Electronic eqipment in Aircraft holds
 

Travellers normally avoid putting laptops digital cameras etc in the hold . Is the risk of damage only from baggage handling or is the environment an issue ?

Theft is the main risk.

condenstaion
 

Just make sure that you unpack and let electrical items warm up before use to avoid condensation as they will usually get very cold in the hold on a loong haul flight.

You are going to need a really decent padded bag for the laptop and I would try and hide it within your clothes in your bag rather than leaving it in its case which is a clear give away. Having seen many baggage handlers loading & unloading aircraft I would say spend a lot of money on padded protection for your laptop as they will get thrown around froma decent height and could be on the bottom of a pile of bags.

Not sure that laptop Lithium Ion batteries are a good idea to have in the baggage area- they haqve been known to catch fire for no particular reason. At least in the cabin, this slight risk would be known about immediately.

Li-Iron Batteries