Originally Posted by Grace B;34655821[b
]The thing I've found with small items of hand baggage[/b] is that if you board early and place it in the overhead, inevitably some moron will come along with a huge heavy case and drop it right on your little (possibly fragile) item.
So boarding early in this situation is not really advisable.
Aren't said items supposed to be placed under the seat in front unless you are exit or bulkhead ?