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They'll probably tell you not to use it during the pre-flight safety presentation, but it's not going to be a problem. Hell, the only reason they don't want you to use your cell phone is because they want you to pay for their hilariously expensive in-flight phone system. Not that you'll get any signal for 95% of a flight...I've accidentally left my phone on for the duration of transatlantic flights before.
You'll be fine, technically there are no reason (in a modern aircraft) that a personal communication device will interfere with the aircraft's electronics. But they will tell you not to use it during ascending and descending sequence.
Mythbusters tested with a device several times more powerful than a cell phone and found that it disrupted things a bit in a small personal aircraft but had no effect in a commercial airliner. That being said, you'll probably still get in trouble for using it. They'll think you're a terrorist trying to bring down the plane.
I haven't watched that Mythbuster episode, but did they take into account the fact that maybe 100+ devices could potentially be used at any time. Because I'm sure one device won't make a difference, but if everyone used their devices, that might pose a problem.
Mythbuster tested it. Pc's,cellphones,etc. wont affect any of their controls in the plane unless you are using somekind of device that was intended for that purpose.
RF transmitters can definitely have some impact on ILS signal reception, which is an issue during final approach. The law requires you to obey the instructions of crew.
Incidentally, wireless telephones and wireless devices are banned at nuclear facilities. For largely the same reasons. While it is highly improbable that they interfere, they simply cannot take chances.
I wouldn't want to ride in any plane that could be affected by the use of a computer mouse. But of course it only makes sense to comply with take off and landing requirements.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.
