AppleInsider StaffAccording to The Associated Press, the government agency said that most who travel will not need to remove the iPad from their bag, because the device is relatively small and doesn't have "bulky" accessories such as external drives. Those accessories can make it difficult for X-ray scanners, who see a cluttered image when a laptop and all of its accessories go through the machine in a bag.
However, the TSA cautioned that fliers may still be asked to remove their iPad if the scanners cannot get a clear image of the device.
Spokesman Greg Soule told the AP that the TSA is in the process of telling its employees how to handle the iPad for screening procedures. With 300,000 sold on the first day alone, and a 10-hour battery life perfect for watching movies or playing games on the go, it's a device they'll likely run into on a somewhat regular basis.
The convenience could be important to business-minded users who travel a lot and need to do light computing on the go. A March survey found that the No. 1 planned use for the iPad from prospective customers was working on the go.
Tuesday's report noted that although laptops, such as Apple's MacBooks, generally have to be removed from bags, some laptop sleeves that lie flat in an airport X-ray machine are considered acceptable. Such "checkpoint friendly" bags can be purchased online, though the TSA does not approve of specific bags.
"But it has encouraged manufacturers to design bags that will allow screeners to obtain clear images and give travelers the best shot of being able to keep computers in their bags," the report said.
At just 0.5 inches thick, 1.5 pounds in weight and with no physical keyboard, the iPad has been pitched by Apple has being thinner and lighter than any laptop or netbook. The Wi-Fi-only version of the device is now available with a starting price of $499. The 3G-capable model, which will allow travelers Internet access on the go through AT&T's wireless network in the U.S., is due to arrive later this month.
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29 Comments
Oh darn, I was hoping to see some bullet holes in the iPad to see how tough it was.
just kidding
macbook_allegedly_shot_by_israeli_security_officer sThe iPad will BLEND!! Shock!
Luckily I don't have any security horror stories, but I fly so much now I feel like the dude from Up in the Air when he's got his motions memorized going through security. If I could bypass taking my laptop out, that would be nice. Any little thing helps when you feel rushed because of the long line behind you, or if you're cutting it a bit short to your departure time.
If this were a computer then the flyer would need to take it out and be prepared to turn it on. Because it is not a computer, the flyer doesn't have to.
If this were a computer then the flyer would need to take it out and be prepared to turn it on. Because it is not a computer, the flyer doesn't have to.
Seriously? Did you even READ the article?
Luckily I don't have any security horror stories, but I fly so much now I feel like the dude from Up in the Air when he's got his motions memorized going through security. If I could bypass taking my laptop out, that would be nice. Any little thing helps when you feel rushed because of the long line behind you, or if you're cutting it a bit short to your departure time.
I know the feeling. I watched that movie while on a flight. I kinda wanted to cry for myself.
I also talked to a TSA security guy the other day, about the iPad.
He explained that it's the batteries that cause problems. They look like a big brick of explosive.
Your iPad will get pulled out (and you'll probably have to go through secondary screening) if there are any wires near it.
So keep your power cord in a separate bag, or remove it from the bag before putting it through.
Edit: He couldn't explain why a wire near the battery was worse than all the electronics attached to it, he just said that wires that look like they might be attached to the "explosives" are what trigger the secondary examination.