OK, I keep reading and hearing that there is a movement to ban carryon electronics since it only takes a small amout on power to power the "bomb" So how would taking away my laptop help?

Without even being creative I can think of several things that could power the "bomb"

1. The power to the inseat phone
2. The power to the inseat video unit
3. The power to the power ports on some planes
4. The "shaver" plug in the bathrooms (for that matter the LIGHTS?)

Am I missing something?

Personally, I am willing to accept a certain amount of risk. I have never thought the TSA was the worlds greatest secuirty force so I figure I have always accepted the risk.
(I actually just emailed the TSA to this effect.. That may get me on the "high risk list LOL!)

A good question but one better discussed in our Travel Safety/Security Forum and I'll move it there for continued discussion. Ocn Vw 1K, Co-Mod, TBuzz.

You're not missing anything--the TSA administrators are bozos who cannot think beyond the end of their own noses. Until someone uses the plane's own electrical systems to do something, though, they will act as if it is the most novel, unanticipatable thing in the world.

Thanks! I have noticed that none of the "media experts" have mentioned that AIRPLANES need power and so therefore we can't elimanate the risk.

(I do agree that the TSA is totally reactive and of course their very inconsistenicies invalidate what they do. If you let the pilots and FAs carry on liquids you invalidated the entire control for example.)

No, of course not. The restrictions on iPods may be perfectly understandable as an emergency, temporary restriction in response to an imminent threat. As a narrowly limited restriction in place for a few days in response to a specific threat, it seems defensible.

But as a long-term defense, of course, it would be totally stupid and pointless. In the long run, bans on iPods serve no useful security purpose, for all the reasons you mentioned, and many more.