I've always assumed that the laptop rule was because it blocked X-rays, and so you could hide something under it. In that case, the size is irrelevant. It's just to prevent having to check manually too much.
Besides, rules just change depending on the airport/country, simple as that. I've had situations where I've been asked to take out "all electronic devices" (phones, tablets, ipods, I had like ten of those). In other cases, I passed with the laptop still inside (or even a bottle of water in my jacket ! I'm definitely a terrorist).
I wonder why people care about this, though. Can't you just accept that you will spend five or ten minutes taking out your laptop ?
I find the interdiction of liquid/razors much more annoying, because it actually costs me money. The inconvenience of empty your bag is pretty harmless.
Any complex equipment could have stuff hidden inside it, e.g replace the battery with a brick of explosive. That's why the Israelis commonly ask you to switch computers on in front of them. Putting them in a separate box makes sure there aren't two items superimposed on top of each other in the scanner image, so it's easier to inspect.
If you've never been through Ben Gurion or any Israeli checkpoints, it's a real experience. They are very thorough, sometimes requiring items be disassembled as far as is possible without tools. I don't find it annoying though, it's for everyone's safety and they are very professional. I understand that the main purpose of the checks is to allow them to observe your behaviour and reactions. They know that even with all their check stuff can get through, so they put a strong emphasis on psychological profiling. Honestly, that makes me less upset about the checks themselves. If I have confidence these people really do know what they are doing, and it is effective, then I will put up with the procedure even if it's mainly a ruse. The problem with the TSA is the public isn't confident that the procedures are effective, so if thats the case who wants to put up with the process?
People care because it demonstrates exactly how pointless the rules are. Why should we "just accept" spending however long it takes to empty a bag when to do so provides no gain whatsoever other than to perpetuate a myth?
Besides, rules just change depending on the airport/country, simple as that. I've had situations where I've been asked to take out "all electronic devices" (phones, tablets, ipods, I had like ten of those). In other cases, I passed with the laptop still inside (or even a bottle of water in my jacket ! I'm definitely a terrorist).
I wonder why people care about this, though. Can't you just accept that you will spend five or ten minutes taking out your laptop ?
I find the interdiction of liquid/razors much more annoying, because it actually costs me money. The inconvenience of empty your bag is pretty harmless.