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Traveling tech aficionados are agitated, even outraged, that airport security workers will be pawing through their belongings to more carefully scrutinize electronic devices.
Those who are particularly attached to their digital devices -- geeks, if you prefer -- might have been OK with stripping off their shoes and letting strangers riffle through their underwear in order to pass through security checks.
But they draw the line at their laptops.
"Most of us regard our computers as equivalent to members of the family, and some have even stronger feelings," said computer security researcher Robert Ferrell. "I guarantee you that anyone who messes with my laptop without my express permission is in for a world of hurt."
"I just can't allow anyone who is clueless about computers to touch my machine," echoed Jeffrey Matthews, a systems administrator with a New York advertising firm. "They can't break my dirty T-shirts or my toothbrush but they can so easily screw up my computer."
Portable computers, cameras, PDAs, MP3 players and other gear are now subject to increased security checks at airports, in response to government warnings on Tuesday that terrorists may be planning to conceal weapons or bombs in electronic devices.
According to a statement by the Transportation Security Administration, invasive searches of digital equipment will occur only if chemical traces or other suspicious suggestions of evil intent are revealed during preliminary screenings of the device and the individual carrying it.
Screeners will now ask passengers to turn on every electronic item they plan to carry on board. Previously that was an optional procedure. In addition, it's likely that most electronic devices will be "sniffed" for trace residue of chemicals used to make bombs.
This involves swiping the device with a cloth or swab, and then analyzing the contents to see if it has come into contact with an explosive chemical. But few of the digitally obsessed were comforted by this knowledge. Many fear that even a basic search, conducted by someone who is not technically inclined, could harm their computers.
"Problem is, if they ask me to turn the machine on and then they want to pick it up and look at it before the hard drive spins down -- that's a big risk for a hard drive crash," said Matt Perello, a programmer. "And if my computer dies I'm out of work until I can afford to replace it."
"I am just not letting someone with zero technical knowledge have at my laptop," said Fred Forsen, a network design and support consultant. "I wouldn't let an untrained person prod my brain with a scalpel, either. I rely on both my wetware and my hardware too much to have a random person poking around in either. I just canceled a flight reservation and plan to drive to Chicago next week."
Area travel agents report few cancellations after Tuesday's announcement.
"A couple of my clients were worried about whether their cameras and computers would be taken apart," said Mary Jo Ellens, of Ellen Travel Services. "But I checked with the airlines and was told that there were no plans in place to disassemble electronics."
Passengers at three New York Area airports said late Tuesday they hadn't noticed a difference in the security checkpoints. But that had changed by early Wednesday evening, when most travelers reported that it took them an average of 10 minutes longer to get through security.
"I was asked to turn on every electronic device I have -- laptop, two cell phones, pager, PDA," said Kevin Clay, a passenger at LaGuardia Airport. "All were carefully checked and double-checked. Nothing was taken apart, but the screener asked to see the battery in one of my cell phones."
One LaGuardia passenger said she was flabbergasted when her crucifix necklace was examined for several minutes.
The reason: Some cross charms and key chains have been found to harbor knives and appear on the FBI's Guide to Concealable Weapons (PDF).
Also included in the guide: ninja rings, pens that spew pepper spray, plastic razor blades and sharp-edged playing cards.
Many passengers at New York airports said they appreciate the increased security.
"If it comes down to a choice between my life and the sanctity of your laptop, you better believe I'll be first in line to help the security folks rip apart your computer," said Peter Vengelle, who was waiting for a flight at Newark Liberty International Airport on Wednesday night.
