F.A.A. Approves iPads in Cockpits, But... Not for Passengers

Common misconceptions: the ban on using electronic devices during take-off and landing is nothing to do with interference with aircraft systems, and everything to do with facilitating prompt passenger evacuation in event of an emergency. Books/magazines are allowed only because most people will abandon them willingly; for some reason a large minority are unwilling to simply ditch their SHINY!! if they have to leave the plane, which would result in faffing around with the potential to cost time and lives.

(It's part of the broader issue of how we behave in crises; some people freeze, some people continue to behave as if nothing untoward is happening -- only a minority behave appropriately, without training. And air passengers are in general anything but trained.)

Even the NYTimes falls for this canard regularly ...