Question?

[abuckeye005]

Why can you not use cell phones, laptops, etc...during takeoff? is it more for safety or could they actually effect the plane?

[MathFox]

For most part, because it's the law. You are not allowed to have a working radio transmitter on board that is not aviation (FAA) approved. And yes, GSM phones do cause audible interference with radio communication. Just enough to garble two words and ask for a retransmission.
Another very important reason: passenger irritation about seatmates jabbering about. Please allow me some peace and have your phone off.

Computers, phones and such, can become dangerous projectiles when the aircraft has to brake abruptly (or during turbulence.) So, keep the electronics stowed while not in use.

[Barb-SAN]

In addition to MathFox's points, if you were talking on a cell phone, or listening to your IPod during take-off, if there was an emergency you might not hear announcements from the FA's telling you what to do. :eek:

I agree, it is annoying to be trapped next to someone jabbering on a cell phone, e.g. sitting at the gate waiting to taxi out, while it is still permissable to use them. Not sure why it's more annoying than listening to a passenger talk to another passenger. Maybe because you are more clearly excluded from the cell phone conversation, being unable to hear half of it, but forced to hear the other half? :confused: