Originally Posted by SirFlysALot
Can any of the TSA people jump in and let us know if we are within our rights to not leave our laptops out of our sight?
Not a "TSA person," but my understanding--unless procedures have changed--is that you may always request that all of your property (including but not limited to laptops) remain visible to you at all times during a secondary screening or an inspection of that property. It's in the TSA's best interests to do so to prevent claims of theft, damage, etc.
From the TSA website:
While you will be separated from your carry-on baggage during this process, every effort will be made to help you maintain visual contact with your carry-ons.