great minds think alike?

& the story that I linked gave a little more information than just "recommend you use zip ties" - I was just broadly summarizing ;)

For Find My Phone to work the device must be connected to wifi or have a cell connection. I did select to erase the hard drive but again this function can not be done until laptop connects to wifi to receive instructions.

BINGO! We have a winner. My laptop has been located, can't say anymore at this point but will hopefully have more info to post tomorrow.

Yes, you can check electronics that have lithium batteries already installed in the device (laptops, cell phones, cameras, etc).

It was removed all right and stolen for sure.

Kick his ass Seabass!

http://www.focusst.org/forum/attachm...link_large.jpg

I would think that if the TSA took the computer they wouldn't have put in the slip of paper saying that they had opened the bag. They'd want to make it look like the airline employees took the computer.

In any case, don't check electronics, keys, or medication.

If I check my bag with a handgun, I first lock the case, then use a bike lock to wrap around the frame inside the case, and around the guncase. I then ziptie the zippers to the handle of my bag.

You could do the same thing with a kensington lock on your laptop. Wrap it around the inside frame, then lock your laptop. At least now nobody can quickly and quietly remove the valuable object from your suitcase.

Be careful what you put in carry-on bags. I found out the hard way when I was forced to check my brain bag coming home from training, that computers and other valuable items are on just about every airline's liability exclusion list. Basically, unless it is some type of clothing, if it gets broken or damaged, they are not liable, and their total liability for lost or stolen items is limited to approx. $500-$700 (United claims $640).
Here's an example of the United exclusion list. Sorry for the length.

High-value, fragile and perishable items
United recommends that you do not pack high-value, fragile or perishable items in your checked baggage. United will accept such items as carry-on baggage (subject to carry-on baggage allowances) or as checked baggage (subject to checked baggage allowances). If you choose to pack high-value, fragile or perishable items in or as checked baggage in connection with travel within the United States, United is not liable for the loss of, damage to or delay in delivery of such items. For most international travel, United’s liability for destruction, loss, delay or damage to checked and unchecked baggage is limited.
Examples of high-value, fragile or perishable items for which United is not liable (in the case of travel within the United States) or for which United’s liability may be limited (in the case of most international travel) include, but are not limited to:
• Antiques, artifacts, heirlooms, collectibles, religious items and artifacts
• Antlers
• Backpacks not designed for travel, sleeping bags and knapsacks made of plastic, vinyl or other easily torn material with aluminum frames, outside pockets or with protruding straps and buckles
• Business equipment and business samples
• CDs, DVDs and MP3s
• Chinaware, glass, ceramics and pottery
• Computer hardware/software and electronic components/equipment
• Items checked in sacks or paper/plastic bags that do not have sufficient durability, do not have secure closures or do not provide sufficient protection to the contents
• Items checked in corrugated/cardboard boxes, including cardboard boxes provided by United, except for items that otherwise would be suitable for transportation without the cardboard box (e.g., bicycle, garment bag)
• Electronic and mechanical items, including cell phones, electronic games; and other related items
• Eyeglasses, binoculars, prescription sunglasses and non-prescription sunglasses and all other eyewear and eye/vision devices
• Flowers and plants
• Garment bags not designed for travel
• Irreplaceable items
• Items made of paper (e.g., advertising displays, blueprints, maps, manuscripts, business/personal documents, historical documents, photos, books, negotiable papers, securities, etc.)
• Jewelry
• Keys
• Liquids, perfumes, alcohol/liquor and Zamzam water
• Medicines and medical equipment (when not used as assistive devices pursuant to 14 CFR 382.3)
• Money, gift cards and gift certificates
• Musical instruments
• Natural fur products
• Perishable items such as food (e.g., fruits and vegetables, cheese, fresh or frozen meat or poultry, seafood, baked goods, dry ice, tobacco)
• Photographic/cinematographic/audio/video equipment, cameras and related items
• Precious metals/stone
• Tools, battery powered hand tools, tool boxes/containers, automotive towbars
• Totally unprotected items such as tennis racquets and umbrellas, either individually checked or tied/strapped to the outside of luggage
• Silverware, knives and swords
• Watches (timepieces)
• Works of art such as paintings or sculptures
• Any other similar valuable property or irreplaceable property included in the passenger's checked or carry-on baggage with or without the knowledge of United

Don't check anything you can't stand to lose.

Bump....computer found and recovered!

Read next post.