I hadn't considered this issue before.  The top of most drives is some
form of steel, but the frame is usually aluminium.

The absolute worst that can happen is for the servo tracks to get messed
up.  I've only purchased a few drives from places which have the
checkpoint (and other similar) loss prevention system.  Never had an
issue, though.  The HD was always packaged such that the drive itself
was at least 1-2 inches from the mat, whereas the security tab has to be
right against it (perhaps through a single layer of cardboard).

The simple short answer is that if it was a problem, the manufacturer
wouldn't be putting the security tab inside the packaging, and/or the
retailer wouldn't be using it.

Some sensitive parts are enclosed inside a plastic container with a
security 'lock'.  The box is removed before letting the customer go.
This makes sense to certian items, since I bet that the field fries some
semiconductor links in ultra-dense chips, such as memory.

-Adam

Lyle Hazelwood wrote:

>>Subject: [EE:] What are acceptable Hard Disk shipping packaging
>>standards?
>>
>>
>
>A related question that I'd like to ask the list:
>While shopping at a major consumer electronics outlet, my
>purchased had drive was dragged across the magnetized pad
>at checkout to disable the security alarms for that drive.
>
>Wouldn't this pose a potential problem for the drive? In
>this case it was DOA on installation, and I returned it and
>refused to let them "scan" the replacement. I understand that
>one failure is proof of nothing, but are these magnetic
>scanners OK for a hard drive?
>
>I won't mention the name of the retail chain, but I did choose
>them to get the best buy I could find.
>
>--
>http://www.piclist.com hint: The PICList is archived three different
>ways.  See http://www.piclist.com/#archives for details.
>
>
>
>
>

--
http://www.piclist.com hint: The PICList is archived three different
ways.  See http://www.piclist.com/#archives for details.