Is using a computer allowed?! I went to Pakistan and they stopped me from using my laptop and imagine now I will be going to chicago :S
its absolutely allowed during the flight, only not during the take off/landing and turbulence.. Else some airlines has power outlets as well..
I guess you would be trying Emirates and Etihad to Chicago, so Aisha, they definitely allow Laptop. Also its not allowed only in older aircrafts now, which are mostly in use in short haul flights only especially in the Middle East/Asian SubContinent region.
Back to the topic, I watch movies and a lot of movies, including the Indian Ones on my long haul flights. :).