Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops
Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!sdd.hp.com!elroy.jpl.nasa.gov!aero-c!faigin
From: faigin@aero.org (Daniel P. Faigin)
Subject: Re: Travelling with a laptop
In-Reply-To: dfinkel@oak.wpi.edu's message of 1 May 91 22:49:44 GMT
Message-ID: <FAIGIN.91May2041104@sundevil.aero.org>
Sender: news@aero.org
Organization: The Aerospace Corporation, El Segundo, CA
References: <1991May1.224944.13424@wpi.WPI.EDU>
Date: 2 May 91 04:11:04
Lines: 55

In article <1991May1.224944.13424@wpi.WPI.EDU>, dfinkel@oak.wpi.edu (David
Finkel) writes: 
> 1. What do I do about airport security?

I typically just run in through the X-rays. The surveys I have seen state that
this should cause no damge to the laptop.

> Will the security folks be willing to hand inspect it?

Usually. In fact, even if you run in though, you should be prepared to remove
it from its case (so they can run the case through) and boot up the machine.
Its bad form to travel with a dead battery.

> I presume the X-rays will be real bad for the disk.

Actually, they are not the problem. It is the magnetic fields around the
motors of the belt that pulls the material through the scanner. In newer
equipment, these motors are suitably shielded.

> Will there be a security problem bringing the laptop on the plane at all?

Not as long as it fits under your seat or in the the overhead bin.

> 2. If I bring the laptop as carry-on luggage, can I also bring an 
> additional carry-on bag, or will that use up my carry-on allowance?

It counts as one of your two bags that you are allowed to carry on in domestic
flights.

> 3. What do you do with it in my hotel?  I'm certainly not going to
> carry it with me at all times, but I'm a little nervous about leaving
> something so expensive in my hotel room.

I usually leave mine in my hotel room. In all my traveling, I've never had any
trouble with theft. Of course, this is business travel, which means I'm in the
nicer hotels. If your in a dump, I wouldn't leave it. (In fact, I'm typing
this from my hotel room right now).

> 4. It has a built-in modem, but the line for the modem has a modular phone
> plug.  I've never actually checked, but I'd guess that most hotel rooms have
> their phone wired-in.  Suggestions for connecting the modem?

Go to Radio Schmuck and pick up (in addition to your RJ11C - RJ11C cord) a
cord that connects an RJ11C cord to either four wire lugs or four alligator
clips. Then, remember to bring your screwdriver. I also find it useful to
travel with a grounded octapus plug incase the plug near the desk is
completely in use. You also might want extension cords, both of the phone and
electrical variety.

Daniel
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"A consensus means that everyone agrees to say collectively what no one 
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