Nethemas the Great writes "Last month a US court ruled that border agents can search your laptop, or any other electronic device, when you're entering the country. They can take your computer and download its entire contents, or keep it for several days.
Encrypting your entire hard drive, something you should certainly do for security in case your computer is lost or stolen, won't work here. The border agent is likely to start this whole process with a "please type in your password". Of course you can refuse, but the agent can search you further, detain you longer, refuse you entry into the country and otherwise ruin your day.
Bruce Schneier of the UK's Guardian newspaper give us some tips for securing your notebook for border crossings.
Use a diplomatic pouch (Score:1)
http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mdiplomaticpouch.html [straightdope.com]