Adverse Effects?

[Phantom Noodler]

If I were to package a desktop computer up and bring it on a plane with me (not directly with me, but in the cargo hold), when they put the computer through that x-ray scanner or whatever they use to screen stuff, will it damage my computer? Are there any risks?

[cracked]

it would probably be ok since (i think) they make you put your laptops through there all the time. but since ive never taken a laptop on a plane i would get a second opinion.

drew

[muno]

I've taken laptop in plane many times (had it in the cabin also), one is allowed (at least in finland) to even use his laptop during flight - but not during takeoff/landing.

Magnetic scans could possible harm hd's and fd's.
-M

[Idigguns]

I'd be much more worried about how the baggage handlers handle the package! Have you ever seen those guys throwing the luggage around? Now, maybe if you removed the HDD and put it in your carry on it would be ok. I think the HDD is the only part that you'ld have to worry about.

[Theophylact]

The metal-detector scans involve a very low field, probably not mush stronger than that produced by a floppy-drive motor, and won't be powerful enough to degauss your disks. The X-rays also won't hurt the hard drive or floppies, and they'd have to be of killing strength before they'd damage your chips. In principle, of course, they could cause a partial discharge of your capacitors, but that would be a temporary effect. A very high dose X-ray might wipe out an EEPROM's memory.

[dunbar]

First, depending on which flights you are considering, some aircraft cargo areas are neither climate controlled nor pressurized, that means lower air temperatures and lower air pressure. -40 C is not impossible, and at 40,000 feet, the air pressure is quite a bit lower. Will those environments damage any portion of what you are taking with you?

Next, with all the added security issues these days, have you even asked the airlines about checking a whole PC in the first place?

If this was me and I was flying to stay for a fairly long visit, I'd try overnight delivery services such as FedEx, UPS RED, etc. You can have a friend ship it out there for you, then you can ship it back before you leave.

[Theophylact]

If it's going in the cargo hold, and you're worried about condensation, I'd put the laptop in a 2-gallon Ziplock bag, and not open it until it's come back to near room temperature.

[PartsMan]

I've taken a laptop on the plane with me .....

I was required to put it through the machine to take it onboard. I hadn't expected to have to do that, and didn't know what to expect. My concernation was unfounded, as there were no adverse effects.

[bookman]

have shipped my computer by air at least 5 times wwith no ill effects

max