Ian Landsman is Starting From Scratch, August 10, 2006:
Terrorists and ISV Ideas
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Perhaps a bit crude, but terrorist plots are potential big business for small ISV’s. The world was already heading for an offsite workforce, but these threats will greatly speed up that process. Not because of the fear, but the inconvenience. Is there any doubt we’re heading for a world where no electronic devices are allowed in carry on bags? I think it’s a no brainer. At that point every consultant out there just lost half their productive time as they flip through magazines on 12 hours flights instead of working.
What ideas do you have that might ease that transition?
Discussion
I think you're right here. I was talking to my wife about this last night.
How about laptop rentals when you get off the plane? Just like you go to Enterprise to rent a car, you go to Rob's Laptop Rental to get your laptop.
If we all use web-based apps the laptop can have minimal software on it.
Created by Rob Bazinet on 08.11.2006 9:14 am
How about laptop rentals when you get ON the plane (the plane offers Wifi access of course).
Ban everything, and offer it for rent aboard the plane.
Created by Bob Razinet on 08.11.2006 10:59 am
Sorry... magazines won't be allowed either. Someone might try to give the pilot paper cuts!
More seriously, though, there are lots of opportunities available in general right now because of the security hysteria and you're right that new ones have just opened.
I do doubt, though, that electronic devices will be banned long term. I think that the travelers will demand it and have the ability to use laptops and whatnot on flights.
Created by Kevin Dangoor on 08.11.2006 11:29 am
I really like the idea of being able to rent laptops which are pre-secured. Not a great idea for a small ISV, but still a great idea.
I think it will probably happen Kevin. Airlines are one place where consumers have a hard time determining the decisions. At the end of the day if you need to go from NY to CA you're going to fly even if they don't allow laptops and ipods.
With most new planes having built in TV/entertainment I think it would go over OK.
Created by Ian on 08.11.2006 12:16 pm
Right, not exactly an idea to be implemented by a uISV in any scale. My comment was really just based on the conversation I had with my wife last night and how the recent events could open some business opportunities.
Created by Rob Bazinet on 08.11.2006 12:46 pm
This could also be a good long-term reason to find analog ways of getting work done — reading, writing, drawing with pen/pencil and paper.
But I guess that doesn't solve the opportunites for micro-ISV developers. 
Created by Mike Rohde on 08.11.2006 2:00 pm
Hi,
for me, this is a matter of reading more. I always have at least one book in my suitcase, and often publish reviews at my blog(its called TamsPALM, but isn't too Palm OS focussed anymore...waay top much ISV, UI design and marketing in there =)):
http://tamspalm.tamoggemon.com/category/hardware-reviews/book-reviews/
Best regards
Tam Hanna
Created by Tam Hanna on 08.11.2006 3:40 pm