From: Greg (slppj_at_cc.usu.edu)
Date: Wed May 07 1997 - 19:19:25 EDT
Waldemar Puszkarz wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> this is probably an old thread, but what is the consensus if such exists:
> is it really safe to expose laptops to x-rays scanners while taking them
> aboard of planes? What does this scanning affect in the first place? Is
> it a hard drive? Wouldn't it be then prudent to send a hard drive with
> the remaining package that, I guess (but correct me if I am wrong) is not
> exposed to scanners, provided the hard drive is removable. Of course, one
> could not use the laptop on the plane then, but that would be fine with
> me anyway.
>
> Your opinion on and your own experience in this matter would be
> highly appreciated. I am going for a longer trip to Europe and would
> like to have a clear idea of how to protect my TP in this situation.
>
> Thanks in advance,
> Waldemar
>
> -----------------
> Waldemar Puszkarz
> Waldemar's List: www.netservers.com/~waldemar/list.shtml
The problem isn't with the X-rays. Older X-ray machines had pretty
large drive motors for the belt and they weren't always properly
shileded, the magnetic fields from these motors were more of a problem.
Some places with old outdated equipment might pose a risk, but here in
the states I doubt if you have to worry about it. I've sent my laptop
thru the x-ray machine countless times without any ill effects. You'd
probably be better off worrying about carrying it thru the magnetometer
(metal detector). BTW someplaces require you to x-ray it and hand
inspect it by turning it on, so make sure you have a good battery or
bring the cord.
Greg Alvandian
Society of Aviation Maintenance Professionals
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.1.3 : Thu Jan 23 2003 - 09:53:34 EST