Deeper in replies to Schneier's post, it would appear that the numbers are thoroughly discredited. Apparently this "study" was released the same day that Dell announced some new security products for laptops....

"Data doesn't add up on study of missing laptops at U.S. airports"

http://computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9107799&pageNumber=1

"'We consider this study very nonscientific,' said Sari Koshetz, a TSA spokeswoman, who added the study doesn't accurately reflect the number of laptops lost at TSA checkpoints. The TSA says that, nationally, about 75 laptops are reported lost or missing each month. More than 2 million passengers go through TSA checkpoints each day."

Or howabout this?

"Computerworld asked Miami International officials to provide what records they have on lost, missing and stolen laptops. Their data shows that for all of 2007, 68 laptops were reported stolen and 480 were turned in to the airport's lost and found. For its part, the TSA in Miami reported that in the 12-month period that ended May 31, it had received only 38 missing laptop claims."