I recently undertook 2 plane-journeys, and I've been intrigued by certain safety-measures, particularly concerning electronic equipment, and I have a few questions:

1. Why aren't CD-players allowed on-board?
2. Why aren't mobile-phones allowed to be used?
3. Concerning lap-top computers, there's something about being able to use them only during flight - only before and after taking-off and landing, but not connecting to a printer or the internet even during flight. Can someone explain the reasons behind these?

Thanks!

Have look at this May 1999 report by the (Australian) Department of Transport and Regional Services; Bureau of Safety Investigation. It's in pdf format, so I can't copy and paste any parts of it - see paragraph 4.8.6, Personal Electronic Devices, on page 39.

http://www.atsb.gov.au/aviation/pdf/regional.pdf

Ah, I see; thanks for the help!

My computer doesn't want to translate the PDF format so I can't read the text of the web site you referenced, gtho4. However, the use of any electronic equipment by passengers on airliners that will generate a signal has long been banned because these interfere with on-board aircraft navigation instruments.