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Special Notebook Cases Will Ease Airport Security Hassles

by , 1:55 PM EDT, May 27th, 2008

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is close to a new policy that will allow notebook computers to remain inside some special types of cases as they go through airport X-ray machines. New cases are being developed by Targus and Skooba. The policy could go into into effect in a few months, according to TSA chief Kip Hawley.

Travelers would have to purchase the new "checkpoint-friendly" cases if they want to keep their notebook protected as it goes through the X-ray machine. The TSA is setting guidelines on how the case must be designed so that straps and accessories won't block the view of X-ray screeners.

With the approved case design, travelers can lay the protected notebook directly on the conveyer belt. Targus, a California company, plans to supply the TSA with four prototypes in three our four months. "Heavy travelers will be the first adopters of this," said Targus marketing chief Al Giazzon.

The TSA is concerned that some travelers will try to use unapproved cases. As a result, they might obstruct the screener's view resulting in a detailed search of the case and notebook computer and a greatly delayed security screening, the opposite of what the TSA is trying to achieve.

Observer Comments

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Close Name:Guest
Tue May 27, 2008 2:24 pm Subject: Great Way to let theives know you have a laptop!

Any of us who try to disguise our laptop cases as "boring ol' luggage" are still out of luck when it comes to the TSA. I sure see why - a strap or buckle would really confuse me!


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Close Name:Guest
Tue May 27, 2008 5:02 pm Subject:

LOL, you mean unlike taking the laptop completely out of the case?


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Close Name:Guest
Tue May 27, 2008 7:45 pm Subject: And who will tell TSA about this?

Popular, mainstream media seem to be ahead of TSA screeners' information quite often. I'll bet that it will be far from a 'done deal' at some airports if/when approved cases hit the conveyer belts.

As far as alerting thieves to your having a laptop, it's pretty obvious right now since we have to take then out of whatever case they're in and place them in separate bins.

Last week when I reached the secure side of the screeners, I looked down and saw two identical MacBook Pros side-by-side on the belt.
The other Mac's owner and I both took second takes to make sure we'd picked up the right machine.


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Close Name:Guest
Tue May 27, 2008 11:18 pm Subject: Tom Bihn is also submitting designs

Check it out on their forums at www.tombihn.com - they make the best bags in the world, all made in America with American labor.


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Close Name:Guest
Wed May 28, 2008 3:35 am Subject: The Travel Size Authority At Work Again

Well looks like the Travel Size Authority (TSA) is at it again. So, now we have a choice of not only buying special small plastic bottles and baggies that comply but laptop cases to make life "easier." Wow, I'm so much happier now.


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