You can check in laptops; OP clearly misunderstands. https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/...

There are stricter rules however for spare batteries, including power banks. https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/...

If it's large enough they may pick it up - I wasn't allowed to board a flight once because they found a powerbank in my suitcase.

I got stopped at security and was shown my luggage. After removing the power bank it was all good, luggage was put onto plane and I was allowed to board.