News Get Your #@%!$ Paws Off My PDA!

From Wired:

Traveling tech aficionados are agitated, even outraged, that airport security workers will be pawing through their belongings to more carefully scrutinize electronic devices.

Those who are particularly attached to their digital devices (or geeks, if you prefer) might have been OK with stripping off their shoes and letting strangers riffle through their underwear in order to pass through security checks.

"Most of us regard our computers as equivalent to members of the family, and some have even stronger feelings," said computer security researcher Robert Ferrell. "I guarantee you that anyone who messes with my laptop without my express permission is in for a world of hurt."

"I just can't allow anyone who is clueless about computers to touch my machine," echoed Jeffrey Matthews, a systems administrator with a New York advertising firm. "They can't break my dirty t-shirts or my toothbrush but they can so easily screw up my computer."

Portable computers, cameras, PDAs, MP3 players and other gear are now subject to increased security checks at airports, in response to government warnings on Tuesday that terrorists may be planning to conceal weapons or bombs in electronic devices.

Full story here

Can't see what the fuss is all about TBH. I've been stopped several times going through Airport Security and asked to demonstrate that my PDA or Phone are actually what they are / work. Sure it's a bit of a drag, but it was me that showed the Security personnel that it worked. And even though I am protective of my portable hardware, I'm more protective of my life. If it makes it safer, then I'm all for it. Better a live Geek than a dead one!

 

what happens if they break it??? you miss your flight, you're stressed because they destroyed your machine and they probably wont pay for it and if they do they won't pay for the data, and don't expect a wait of less than 6 months. luckilly i dont have a laptop or mp3 player or things like that

 

I got pretty pissed off when an attendant took my laptop and put it in a bin and sent it through the X-Ray machine. I was more pissed when I tried to turn it on only to find that it wouldn't boot. Hit the power switch... nothing...
Luckily, the machine just drained the battery... (how, I do not know, but the battery was fully charged before going through, and 110% drained after coming out)

Normally you do have to pull it out and turn it on for them though. 'least that's always been the way when I flew...

 

well you should've claimed they broke it, got a brand new one. teach them how to do their job properlly. and then get some compensation for the pricelless data. and i would never let them x-ray my hard-drive, is it still working allright??

 

other then the battery - it thought it wipes harddisks?