[macintologist]

What kind of security cable does the iMac g5/intel accept? I tried using my kensington cable I use with the powerbook and the hole in the back of the imac is too big.

[Eriamjh]

I thought there was only one kind of security lock and the iMac used it, but maybe not. I coudn't find mention of it on Apple's pages.

[JKT]

Given that people in the know can break into a Kensington lock in seconds using nothing more than a ball point pen and a piece of cardboard, is it worth using one anyway?

I'd look to get something that isn't so easily cracked.

[Mojo]

How about a basic bicycle cable lock?

[Pierre B.]

Originally Posted by JKT

Given that people in the know can break into a Kensington lock in seconds using nothing more than a ball point pen and a piece of cardboard, is it worth using one anyway?

Given that people in the know are not 100% of people that would try to steal your computer once in your house, it is perhaps worth.

Originally Posted by JKT

I'd look to get something that isn't so easily cracked.

Good advice, but what exactly?

[mavherzog]

Super glue!

[JKT]

Originally Posted by Pierre B.

Given that people in the know are not 100% of people that would try to steal your computer once in your house, it is perhaps worth.

True, but seeing as the OP is going to have to get something new for this anyway, why get something that even 1% of those 100% would know how to break open in seconds?

Good advice, but what exactly?

Something other than a Kensington? Honestly, I don't know but there must be alternatives to that style lock - I haven't looked into it, but I have seen someone do the cardboard thing on a Kensington lock. Even a combination lock is more secure! ;-)

[Eriamjh]

A bike lock through the hole in the stand would be better than a Kensinston lock.

[JKT]

Not really as you could dismantle the mac and separate it from the stand. It'd be a bit like sticking a bike lock through just the wheel on your bike - it'll stop the casual thief (as would the Kensington) but not the one carrying a spanner set.

[quietjim]

Originally Posted by JKT

Given that people in the know can break into a Kensington lock in seconds using nothing more than a ball point pen and a piece of cardboard, is it worth using one anyway?

I'd look to get something that isn't so easily cracked.

That's not the threat that worries me. I use a Kensington lock when I'm at Borders and need to leave my PB for a few minutes. It just makes sure that your average person can't walk off with it without having to mess around for a few moments.

[macintologist]

Ok, does anybody know of a kensington lock model that fits the iMac security hole?

[ghporter]

A Kensington lock with a cylinder-type key is not the best answer because some of them, as JKT says, can be pretty easily opened. But that is not the only type of computer lock there is. Get one with a four-digit combination lock and the "ball point pen" issue is taken care of.

Sure, this won't stop a determined thief. But it WILL slow one down, and it WILL show that you didn't just leave the thing out without taking precautions-an important issue when insurance comes up.

I thought the iMac had a standard Kensington-style lock port...

[macintologist]

It's not the standard port. I have a kensington security cable I use for my powerbook. The hole in the iMac is slightly bigger. The cable won't fit in there.

[MaxPower2k3]

I'm not sure what yours has, but my rev. B iMac G5 uses a regular Kensington slot (about 1/4" wide by 1/8" or a little less tall, rounded sides), and both the iSight G5s and now the Core Duo iMacs we have where i work are locked down by the exact same kensington cables.

Maybe you could take a picture of it so we can see what yours has?

[macintologist]

Yes its the same kind of kensington port but its very slightly bigger than the one in my 12" Powerbook.

MacPower could you tell me exactly which kensington you're using?

[Mojo]

Most home burglaries are over in minutes. I cannot imagine most thieves would take the time to dismantle an iMac, and what would it be worth without the back and stand anyway? Fences, pawn shops, etc. want goods that they can easily sell.

I think that a padded cable/lock through the stand hole would deter most thieves. In my situation the question is what do I connect the cable to, since I use a wood computer desk...?

[MaxPower2k3]

Originally Posted by macintologist

Yes its the same kind of kensington port but its very slightly bigger than the one in my 12" Powerbook.

MacPower could you tell me exactly which kensington you're using?

Just the standard Kensington MicroSaver Security Cable with a keyed lock (not combo)

See here.

As far as I know, there's only one size slot for those locks... how does the hole on the iMac being bigger prevent your lock from fitting?

[macintologist]

Originally Posted by MaxPower2k3

Just the standard Kensington MicroSaver Security Cable with a keyed lock (not combo)

See here.

As far as I know, there's only one size slot for those locks... how does the hole on the iMac being bigger prevent your lock from fitting?

The hole in the back of the imac is slightly too deep and therefore I can't turn the key when I insert the kensington into the hole. It wont turn because the two prongs dont extend far enough into the hole.

[macintologist]

Oh hey it worked, I just wasn't turning the key hard enough, it needed a bit of a push.

Well that settles it

[macintologist]

Ahhh peace of mind. Now I don't have to worry as much when my roommate forgets to lock the door