how to search a laptop
If you want to search a laptop in the same way you search a piece of luggage, or indeed the fuel ('gas') tank of your car: You get out a screwdriver and you disassemble it.... but you better fix it afterwards!
You are looking for physical objects - objects with can be used to cause harm on an airplane.
If you want to examine the digital contents of my computer (or my ipod, or my phone, or any of the CDs I have with me), then get an expert in the field and a court order.
(dead vulture, because our liberties are being killed off)