I'll be picking up my PC from England next week, only to take it back with me for the LAN next month. I've not travelled with a PC on a plane before and am wondering what the experiences are. It's a small case: 38x25x34 cm so it can be carried on. I specifically got a smaller case so I could transport it easily.
I suppose I'm a bit worried about stuff coming loose during transport, and about getting in trouble with security. (I remember once they wanted to test my old camera because they thought it could have explosives in it. I'm not really keen on having to dismantle my PC because they can't figure out I'm actually just trying to get home and play games)
What do you carry your PC in? A suitcase? Big blue IKEA bag? Something in between?
I'd love to get some advice and perhaps some reassurance from all you international LAN veterans :)
Desktop? Laptop?
38x25x34 is gotta be a bit large for a laptop, unless it's the one with the water cooling TL posted about!
I think if it's Europe to the UK etc. it should be ok Sayren. I bring a lot of additional stuff with my laptop and they sometimes ask to look in my bag and then give up at the mess they see. They won't pull apart your rig, they might ask you to plug it in and power it up!
Yeah it's a desktop. Bitfenix Phenom case.
Thanks Albert :)
If you want to be extra careful then depending on the size/weight of the card, you might want to remove the graphics card to avoid stressing the socket and possibly the CPU air cooler. Everything else should be pretty much ok so long as you are not throwing the bag around. Packing the inside of the case with bubble wrap is also a very effective way and lightweight method of supporting components during transport.
Quote from: TeaLeaf;403672If you want to be extra careful then depending on the size/weight of the card, you might want to remove the graphics card to avoid stressing the socket and possibly the CPU air cooler. Everything else should be pretty much ok so long as you are not throwing the bag around. Packing the inside of the case with bubble wrap is also a very effective way and lightweight method of supporting components during transport.
There's not enough
bold to stress this enough.
Oooh I'll tell uni to stock up on bubblewrap :D taking those components out sounds sensible too.
Thanks guys!
Yeah, the graphics card is heavy and hinges on it's port.
Normally for tablets and laptops, some airports will require you to turn it on, but I had no issues flying to and from the UK with two four-bay drive chassis in my carryon bag last time around.
I'm hitting the UK with a shitload of tech gear tomorrow afternoon as well, I'll let you know if there's trouble. I have a sneaking suspicion the frenchies I'm moving on to next will be more of an issue.
Happiness is a warm gun!
not sure if this will help, but found this for you guys.
[video=youtube;yD_gOw-R47I]https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=3&v=yD_gOw-R47I[/video]
Quote from: Sneakytiger;403709not sure if this will help, but found this for you guys.
[video=youtube;yD_gOw-R47I]https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=3&v=yD_gOw-R47I[/video]
I like the bit where he says he carries the bag on with him,
usually with my monitor under the other arm.
Seriously? I'm struggling with that one as most carriers are now pretty picky about hand luggage and particularly stuff that will not really fit into overhead lockers.
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If it's easyjet you need to book anything over their cabin allowance size as extra, â,¬40. I can get my whole LAN setup in a small suitcase and laptop case.
The LAN doesn't really warrant a full rig from abroad because we spend as much time socialising and up to now, the Internet access has been too ropy for internet gameplay. I'm looking forward to trying the new setup Toby and the Hotel have been working!
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The case should just fit the cabin size allowance, even for easyjet. I'll be flying BA to the lan so I'm allowed more carry on bags then which may make things slightly easier. I have to bring either the PC or the macbook air ;)
Faust I'd be very happy to hear any issues or non-issues!
Why bother with the pc when you have a laptop. Too much hassle to be honest.
Because the macbook can do pretty much bugger all.
Quote from: Sayren;403735Because the macbook can do pretty much bugger all.
I disagree.
It can empty your wallet faster than an better peforming & cheaper laptop can! :P
Hahaha this is very true. But it's so convenient for netflixing in bed! ;)
For the price it had better do a lot more than Netflix in bed [emoji14]
Quote from: Sayren;403780Hahaha this is very true. But it's so convenient for netflixing in bed! ;)
I normally use a box of tissues and some baby oil :blink::blush::blush:
I've been bringing my Shuttle (an SFF) SD37P2 a few times towards the LAN from the NL to the UK and back. No problems through customs and such as long as you explain to them that it's a PC, not a laptop and can't turn it on. You might need to take the cover off to explain everything though and yes they will swipe it for bombs and drugs.
With Shuttle they have a special bag for it which has extra packaging inside for better transport. HTH en veel plezier!
Ooh cheers Duvel. Certainly helps :) en dankjewel!
So on Sunday I brought the PC back home in a big blue IKEA bag (working on getting a bag on wheels because my goodness that thing is heavy) and I explained to the guy at security that it was a PC and after him looking mildly impressed I got to see my PC go through the x-ray machine and then they swabbed the outside of the packaging (I had it wrapped up in a blanket) and then that was it. It fit easily into the overhead locker so really no troubles at all. We did tie-wrap the HDD because it's a bit iffy with screws that are too small for the holes they're hanging on to, but all in all I was pleasantly surprised with how easy it all was.
Fingers crossed the security at Schiphol and Heathrow are similarly relaxed.. :D
Great work matie nice planning see you in a few weeks
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Nice one Syren! :thumbsup:
See you at the LAN!