Originally Posted by
jugofpropwash
it would seem easier to check carried-on devices (by turning on, if nothing else) than to check items in the hold.... ....
Could terrorists/hackers have found a way to use a laptop to interfere with communications or the operation of the aircraft? If possible, it would probably require "hands-on" the device, which would be impossible with it in the hold.
How does turning it on solve anything? Remove 1kg 8500mah battery and replace with 150g 800mah, filling remaining space with xxx?
Similarly, what communications exploit can you run on a kindle, or on a laptop, that can't be run on a phone? Phones have all the same radios in them than laptops do, and several more besides, of higher power.