That would be expensive for airline companies. Even if they were bare.

Airlines are struggling with money due to high fuel cost, their employess are getting paid so little that they are eligible for food stamps, and yet you think that they should provide you with a laptop. Buy your own laptop and quit demanding so much. Buy your own plane, or fly an expensive airline that will cater to your every need.

Are you trying to bring the aircraft down? Laptops and mobile phones give off electromagnetic radiation which can cause electrical currents to flow in the aircraft systems circuitry to bad effect, this is why airlines tell people to switch these things off during the flight. And before people write back to say this can't happen,dont bother, you are totally wrong.I am a pilot and a systems test engineer and it can. There have been several incidents reported where they traced the cause of a critical system failure to some bozo using a mobile phone during landing which almost brought the aircraft down.

To the originator of this idea, don't be disheartened by the comments thus far.

First, if "rental" is still the same term that is in my dictionary, then a fee is charged for the use of this laptop --so perhaps those commentator's that are damning it for expense (even telling you to buy your own airplane? ...give me a break) are confused about that term "rental." I am sure putting those little T.V. sets on the seatbacks weren't cheap either, but the roughly $5 charge per customer makes for a nice feature for both airline and flier.

Also, I am under the assumption that most people read the "Why Not..." book where there was a section on propositions without cost consideration ("What would Croesus do?). Thus, even if some idea originator's propose something quite expensive, it should only spur those with thinking brains to maybe construct and contribute scenarios within the realm of possibility. Again, your use of "rental" would only apply to the self-generated misunderstandings of the first two commentators.

As for that pilot. First, the idea originator was NOT proposing a cell phone rental in-flight. Second, if you are a pilot, I am Bill Gates and I am selling Microsoft Office for $5 (bring your own CD).

What for?I have seen laptop users playing solitaire, work on expense forms, just stare at the computer, trying to impress neighbors with the latest laptops, play DVD movies, etc. Laptops have poor battery life and it is difficult to do any meaningful work while flying. Besides, if any food or beverage spills, it would be a big hassle. Just pack it, take a good nap during the flight, and arrive at your destination, connect the laptop and work.

What for?I have seen laptop users playing solitaire, work on expense forms, just stare at the computer, trying to impress neighbors with the latest laptops, play DVD movies, etc. Laptops have poor battery life and it is difficult to do any meaningful work while flying. Besides, if any food or beverage spills, it would be a big hassle. Just pack it, take a good nap during the flight, and arrive at your destination, connect the laptop and work.

What for?I have seen laptop users playing solitaire, work on expense forms, just stare at the computer, trying to impress neighbors with the latest laptops, play DVD movies, etc. Laptops have poor battery life and it is difficult to do any meaningful work while flying. Besides, if any food or beverage spills, it would be a big hassle. Just pack it, take a good nap during the flight, and arrive at your destination, connect the laptop and work.

The main reason I don't believe this would work is the lack of intelligence and training of the typical steward or stewardess. To expect them to deal with connection of devices, troubleshoot computers on the fly (literally), and deal with all sorts of software virus / compatibility issues is unrealistic. Let them stick to what they do best....not much.