Can anyone tell me what the regulations are for taking and using a laptop on a plane.  I just wondered if there it causes a long examination of the laptop by security or do they just put it through the scanners.

laptops are now scaned on there own, at the passenger security screening area BA website say ....Can I take electrical items such as an MP3 player, digital/film/video camera, or mobile phone in my hand baggage?
Yes, provided they fit within a bag no bigger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (22 x 17.5 x 9.85 inches).
Large electrical equipment such as laptops and hair dryers must be removed from hand baggage and placed in a tray for x-ray screening.

Laptops have to be turn off will on the ground ,take off ,landing and when the seat belt sing is on

cool that helps, I thought thats proberbly the procedure but thought it was best to doubke check.