Flying high with Wi-Fi - got power?

Okay so in spite of the obvious danger from IP activated bombs the airlines still think they want to put Wi-Fi on planes. Fair enough - soon we'll all be flying on a wing and a prayer as the saying goes
, and nothing fails like prayer as the other saying goes. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Anyway...

The bigger, more clear and present danger is that of impending power loss - that of laptop users. Just what are the cabin crew going to do when Dick Executive (aka. Executive Dick) flattens his battery in aisle 69DD after watching too much executive p0rn (Debbie Does Debt Equity and Leveraged Big Tits Buy Outs) and now insists he has to have more power to draft some pesky executive signing statements? Tempers will fray, batteries will be thrown and sooner or later airlines will get it - Wi-Fi without power to every seat will spell trouble.

But that's a huge drop of power isn't it? 30W or more times 300 people - 10kW of extra power to deliver. I guess compared to keeping a plane in the air it is probably not much but they better be ready for it! Or are they planning some Sky Mall scoop selling ready charged batteries straight from the drinks cart for $200 a pop? I can hear it now, "Gin and Battery Tonic sir?" . "American Express, that'll do nicely. And would you like a privacy screen and napkin to go with that?"

Oh sweet joy, can in flight cellphones be far behind?

And then they haven't considered all the fist fights that will break out as more and more people in cattle class try to bust out their 17 inch lappies on the drink tray and the "Born to recline" dude in front does just that... Can anyone say "snap, crackle and pop" ??? I mean it has happened to me on more than one occasion and I have a mere 12 inch screen. Fortunately lightening fast reactions have saved me on every occasion. Others wont be so lucky and the results wont be pretty. Lets just say that SkyMall will soon be offering "dial-a-damage-attorney" service too.

The solution to this problem (like in-seat power for all) is clearly built in large screens in every seat back along with a USB hub and pull out keyboard plus mouse. It should only cost $100 per seat, a triffling amount compared to what they make from each seat per year but mark my words, it'll be a loooooooong time coming and if you're ever in a crash - happy landings in the LCD.

Sounds too negative? Oh well, I don't call this "The Long Dark Tech-time of the Soul" for nothing!