ATLANTA - Apple's iPad tablet is friendlier than a traditional laptop when it comes to airport security.
The Transportation Security Administration said Tuesday that in general you should not need to remove your iPad from your bag. That's because it's relatively small and people who carry the device often don't have bulky accessories like plugs and external drives that clutter the image when computer bags are screened.
Screeners may still ask you to remove your iPad if they can't get a clear image of the device.
Apple Inc. sold more than 300,000 iPads on Saturday, the first day the device went on sale in stores.
The iPad is not a personal computer, but it does let users do several of the key functions they can do on a computer, like send e-mail, watch movies and surf the Internet.
Strong marketing and the wow-factor of the iPad have caused enormous interest, which means security screeners are bound to see more of the devices come through airports.
The TSA, which is in charge of airport security, is in the process of telling officers about how the iPad figures into screening procedures, spokesman Greg Soule said.
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