However, I can answer the question in general without getting into the SSI. Apparently, you've never stood in front of an x-ray machine. Certain common electronics, such as CD players, most DVD players, calculators, etc. are easily x-rayed because they have a simple internal configuration. Laptop computers, camcorders, professional cameras and other similar items have a much more complex and dense configuration. Whenever you leave the laptop inside of a bag, other items such as power supplies, cables, removable hard drives and other common computer accessories add to the density and complexity of the x-ray image. It simply becomes too difficult to properly view the image and clear it. Removing the laptop clears the clutter and, more importantly, gives us a clean view of the laptop.



I can give you this, but then why can't the laptop stay in the little foam holder I have it in within my computer case? It will offer an extra protection while it is going through the x-ray, and distingish it from others so the chance of it being taken by someone else may be a little less. I am sure a 3/4" padding of foam around the laptop won't make the laptop to difficult to view.