If it is not permitted to take a notebook computer on board a plane, is there any way to safeguard it in the baggage hold? Bruce Parry
If you want to protect a business computer you can buy a special ruggedised case such as the OtterBox (otterbox.com/products/pc_cases/laptop_case/). These are waterproof and you can certainly stand on one, or perhaps run a small car over one. They are also expensive and in short supply. But I think your best bet is to wrap your notebook PC in bubble wrap, and put in the middle of your clothes inside a hard suitcase. (My local luggage shop has just enjoyed a sudden boom in sales of those.)
It would also be a good idea to assume that your notebook will not survive the trip. For me, this means putting essential files on a couple of CompactFlash cards that sit unnoticed in my wallet. (They also fit my camera and my PocketPC.) Other people have tried putting files on a USB thumb drive and wearing it as a pendant. I also stash copies of critical data files online. For extra extra backup, you can also set up your home PC so that you can access it remotely. These remain good ideas even when your laptop is allowed back in the cabin.
