computer as carry on (not laptop)
 

I'm traveling as an exchange student. I already have a decent computer, so buying a laptop for use while on exchange seems wasteful because I won't be using the portability once I get to HK and my perfectly good computer will just be sitting unused at home.

Does anyone see a problem with using the computer as my one piece of carry on luggage? It comes in under all the size restrictions. I plan on bending the "one extra personal item" rule (briefcase, laptop etc) by bringing my lcd monitor in a laptop bag (stand can go in my checked bags) Removing the hard drive and packing the computer would take up alot of needed luggage space, LCD monitor is also fragile so I wouldn't risk packing it into checked luggage.

I plan on arriving at the airport with plenty of time to get through security. Will be able to set it up to show it is a working device etc.

I'll be flying United if that makes a difference.

Well, a CPU box should be more visible on an x-ray then a laptop since there is a lot of open space inside, so chances are good that the screeners will be able to clearly see that it is not packed with explosives (at worst, they will want to do a swab test). I have not had to power-on a laptop at a security station since about a year after the Lockerbie Bombing. At most, they swab my PowerBook (but never my Wintel units).

If it meets the dimensions and fits in the overhead, you should be fine. And your LCD in a bag would meet the "one personal item" rule, so should not be an issue there, either.