Is there any official reason given that the 'tried and tested' iPad is not being selected as the EFB of choice. All the other major airlines surely can't be wrong?

The problem isn't the hardware.

I remember in the old days it was AS's personal hatred of mobile/tablet devices, but I guess that's not an issue anymore.

My take was that it's a budget thing i.e. the cheapest available like everything else here.

But a casual comment to somebody in the know revealed that just like the CRS bidding system they wanted to fiddle with it and apparently iPad won't allow that. But Surface or whatever it is will.

If it's frozen, let it go...

Ba da boom.

Yes. Apparently they wanted to fiddle with the security to make it a bespoke system but Apple told them to knob off as they aren't a big enough customer! I'm just happy if someone told them to knob off for whatever reason.

I had heard it's because we have some sort of exclusive agreement with Microsoft.

I use a Surface as my personal laptop and it's really good-not quite iPad good, but fast and reliable.

Clearly the problem is what EK has done to it....

Surface or Surface pro? All surfaces are not created equally....

The problem is 2-fold, firstly by design in that we are using the Surface and not the Pro. This is a mobile phone processor and clearly not up to the job required.
Secondly is the VPN internet connection (at EK's insistence) that slows everything right down unless you are connected to a corporate network in which case it isn't then required.

The tablet tries to cycle, then because it's slow and the update doesn't work, crashes and can't be recovered.

You could just keep it simple and run LIDO's mPilot app on an iPad (robust and reliable), Boeing's iPad OPT for performance, Docunet for manuals, then add some simple apps for filing ASRs etc. Wouldn't cost much even if you had to pay an outsider to do the programming (no Apple guys in EGIT of course).

Can't see why security is an issue for charts and perf etc. So many other airlines getting by just fine on EFOS and equivalent systems.

Or maybe EK just got a job load of Surface tablets from the same supplier of the chinese-made Wenger flight bags ;-)

Guys, I store my tablet in the Microwave when at home, so big brother has a problem spying on me.

Yeah- mines a surface pro- I think I see where the problem lies.....

Interesting convo with a guy in the know who says if the Co IT desires, the EPT can now effectively be a camera & mic in the flight deck even if, wait for it, the power is off but battery life remains.

Don't shoot the messenger.

Strategic scotch tape now applied

😟

Apart from needing an Internet connection of some type to be remotely activated this is a good story.
It's just a tablet. Note as good as some, but better than nothing.

@fliion no scotch tape required if left in cupboard where it belongs

Don - suspect you are correct re. it is what it is.

However wifi signal is all snooper software needs says he, which of course we have.

Ruserious: 👍🏻

Oh come now. Surely there is no reason to spy on anyone in the Happiest City on Earth or whatever they're pushing it as?

United Arab Emirates' government likely behind latest hacking attempt

A bit darkly amusing that the attack is strongly thought to be designed by an Israeli firm. I guess you'll get into bed with anyone when you want something bad enough.

Technical analysis for those so inclined:

Zero-Days Exploit used against UAE Human Rights Defender

Nope, not conspiracy theorist stuff. Was considered serious enough for Apple to through everything they had at it to patch the hole ASAP.

Just this past August.

Naive probably, but how does it work that this "doorstop" is a required bit of kit as far as the company is concerned, yet we are responsible for it, even when there are no protective covers available to prevent every day wear and tear damage?
Also what is the deal should one NOT sign acceptance of said doorstop?:eek: