Hi @oxtailsoup,

1) Get e-visa online .. easy and done in 2 minutes
2) IST to Hilton Garden Inn Airport Hotel ... either get the shuttle (limited service) or get Uber / Taxi ... inexpensive
3) Hilton Garden Inn to Airport (International Departures) is about 10 minutes .... Last week on Thursday .. the 08:00 departed just after 08:15.
4) Allow 2 hours from arriving at Airport to departure to be on the safe side, as you have Terminal Entrance Security, Check In, Passport Control, 2nd Security and then sometimes a long walk to the gate.

Laptops are ok to take to IST (you say you are leaving yours behind) ... on departure at both security checks you will have to power them on.

I have been through IST twice in last few weeks .. no problem with 2 Laptops and 2 mobiles.

Will be passing through IST on Monday and Friday next week ... travelling to Ankara,