DIY computer in hand luggage - what to expect on security checks?

Question

I have a DIY computer which looks like a 7" tablet, only thicker. The case is plastic, and the whole device is about as thick as a laptop. There are no scary wires popping out and no ticking noises, and there's no problem to turn it on upon request. Opening the case would be a problem though, since it requires a screwdriver and the components (main board, LCD, WIFI antenna, battery) are interconnected by rather fragile cables. All components used to build it are FCC certified, but not the computer as a whole, obviously; and FCC labels cannot be seen without taking it apart. It is powered by a Li-Ion battery of 11'200 mAh and 42 Wh.

^{Pictures are (c) Dmitry Grigoryev, distributed under CC BY}

I use it (among other things) for games and movies, and would like to bring it on my trips. Do you think I may face any issues during security checks, especially considering the latest events? I live in France, so answers about European regulations and practices would be the most relevant. However, I do occasionally have international trips (about 3 per year), and any advice about other countries is welcome as well.

PS: the closest information I've found is this question, but it doesn't really help in my case. Coming to the airport one hour in advance and having the luggage checked by the police is definitively too much trouble, I'd rather bring a book on a flight instead.

Answer 1

Here's my take (please take with a grain of salt, it's based on general travel knowledge and not on any specific experiences like this):

People travel with unusual equipment all the time. There's all kinds of scientific, industrial, professional audio, professional photography, etc. equipment, people do try and take all this expensive equipment in hand luggage, and security agents at airports can't be expected to be familiar with all these items. I've never seen an airport or airline security rule that prohibits "unusual" equipment. Also, even though it's a DIY computer, I'm guessing a lot of it is based on off-the-shelf components inside (you likely didn't hand-design the circuit boards and every single microchip), so on an X-Ray it will look a lot like a standard computer. So in general I don't think this is a problem. However:

1. I think there's a high chance this item will be swabbed (they take a cotton swab, swab the computer, and then put it into a device that tests for explosive residue). This is a quick process, no reason to worry, my normal off-the-shelf laptop gets swabbed occasionally.
2. There's a high chance you will be asked to turn it on and demonstrate its functionality (at the security checkpoint). Make sure the battery is charged to avoid delays.
3. Using it in-flight may be more of a problem. I'd avoid turning it on in-flight if I were you, and if you absolutely must turn it on understand that allowing you to keep it on would be up to the discretion of the flight crew.
4. Of course, as stated in the other answer, given the current security situation and especially in some airports (where security situation is more tense, where they don't have modern swabbing equipment, etc), your mileage may vary. In that case be prepared to check in the item (and possibly pay associated fees). Strange equipment in checked-in luggage is definitely the norm.

Answer 2

I've travelled from the UK to many European computer/hacker festivals over the last 10 years or so, often taking strange devices similar to yours (homebrew machines, Raspberry Pi boards, 80s retro computers...) through airport and Eurostar security - and I'd say that about 80% of the time it attracts no attention at all - it just goes through the X-ray with no incident. The other 20% of the time they might give it a swab test, or ask what it is (in which case a basic answer like "a hand-held computer" is sufficient). I've never been asked to turn it on or show it working. Overall, my impression is that "strange electronics" by itself doesn't attract suspicion from security staff.

(I should mention that most of the devices I've taken don't have built-in batteries, though - I guess that might conceivably make a difference.)

Answer 3

I think you may face issues, especially considering the latest events. Whether justified or not, I don't know. If you miss a flight as a result, you may be able to say "it's their fault, not mine", but that doesn't really help you. I'd buy a cheap tablet instead of taking that risk.