for the flight:
Devices designed to radiate radio frequency energy on specific frequencies
Peripheral devices for computers or games connected by cable
Whicch would imply you could make an argument for the mouse since it's not connected by a cable and doesn't use radio waves if it's infrared.
Dec 8, 2003 | 10:27 am
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: ORD AA EXP
Posts: 450
Laptops with built in Wi-Fi have on/off switches, so they are fine during flight.
The mice in question don't use infra-red as there is no direct line-of-sight. Rather, I think it's either bluetooth or something similar. A small USB pod that plugs into the computer and the mouse--nothing else.
The mice in question don't use infra-red as there is no direct line-of-sight. Rather, I think it's either bluetooth or something similar. A small USB pod that plugs into the computer and the mouse--nothing else.
Dec 8, 2003 | 6:51 pm
#5
Join Date: Nov 2002
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<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by csb:
Laptops with built in Wi-Fi have on/off switches, so they are fine during flight.
</font>
Laptops with built in Wi-Fi have on/off switches, so they are fine during flight.
</font>
Dec 9, 2003 | 8:03 am
#6
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Washington, D.C.
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cordless mice made today use FM radio signals.
I've used one in flight recently without issue. they don't cause problems and won't cause problems. they're safe.
however, i hear you can be executed if they catch you using one.
I've used one in flight recently without issue. they don't cause problems and won't cause problems. they're safe.
however, i hear you can be executed if they catch you using one.
Dec 9, 2003 | 9:41 am
#7
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: San Francisco, CA
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Posts: 464
On my recent trans-atlantic flights on LH a week ago, the safety video specifically stated that wireless accessories, such as a mouse, are prohibited throughout the flight.
Alex
Alex
Dec 9, 2003 | 7:40 pm
#10
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Join Date: May 1998
Location: Texas, U.S.A.
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<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">I would bet money that the majority of people with built-in Wi-Fi a/ don't know how to turn it off or b/ don't bother, even when flying.</font>