So presumably they think they can detect and defuse (?) whatever the devices are supposed to be doing if they get...

So presumably they think they can detect and defuse (?) whatever the devices are supposed to be doing if they get them in the checked baggage before it goes on the plane better than if they examine the carry-on baggage? Except it isn't the US doing the screening, it's still the airport and personnel in whatever country which may or may not be reliable? And wouldn't it make sense to ban all devices, then?

I don't know. I had to travel for work during the device ban after the underwear guy or whomever and fortunately I was going to and from the US and Canada and they had worked something out so lots of screening but I could bring my work stuff by the time I flew. It would have been very problematic otherwise.

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/electronics-ban-on-some-us-bound-flights/
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/electronics-ban-on-some-us-bound-flights/