Electronics on Earth will probably be OK as long as they are not plugged in (and preferably powered off). The atmosphere makes a pretty good barrier to the char

Electronics on Earth will probably be OK as long as they are not plugged in (and preferably powered off). The atmosphere makes a pretty good barrier to the charged particles that will destroy satellite electronics. The main problem to worry about is in the power grid as the rapidly changing magnetic field induces strong currents in transmission lines (or any other kilometres long piece of conductor such as copper telephone lines). A major solar storm event such as that would likely destroy satellite communications, GPS, et cetera, and severely damage power grids and potentially telecommunications infrastructure. Your laptop would be OK. Of course, you might not have power or internet connection for several days or weeks.