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Transporting an external hard-drive
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 Re: Transporting an external hard-drive
Posted by half-dude on Fri Apr 27th at 11:28pm 2007

Hey guys,

I'm going to Bellingham Washington this summer, as usual. I'm bringing my new 250GB external hard-drive with me because my dad doesnt want me installing things on his computer. I plan on transporting the HDD in my carry on bag nestled inbetween my clothes and stuff.

Now I'm not radiology expert but I believe that x-rays have magnetic fields. I know that magnets mean death to HDDs, I was wondering if airports use special medal detectors or anything that would make transporting my drive safe? What are the risks? Has anyone else done this?

Thanks buddies.




Yes I spell bad, but remimber Mighty are the stupid.

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 Re: Transporting an external hard-drive
Posted by Crono on Sat Apr 28th at 1:09am 2007

It's not a "If they are exposed to it, they die" sort of thing. I mean, there's magnetic fields everywhere on the planet.

I've taken a HDD through X-Ray at the airport before and the drive functioned properly afterwards. I think, they've got the machines at doses of radiation that wont damage many technologies, because they'd have endless complaints and lawsuits over all the laptops they've damaged. Though, to note, I didn't have data on it prior to the exposure.

The easiest solution, is to ask them when you get there. If they say, "take it out", then take it out and put it in the tray. I would suggest putting it in a static free bag if you can, though, it's not absolutely necessary.


Blame it on Microsoft, God does.



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 Re: Transporting an external hard-drive
Posted by Orpheus on Sat Apr 28th at 1:13am 2007

A friend of mine has had his laptop passed through an airport security system with no issue.

Which I assume many have. I'd think though, that if you inform them of your worries, they will suggest a viable solution.





The best things in life, aren't things.



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 Re: Transporting an external hard-drive
Posted by Gorbachev on Sat Apr 28th at 1:27am 2007

I'm pretty sure it's not the same thing. Magnetism that would affect a HDD is not found in a baggage scanner. I highly doubt anything would happen seeing as how many millions of people go through security with ipods, laptops and the like. There would be a huge uproar if this were true. Not to mention I'm sure they'd warn you.

[edit]And do they actually do full X-ray scan security for inter-state flights?



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 Re: Transporting an external hard-drive
Posted by Crono on Sat Apr 28th at 1:42am 2007

Just on luggage ... unless you go through the "express" portion that isn't just a metal detector.

They also check bags fairly regularly at the terminal.


Blame it on Microsoft, God does.



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 Re: Transporting an external hard-drive
Posted by mazemaster on Sat Apr 28th at 2:31am 2007

I have traveled with my seagate external hdd probably 4 times on an airplane, and it doesn't seem to have been damaged.


http://maze5.net




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