Anyone bring over a desktop computer on the plane?

[markdc]

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I know with laptops security wants you to be able to turn it on and prove that it works. What about with a desktop? I have a small form factor PC that I could fit in my carry-on but I will not be bringing a monitor. Anyone done this in the past??

 

[cancerchan]

Yep, it's possible, though I've always done it pre 9-11. I've done it with a full sized ATX case before. You're going to get the weirdest looks from all the passengers. If you don't plan on taking the hard drive out, bring a power cable and just let em hear the fan whirr and the hard drive heads park. That should be plenty. If it's a mini case, just replace all the screws with thumbscrews so you can open it up easy to show em that there isn't a box cutter or an anthrax carrying monkey hiding inside.

 

[pitman]

Originally posted by cancerchan
...or an anthrax carrying monkey hiding inside.

I never understood that particular concern -- my anthrax monkey fits inside my rectum.

markdc, if I were you (which I'm not 😉 I wouldn't try to bring the PC in carry-on. You'd probably get through, but there's a reasonable chance they will get pissed if you say, "no monitor, but do ya hear the fan and the disk?"

-pitman

 

[redshifteffect]

Originally posted by markdc
I know with laptops security wants you to be able to turn it on and prove that it works. What about with a desktop? I have a small form factor PC that I could fit in my carry-on but I will not be bringing a monitor. Anyone done this in the past??

This really depends who/where you're flying through. If you fly via Hawaii or Alaska you may not have too much trouble at the US ports but if you're flying through LA or another big city I seriously would not recommend you do that.

 

[markdc]

http://www.shuttle.com/share/simages/productimages/ss56g.jpg

I was planning on bringing one of these... I spent too much money on it just to leave it here or sell it. I'll call Aus customs/security and try to find out.

 

[redshifteffect]

Originally posted by markdc
http://www.shuttle.com/share/simages/productimages/ss56g.jpg

I was planning on bringing one of these... I spent too much money on it just to leave it here or sell it. I'll call Aus customs/security and try to find out.

Try the Cathay Pacific flight from Toronto via Alaska or the Air Canada flight via Vancouver and Hawaii they will probably give you the least amount of hassle.

 

[markdc]

I've found part of the answer to my question about a desktop.
Customs responded with this:

"No problems however, if the desk top computer is your own and you have owned it for more than a year then no duty and gst applies and a form B534 will need to be completed by you.

If you have just purchased the goods then on arrival to Sydney it will need to be declared and it will be part of your $400 concession allowance and an invoice will need to be provided to Customs as proof of purchase. GST applies of the 10% of the purchase price converted into Australian Dollars.

The information above is provided as a guide only and should be clarified by either lodging a formal advice request with the appropriate section of Customs or employing the services of a licenced customs broker, if appropriate."

How can they charge you on your own computer that was purchased in another country??? (Good thing mine just turned 1).

 

[redshifteffect]

Originally posted by markdc
How can they charge you on your own computer that was purchased in another country??? (Good thing mine just turned 1).

In case you sell it in Australia.

But this could apply to pretty much anything you bring that "looks" new. The best thing to do would be to bring receipts along with you.

 

[markdc]

Here's what airport customs had to say security-wise:

"Providing you are prepared to allow the pc to be x-rayed at the screening point there is no problem. With the penetration capabilities of the modern x-ray machines the operator will be able to see right through your pc, the only stipulation they will make will be to take it out of it's carry case or bag and put it through by itself. In case you are wondering, the x-rays will not do any damamge to the computer, nor will it wipe any data from the hard drive.
Nowadays, starting up the pc does not mean that it passes the screening criteria and is very seldom used."
Security Screening Manager
Brisbane Airport Corporation


So it would seem that it is not neccessary to have to turn on your computer when you arrive. Therefore bringing a desktop computer (if it fits in your luggage) shouldn't be a problem with security and you'll only be charged duty if it is under 1 year old...