Is the iLiad a weapon of terror? (poll)

[scotty1024]

Originally Posted by oliverbogler

I do need to take my MacBookPro though, and am quite worred that I'll have to check it on the way home! Anyone ever done that (sorry, off the topic of iLiads...)

When I need to check my gadgets I use what I call The Ugly Box.

You take your items to a packaging store and have them custom build a box for you. Or if you are handy you can buy the materials and make it yourself.

Up front you need to decide which approach you wish to take as The Ugly Box comes in two basic models.

The "I'm just a bit paranoid" model.

Select a box that is capable of allowing 4 inches of foam on all sides and blow two plugs of triple expanding foam into the box. One is allowed to glue itself into the bottom of the box with a layer of plastic sheet on top. The devices are placed inside on the sheet as the foam is still rising. Another plastic sheet is placed over them and pulled back up the sides and out of the box. More foam is blown into this plastic sheet to make a second plug of foam. This plug can be removed because the plastic sheet covers all sides. The foam self molds itself to your gadgets and holds them like a lovers hug.

The second model is for those who are feeling really paranoid because they have personally witnessed an airline baggage handler stand on the ground and toss packages into the plane. Have them hit the cargo hatch and fall back to the ground. Grab them and throw them again, and take 4 tries to get one package into the plane...

For this model you start with the first model.

Once that box is created stick *it* in a box that allows 4 inches of foam on all sides.. repeat process.

If you go to a packaging store and request the really paranoid ugly box they may tell you are really paranoid. Just agree with them and they'll make it for you.

One thing to be aware of with the really paranoid ugly box, you may have to accept more foam than 4" of foam depending on the available boxes. :P

Be careful not to go too crazy. If you make the box too gosh darn big the airline will charge you for oversize and getting it into taxi/rental cars gets harder.

When you get back you can store the ugly box and use it again. When the airlines dent the corners, tear strips off, poke holes in it, no tears come to your eyes. Its an ugly cardboard box, not Gucci or Prada.

If the TSA or Customs wants to inspect The Ugly Box, there is always packaging tape lying around to reseal and/or repair ugly box. Ugly Box requires no instructions on opening and closing. The foam plug is difficult to pull out, which means nothing gets lost even if the TSA doesn't tape it closed again.

The ugly box has another feature. If needs be, you can UPS or FedEx the ugly box.

I also appreciate that the ugly box is ugly. Ugly box is often ignored by the admiring and covetous eyes of people whom might wish to make ugly box (and its contents) their own. Charcoal is useful for artificially applying the grungy look the airlines will apply to ugly box for you on its first trip. Or turn children lose with felt tip markers for even better camouflage.

[scotty1024]

Originally Posted by Henry Loenwind

Wouldn't it be easier if one big country would try to stop making enemies?

Not really, you can try as hard as you want, someone will always hate you for something. Governments are all about compromise, there are finite resources collected from the citizens and infinite desires for how to use those resources.

Part of what I find fascinating about the iLiad is watching this process in action on a smaller scale. IRex can try as hard as they want, but they won't be able to please everyone with the resources they have.

Governments though have to be ready for barbarians. The process is not pleasant or nice, but it is necessary. You keep soldiers around to go break things and kill people as needed to protect your society.

The end for governments comes when they need to send those soldiers specifically to kill their own citizens i.e. when you need to protect yourself from your own citizens, its time to close up shop and fax the resume.

[joblack]

This terrorism stuff is a big fraud - they just want the people in panic.

You should watch less mass media and think more ...

"I want everyone to remember why they need us!" (V for Vendetta)

[Stuart Young]

Just arrived home from the US. My iliad survived the flight in the hold of the plane. I was lucky too. After I checked in my laptop back, someone in US security did a check on it. - I had wrapped it in a piece of material while I carried it around. But whoever checked my stuff didnt bother wrapping it back up again an left it loose.

[TadW]

Glad you did it, Stu! Must have been quite a stress moment when you opened your checked luggage to see if your iLiad is still in one piece

Btw, Download Squad offers some general advise how to travel with electronic devices:

1. Use approved luggage locks to deter theft.
2. Protect laptops with soft foam and bubble wrap, placing them inside other luggage for protection, and to keep prying eyes out.
3. Use secure alphanumeric passwords to secure sensitive data.
4. Backup data before traveling.
5. Tracking and security software is a good idea, it dumps files in the BIOS for easy tracking.
6. With remote data in place, you can possibly erase data from your laptop if it stolen, from a remote location.
7. External drives can be valuable for easy access to data if luggage is lost or stolen.
8. Keep all computer records including serial number, make and model.
9. Shut down laptop completely before you pack it. Don't leave it in hibernate or standby modes.

[jæd]

Originally Posted by TadW

Glad you did it, Stu! Must have been quite a stress moment when you opened your checked luggage to see if your iLiad is still in one piece

AFAIK laptops are now allowed back on UK flights...

[Peter]

Airline security has become a bit more accomodating in the last few months.
Has anyone had any experiences/problems with the iLiad as carry-on luggage?

[VillageReader]

I was in Europe for 2 weeks in November traveling every 2-3 days by air (UK, France, Spain, Germany & Bulgaria) and had no problem w/the Iliad as carry on.