Originally Posted by
Bowgie
Up-thread, Antarius says he transported a PC with him (presumably as carry-on). I'd say he was somewhat lucky and/or had the ability to re-seat the cards and what-not that easily shake loose.
I am not picking on OP nor defending AA, but it is a bad idea to transport a PC no matter how well it is externally protected. Here's why: Inside the box there are a multitude of internal cable and socketed cards that can shake loose from even minor rattling around, such as being gently transported in a car trunk or back seat. It is not hard to imagine the gorillas (baggage handlers) literally tossing a well-wrapped case onto a luggage belt or into a hold.
This is going to sound snooty. There are precious few PC assemblers who are competent enough to secure the internal components for delivery to a retail store or to a home for the retail mass-market. I've assembled PC's for my households' own use since home PC's were invented. It's a skill just like car re-building or being a mechanic. Most people are not going to learn it because most people have better things to do. This is my personal opinion and take-away: Do not buy a PC (aka a windows box) unless you have the skill to assemble it from components. All others, just get a laptop, gaming device, or anything made by Apple.
If
properly packaged, there’s no concern. PC manufacturers ship their new assembled computers to millions of people every year and they’re subject to UPS/FedEx handling, including bumps, rattles, and drops. Things really don’t come loose. By far the most common damage is physical impact to the case.
3 layers of bubble wrap and a few clothes aren’t going to do much when a big heavy box or suitcase lands corner first into the side of your soft suitcase, or if it takes a big drop and doesn’t have proper shock absorption. If traveling with a computer is going to be a regular thing, buy a Pelican. As others have noted AA takes no responsibility for damaged computers in checked bags.
I’ll agree with you that you can almost always build a better PC yourself than you could buy for similar money if you have the skills, but suggesting people don’t buy desktop PCs if they don’t have the skills to build it themselves is nonsense. Desktops provide far better performance for the price if you don’t need the mobility.