[throwawaystale]

Let's just say I have a lot or respect for the possibilities I'm aware of, together with a general sense that there's a lot that I don't know.

In any case, just because you usually get your laptop handed right back, it doesn't follow that you always will. If it matters to you, buy that burner.

[geofft]

Even so:

1. I can expect that there's a chance that my laptop will be taken from me (and perhaps returned modified or perhaps taken permanently) while still not being okay with that. It's one thing to expect a right to be violated; it's another thing to give up.

2. It's not unreasonable to travel with a laptop while expecting a small chance that it's taken, in which case you'll buy a new one and restore from backup, instead of buying a burner every time.

[Marsymars]

Seems easier to buy a "burner" at home though, and then it's indefinitely reusable.

[throwawaystale]

1. Indeed, I'm only talking about is, not ought. Please do complain. Leave Trump out, though. Nothing he can do about it, and if he seriously tried, he'd wake up with a horse's head in his bed.

2. If you truly believe your laptop is clean and encryption sufficiently uncrackable, go ahead. I don't think I'm that smart, myself.