V5000Z and DV5000Z on airplane and portability

Has anyone used the dv5000z or the v5000z on a plane (coach) with a 12 cell battery? I bought a compaq v2000z 14.1" Widescreen and had it for over a week. The thing is I have to squint and it strains my eyes. The resolution 1280 x 768 on a 14" screen is very small even with cleartype enabled. I regularly use a 19" LCD at home and at work and I am used to a bigger screen. I would like to return the v2000z for a v5000Z but I am afraid it might be too big (depth) when I am sitting on a plane with those tiny airplane trays. (I have no gut) Especially after reading this review I'm afraid I'll make a wrong decision. http://www.secretreality.com/words/zt3000-review/HP_zt3000_laptop-review-part2.htm
Also using the 12 cell battery adds about 0.5" to the height and I am afraid the bigger 15.4" screen will be useless during flight when I can't position the screen because the chair is on a reclined position. I have traveled with my gateway 200arc and Dell c610 (both 14" Non widescreen) with no problem and and I think any bigger would be pushing it. I went to Best Buy and looked at 15.4" , and I don't think they're all that big.

 

It can be done, but its tight, I've traveled with my Dell 6000D and it really doesn't work well - especially if the person reclines, or if I'm in an airplane with tight seating.