guys I have the same concern.

I am flying with a 19" Flat screen, and a small Hard disk case. I Do not want to disassemble the parts and check it in because I am not a computer savvy and I wont be able to put it back together again.

I bought it as a christmas gift and they do not sell it (dell inspiron 530) in the country I am going to!

my expierence in the US with checked-in baggage is horrible. just last year, I got my baggage home after a long flight, only to discover that two pairs of shoes were missing, a jeans and three shirts! I filled in the paper work with United airlines to get the stuff compensated, but they only offer back $100 worth of stuff. I was totally mad.

anyway, my only option is to carry the whole computer as a Carry-on. the flat 19 inch fits really good in my backpack, and my mother is carrying the case and the speakers in her carry-on.

I was told that desktops are not allowed since they are harder to check (a laptop can be turned on for checking easily). so it was a relief that you called the TSA and they said its alright!

I will do more calls and see if I get any new info.