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LfGrdMike · Sep 10, 2003, 04:11 PM

As most of you know I just got my powerbook, and have more questions.

What types of things should I do to keep it from getting stolen. I know to always have it on me, but im wondering about laptop locks and stuff. Furthermore I want to know about laptop insurance and how much it costs?

Now that I got it I wish I had got an extra AC adapter but have no way of figuring out where to find one. Also I might get an extra batter for the hell of it. Lets say 3 years down the line I need these things where would I get them . I did search apples store and was surprised to not see them on their,

I just started classes today, and want to get all this sorted out so I feel comfortable bringing this to my classes, and stuff. Thanks all of you for being such a help before I bought this computer by answering my questions. I could not be any happier with this computer. This is by far the best macintosh I have ever used!

rjt1000 · Sep 10, 2003, 04:43 PM

Hey Mike,

Good luck with the new PB.

I've heard good things about this laptop insurance company:

http://www.safeware.com/

And of course you should consider getting Applecare if you havent already. (You can do it anytime before your standard warranty expires).

I think the best way to prevent theft is to keep your eye on it at all times. Never, never leave it unattended.

Apple laptops have great eye appeal, which makes them something of a target. So use common sense in where you use it. And choose a discreet carrying case to transport it.

But, dont be so worried about it that you dont enjoy it !!

Best wishes,

Rich (Pismo G3 500 and 15in Albook owner wannabe)

LfGrdMike · Sep 10, 2003, 08:48 PM

not bad anyone else have any recemendations before I take this one. I would like to make some comparisons.

carnagex2000 · Sep 10, 2003, 08:57 PM

I have StateFarm Renters Insurance, and they'll cover my Canon 10D and Powerbook 12" if It gets stolen, or if I drop and break it. (it's covered along with everything else my apartment such as the TV, my paintings, etc.) I pay $360 a year ($30 a month but well worth it)

TheIceMan · Sep 11, 2003, 12:39 AM

LfGrdMike:
I currently have SafeWare insurance. I pay $83 with NO deductible for 1 year and get a full replacement if they can't fix it. Although your rates may vary somewhat depending on where you live, but I think it should not exceed $90/year.

I think it's a great insurance program. It protects me from loss/theft, accidental damage, like dropping it or spilling coffee on it. Check it out.

amazing · Sep 11, 2003, 01:17 AM

I suggest getting a security cable with a combination lock, to use when you're in the library, or anyplace where you're likely to walk away from the laptop even for the briefest of seconds. There's some software you might look into called LapCop. I'd also put some stickers on it, something to personalize it and make it easy to recognize at a distance. There's been cases where 2 people in line at the security gates at the airport had identical models and the laptops became switched.

Also, at airports, don't put your laptop on the conveyor belt until you are physically ready to slip through the gates, no matter if the security personnel try to get you to put thru early. Make sure that you carry absolutely no metal whatsoever, so you won't be detained, because laptops have been known to walk off if you've been distracted or detained. It's even happened that a pair of crooks will get in front of someone with an obvious computer bag: You put your bag thru, and suddenly the innocent fellow directly in front of you has to repeatedly go thru security. Meanwhile, the first fellow through waits for your laptop and walks away.

Another good thing to have is an unobtrusive backpack, something that has a padded compartment but doesn't cry out "here's an important computer case, please steal me!"

In the end, your presence of mind is the best security.

rjt1000 · Sep 11, 2003, 09:01 AM

Hi again,

I think 'amazing' makes some very good points. With the new post 911 security checks, laptops are in grave danger with having to be removed from their bags and scanned separately. (at least here in the USA)

Be sure to keep eye contact with your laptop at all times. I do not enter the magnetic field scanner until my laptop has disappeared into the xray machine.

And if for some reason they need to further scan me, I insist to be facing and keeping eye contact with my laptop. There have been times when security personal have asked me to move away so they could screen me in the place they found convenient, and I politely told them that I need to watch my laptop, and to either screen me where I could see it, or to bring it to the location they wanted to screen me.

Another thing: I keep my laptop in sleep mode when I go through the screening. Then if asked to start it up, it takes only a moment, and then another moment to put it back to sleep. If its off, I would have to make them wait the couple of minutes it takes my laptop to start up so I can properly put it to sleep or shut down before moving it. (not good to move a laptop with HD spinning).

The security cable is indeed a good idea for libraries etc., although it can be hard to find something to secure it to, depending on table designs, etc.

Best wishes,

Rich (Pismo G3 500)

LfGrdMike · Sep 11, 2003, 09:20 AM

Those are some great tips, and I will definitely get a security cable. I want to know if I have to use screen effects to briefly password protect it, OR can I use soemthing similar when the display goes to sleep?

amazing · Sep 11, 2003, 11:46 AM

About the extra battery: They don't take well to storage, so don't get one till you need it. If it's not used the life expectancy goes way down. Wait a year or two.

You can password protect screen effects, but not wake-from-sleep. (Panther is reported to implement that feature.) That means you might be tempted to set your laptop to never sleep and just use screen effects with the password protection, but that's not a good idea because of possibility of premature HD failure, and also because of over-heating with consequent damage.

Check on versintracker.com for any utilities that might do what you want. I've heard of some scripts that modify firmware to achieve what you want, but again that's not a good idea because it might void your applecare. You should investigate the open firmware password protect utility on apple's support site to see whether it does what you want.

Basically, back everything up and keep an eye on it.

LfGrdMike · Sep 11, 2003, 08:12 PM

no the screen effects will be fine in the time being. I will definitely be getting panther. All just put Seffects on, and then the sleep will be set so the computer will go to sleep. Is the Kensington security cable good, and how does the security cable secure the computer. COuldnt it just be ripped right out of the port.

rjt1000 · Sep 12, 2003, 12:10 AM

Hi Mike,

The security cable fits into the small slot found on most if not all recent powerbooks.

Yeah, it could be ripped out, but not without causing a lot of damage, which would make the laptop less sale-able for the thief.

Also dont overlook visual deterence--most thieves are lazy like everyone else. They are looking for the easy pickins'

Best wishes,

Rich (Pismo G3 500)

LfGrdMike · Sep 12, 2003, 12:22 PM

ya i forgot about that. If they see a bike locked up why would they make an effort same with a laptop. So I guess the major tip for all of us is to be smart like all you guys said, and don't let your guard down. I got a kingston security cable today with combo lock on it. I need to get a small bag lock for my brenthaven case too, and all run over to home depot later today.