[Norman Conquest]

I manage loaner laptops for my company, so I get this a lot. My opinion is that the actual imaging rays pose no problem, but I'm convinced the belt motor magnets fried a hard drive on me one time. I've found that if I ask politely, they'll hand inspect it without running it through the scanner. Whatever you do, don't get drawn into a debate over whether the machine is safe, just indicate your preference for hand inspection. Unfortunately, this guarantees you're singled out for the full-frisk treatment.

They may ask you to fire it up if their suspicions are aroused, so make sure your battery is charged or your transformer is at hand.

Personally, I've gone back to putting it in my checked baggage, nestled inside several sweaters.

[DefCon]

"...Personally, I've gone back to putting it in my checked baggage, nestled inside several sweaters...."
- - -
I hope you know what the airlines are going to tell you,
if you ever report it missing from your checked baggage.
I already got the education on their 'limits of liability'.

[fourhorsemen]

Personally, I've gone back to putting it in my checked baggage, nestled inside several sweaters.

As a rule now all checked baggage is x-rayed, and you are no longer allowed to lock checked baggage, so you are putting a lot of faith in the security screeners who have pretty much open access to your bags. I've retrieved my bags several times to find a note inside from the TSA.

I would strongly recommend against checking anything of value.

[Dark Knight]

Do you recommend one of those proximity sensors? You know the kind where if the laptop gets further than about 20 feet from you it starts squealing?

DK

If so, do you have a favorite?