Moving to College (Transporting an iMac)

I would find a box the it will fit in, but you will still be able to carry it on the plane. Then wrap the iMac in a bunch of bubble wrap or blankets.

you want to fit the iMac in a box and not have the head of it move all over the place. Make sure that the iMac neck is down to its lowest point and then bring it up a little bit and pack it well so that it is impossible for it to go down... you might use some rolled towels.. or rolls of paper towel

wrap some other towels (the bath or beach type) around neck and try to make sure that it can't move up when the box is closed... if it moves a little bit, it probably won't damage the computer, but you don't want to have a stress on the neck.

Another important thing.. don't use anything that can fit into the vents on the computer. Use books, newspapers, and towels to help build around the computer.

Finally, it might be a good idea to put a tea towel over the monitor to help protect it.

Good luck with the move!

Check before you leave.

With the prevailing security concerns airline security may not let you carry it on.

If not, try to find original packaging to package it in to put in baggage, or just drive.

Hey Macs are worth it.

Hi there,

I would second Nick Stearns reply, I would think it not possible to 'Carry On' your precious iMac. I would at the very least call ahead of time and see what you maybe able to do... if you can't drive, take the train, it's kinda fun, I guess.

Rick

iMac G5 iSight 20" - 30G iPOD in Slimming Black - Mac OS X (10.4.7) - HP Pav 15" WS and Toshiba Sat 17" WS LP's - Canon 20D & A620

I just carried a 17 inch imac on the plane with me. Worked really well. Wrap the screen in bubble wrap and find a large tote bag. Carry it upright as it normally sits. It went through security scanners fine and even fit fine in the overhead. Best part is that it saved me $$ on shipping.

I don't have a laptop and I too was planning to take my 20" iMac G5 with me to my winter vacation home. I plan to pack it in its original shipping box and styrofoam liners to transport it in the car.
This should protect it during the drive.
Is there a risk to the HD due to rough roads or low temperatures in route?

iMac G5-20" Mac OS X (10.4.8)

This area is for discussing the iMac G4 which has a much different physical layout than the iMac G5. The iMac G5 is simple to pack since it is essentially a flat slab. The iMac G4's articulating arm makes it much more challenging.