[zander106]

I just bought myself a Belkin K100 Key Lock for my iBook G4. However when I try to push the key in to lock the lock, it doesn't fit. I've tried for almost an hour now trying to jam the thing in place. Is the iBook G4 security slot just too small for this particular security lock? Has anyone else had trouble with their iBook G4 security slot with, say, a Kensington cable or something from Targus? I leave my iBook at home while I'm at work and, paranoid that I am, I'd rather not have it left unguarded in my apartment. I'm hoping that maybe it's just this Belkin lock that's the problem, and that others aren't having this issue. Thanks.

[rytc]

Originally posted by zander106:
I just bought myself a Belkin K100 Key Lock for my iBook G4. However when I try to push the key in to lock the lock, it doesn't fit. I've tried for almost an hour now trying to jam the thing in place. Is the iBook G4 security slot just too small for this particular security lock? Has anyone else had trouble with their iBook G4 security slot with, say, a Kensington cable or something from Targus? I leave my iBook at home while I'm at work and, paranoid that I am, I'd rather not have it left unguarded in my apartment. I'm hoping that maybe it's just this Belkin lock that's the problem, and that others aren't having this issue. Thanks.

I've found some locks don't seem to fit powerbooks or iBooks, just try another brand.

Cheers

[[APi]TheMan]

I thought that laptop locks were an industry standard size?

[teknopimp]

i thought Kensington locks were specifically made for mactops and/or vice versa.

[gkrykewy]

I too would be interested in hearing about locks that are confirmed to work with the iBook G4. The Kensington Microsaver?

[[APi]TheMan]

On the Apple Tech Specs page for the Powerbook they list a "Kensington cable lock slot" under the Security section. I could not find any such listing on the iBook page.

Have you checked the user manual that came with the laptop for information? I never read those manuals, but I bet there's some good information in there.

[zander106]

The user manual didn't give me any help or caveats about the size of the security lock. It just said that it's some kind of "standard" size. This Belkin K100 is also supposed to fit "all laptops."

So go figure. I'll probably just end up trying another cable, although these things cost $30 or so, and I'd rather not end up spending that again for another "standard" cable that doesn't fit. If anyone does have an iBook G4 12" and can tell me if they have a security cable that works, then I would love to know what model it is. Thanks everyone!

[d4nth3m4n]

i would imagine that the k lock icon next to the hole would mean that it was a kensington specific thing. *shrugs*

[ghporter]

Kensington was the originator of the laptop lock-not just for Apple laptops, either. That said, not everyone's products are going to match the size spec, both on the computer side, and on the lock side. I haven't ever had a problem in this regard, but it is certainly possible.

Also, some locks are built for "deeper" lock stud spaces than others. My last Master Lock laptop lock came with a set of shims to adjust the space between the lock and the laptop for a snug fit. If you look carefully at the lock body, you may see that there are one or more plastic (or even metal) spacer rings on the laptop side of the lock-these should come off so you can adjust the lock to fit perfectly.

[f1000]

Originally posted by zander106:
I leave my iBook at home while I'm at work and, paranoid that I am, I'd rather not have it left unguarded in my apartment. I'm hoping that maybe it's just this Belkin lock that's the problem, and that others aren't having this issue. Thanks.

That kind of lock is used to discourage casual theft from public areas. It won't discourage someone who's already broken into your apartment and can use bolt-cutters at his leisure.

[zander106]

Originally posted by GHPorter:
Also, some locks are built for "deeper" lock stud spaces than others. My last Master Lock laptop lock came with a set of shims to adjust the space between the lock and the laptop for a snug fit. If you look carefully at the lock body, you may see that there are one or more plastic (or even metal) spacer rings on the laptop side of the lock-these should come off so you can adjust the lock to fit perfectly.

My lock comes with a "plastic washer" to adjust for the varying depths of different locks. However, the issue with this particular lock seems to be with the width of the lock mechanism. I can successfully insert the end of the lock into the hole. On the other end of the lock is a kind of button I push to push in the rest of the lock. However when I start pushing that end, the other parts of the lock which are supposed to slide in and lock into place can't even slide into the hole because the hole for the lock is too narrow. I've tried rotating the lock while pushing the button to see if I can sneak in the lock that way, but that doesn't seem to work.

In any case, I may just try to go with other people's advice and buy a Kensington-brand lock. Maybe that will take care of my problems.

[zander106]

Originally posted by f1000:
That kind of lock is used to discourage casual theft from public areas. It won't discourage someone who's already broken into your apartment and can use bolt-cutters at his leisure.

In trying to balance security and convenience, I am opting for this route. Since I don't have a safe in my apartment, there isn't really anywhere I can stash my computer while I'm out that is totally secure. I suppose I could hide it in my dresser or something, but as I said I'm just trying to be both secure and convenient.

I am aware that these are mutually incompatible aims. Thanks for your advice, your point is well taken.

[f1000]

Slide your iBook into a box camouflaged as an ordinary book, and then hide the ‘book’ in your bookshelf.

[mkral]

I use Kensington Microsavers with both my iBook 12" G4 & an older ibook 700 (plus a pismo powerbook. they work great. Never had a problem.

[zander106]

Originally posted by f1000:
Slide your iBook into a box camouflaged as an ordinary book, and then hide the ‘book’ in your bookshelf.

I'll try that! LOL

[zander106]

Originally posted by mkral:
I use Kensington Microsavers with both my iBook 12" G4 & an older ibook 700 (plus a pismo powerbook. they work great. Never had a problem.

Thanks Mkral, that's exactly the kind of info I was looking for. I will pick one up this week! Thanks!!

[BobVB]

Originally posted by zander106:
Thanks Mkral, that's exactly the kind of info I was looking for. I will pick one up this week! Thanks!!

I got one of these since the weak link in all the portable security devices is the iBook itself - I remember in the local mac store when I noticed a missing laptop with the security lock still 'securely' attached to a bit of the case.

Such things only keep the honest people honest as my dad would say. And this comes in a little felt bag that's easy to fit into any carrying case.

[Daniel_R]

I haven't had any problems with the two security chains I have (one at work, one at home/bag):
* Kensington Microsaver (keyed)
* Targus Defcon CL (Combination)

I've used both of the chains with a G3/600 and G4/800 iBooks, and a Powerbook G4/1.25GHz.

When the foam protective collar on the Targus is new, it makes for a pretty tight fit on the iBooks - after some use, the foam compresses down a bit, and it will lock more easily.

[[APi]TheMan]

Get that noisy and super annoying Targus Defcon alarm. Then it really doesn't matter what you use to secure the thing... Use a kleenex. Anyone touches your laptop and they go deaf. Well not really, but I think it would be pretty effective. That is, unless you live in the middle of the desert with no meighbors for miles.