EN48 et al
I do agree with you 100% about the value of all of the modern equipment some of us are fortunate enough to have with us on the flight deck. I enjoy using these pieces of kit to as much of their potential as I can wrangle out of them and there is absolutely no doubt of the hugely enhanced awarenes of position available (yes, I too know where VeeAny is coming from with his reference to occasional demands being made). I wouldn't recommend for an instant going back to working without them. I'm flying nearly 20 years (a lot less than some) and still sometimes sit there with a silly grin on my face with the satisfaction of watching all this kit make my job so much easier and, therefore, more enjoyable!!
However, I just threw the question, and my remarks, in to stir the pot a little (they didn't really, but never mind!).