[Lunatique]

I'm about to move to Malaysia, and I'm thinking about taking my desktop PC in a carry-on bag. I do not trust the people tha handle luggages--have seen how hard they throw those things? I'm not going to ship it either because I don't trust delivery services either.

So, should I:

1)just screw everything down tight in the case, fill it with foam peanuts/towels, and put it in a bag and carry it, or. . ..

2)take everything out of the case(don't bring the case--it's too heavy and cheap to buy a new one), put them in anti-static bags, wrap them in towels and place in a bag?

[Snakebyte]

I would bring the most important/expensive parts with you and leave the case and the rest to luggage. That means the hard drive witch I would backup anyway, even if it takes 30 cdr�s.

If your boarding a flight from the US than good luck explaining the hard drive.

edit: yea, #2 just replace the cheap parts, but bring them anyway, if it survives luggage than good less you will have to replace...
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Kevin Moore
www.darkesthorizons.com

[Giant Hamster]

I reccomend in this order:

1. Bag everything and buy a new case there.
2. Convert a briefcase into a computer tower - as shown here and here and take it onboard with you.
3. Fuck You*.
4. Buy a laptop and take it onboard.
5. Dont' go to malaysia.


*I couldn't think of a #3 and I'd already made a commitment to 5 reccomendations. :D

[balistic]

Security would likely be suspicious of a full-tower case, and would definitely want to open it.
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brian.prince|light.comp.paint

[Gort]

Hmmm...be mindful that most airlines will have restrictions on the size and number of carry-ons.

If it were me I would remove the HD from the machine and attempt to carry just that with me (just to make damn sure my data ain't out there in the shipping lanes somewhere); I would then pack and ship the rest. Surely you can find a reputable carrier. I've shipped stuff many times before (stateside) and never had any problems.

Good luck!
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- Tom Carter

"You can't stop the waves but you can learn to surf" - Jack Kornfield

[B0b]

when my brother used to fly between here and the US, he carried the HDD in his hand luggage, and just boxed the case up..

[-- Transcendent --]

I've shipped computers in luggage before. No problems. Just check in your luggage as a fragile good.
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Formally know as Transcendent

[Spooky]

Is it not possible to sell your computer where you are and buy a new one in Malaysia? Just keep the data you need (HD, DVD Backup, etc.)
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http://www.digitaldreammachine.com/

[dfacto]

if the case fits the size parameters of the airline then put the case in a bag with a sturdy bottom and carry it like that. No packaging necessary. Just be careful not to smack it against anything. And don't worry about getting anything wiped by the machines, cause I have done it with my computer and it works fine. And I had no problems with security cause you can just run it through the scanners. Some airports also have special equipment for computers (to check them i guess). I wouldn't bother with dissasembly personally, but its your call.

AND REMEMBER: Backups are you friend
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It has been clinically proven that other people's pain IS funny.

[tayete]

1.- From my experience: do not send your PC with the luggage.
2.- You may trust a postal express (I do not know how you call this services in English) if you pay a bit more and assure the item. In that way you can have a new PC if it is broken or simply dissapears.
3.- In any case, backup your info.
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http://tayete.blogspot.com

[Lunatique]

I ended up taking out all the components and wraping them in anti-static bags and towels--placed in carry-ons. The case itself was placed in a luggage, with towels cushioning it(I left the RAM in there).

And it looks like my PC survived the trip. Thanks for all the tips!