I try to avoid carrying a laptop from a weight standpoint by sometimes only carrying a handheld (IPAQ) that I can get mail on. I can sync with my cell phone to my desktop so I dont have to worry about cafe security issues. The IPAQ mail sync is efficient enough that the call is completed in about 3-5 minutes, even with a slow (9600) CSD connection. That is about a dollar and a half on a good prepaid cell call. Many times though I need the laptop for something so I have it along. The only time I have ever seen much attention paid was in Argentina. A friend from there told me they are pretty strict about citizens of Argentina bringing in stuff without paying the taxes. Once they scoped I was a US citizen they waved me through without any problems. I doubt US customs pays much attention to laptops since they often cost a lot more in places other than the US from what I have seen. I have had people come to visit over here from Europe tell me they wanted to go to J&R for instance to get one because they were much cheaper than in their country of residence. I suspect you will have no trouble in Spain or returning.

[This message has been edited by GadgetFreak (edited 10-07-2003).]