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dosequis · Jun 23, 2005, 06:44 PM

This probably doesn't belong here but I was wondering on what kind of notebook lock to buy and from where?

GSixZero · Jun 23, 2005, 06:50 PM

Kensington's are good. They have a variety of choices.

http://www.kensington.com

ghporter · Jun 23, 2005, 07:02 PM

From an iBook perspective (to keep this on an appropriate subject for this forum) you can get just about any "Kensington-style" notebook lock and it will work. This is the style that features a small "T" shaped part that sticks out of the lock and inserts into the laptop to lock-the iBook is built for that.

Look for one that features a four-digit combination lock. I used to suggest the kind with a cylindrical key, but that was before it was revealed that a lot of those locks can be opened with the barrel of a ball-point pen. The name brands weren't really immune to it, either.

And ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS USE THE LOCK. Every single time. An unused lock is wasted money.

Thanubs · Jul 11, 2005, 04:07 PM

I would never recommend a kensington cable to anyone. Do a search on kensington cable lock, about the third or fourth one down there will be a video of a guy opening one up with an empty roll of toilet paper! And what if someone just clips the cable!? I would never trust my Powerbook in one of those.
I found this other device off the apple products guide that keeps the screen locked upright so even if someone gets past the cable they're stuck with an open laptop. They call it the LapLocker, there is a demo on the site: www.laplocker.com

It seems like a better idea than the kensington lock. If anyone out there has one of these things, can you tell me how it is?

-thanubs

GSixZero · Jul 11, 2005, 05:02 PM

No method of security is perfect. The thief can always shoot you and steal the key. The idea is to find the appropriate combination of security and convenience. I wouldn't leave my powerbook overnight in a public place with the Kensington lock, but I feel fine leaving it locked to my desk in my office that way.

ghporter · Jul 11, 2005, 06:16 PM

Originally Posted by Thanubs

I would never recommend a kensington cable to anyone. Do a search on kensington cable lock, about the third or fourth one down there will be a video of a guy opening one up with an empty roll of toilet paper! And what if someone just clips the cable!? I would never trust my Powerbook in one of those.
I found this other device off the apple products guide that keeps the screen locked upright so even if someone gets past the cable they're stuck with an open laptop. They call it the LapLocker, there is a demo on the site: www.laplocker.com

It seems like a better idea than the kensington lock. If anyone out there has one of these things, can you tell me how it is?

-thanubs

That is why I mentioned the combination type locks. Read my post-I specifically explain why the cylinder-key type locks are vulnerable. You also need to make sure the lock body fits snugly against the computer.

Sure, somebody with a four-foot bolt cutter can walk off with your computer, but at least you'll have something to show the police and insurance people to file a claim with.

selowitch · Jul 12, 2005, 10:04 AM

If I were to buy a lock for my iBook, it would have to be one that didn't leave a doohickey stuck in it that would make it no longer fit in my Tom Bihn Brain Cell sleeve. Anyone know of a lock that can be completely removed easily, every time?

ghporter · Jul 12, 2005, 10:31 AM

Actually, a lot of the Kensington-type locks come completely out. Take a look at the locks on this page from Buy.com. ALL of them come completely out. I agree with you about the ones that leave a gadget stuck in the computer-they may be fine for something like a Mini or a monitor, but they stink for a laptop computer.

Thanubs · Jul 20, 2005, 11:17 AM

Glenn,

I agree with you about those cylinder type key locks. But what about a good ole fashioned padlock style key lock? You know, the ones that actually use normal looking keys. Do you know for a fact that these are as vulnerable as the cylinder ones? The reason I'm asking is I'm really thinking of purchasing that LapLocker device and it uses a 5 tumbler padlock style lock. Thanks.

tooki · Jul 20, 2005, 03:30 PM

Originally Posted by Thanubs

And what if someone just clips the cable!?

That would leave the lock attached to the computer, eliminating any resale value. (And unless you get the lock to turn, it can't be removed without destroying the computer.)

One must remember that a large part of these locks' effectiveness comes not from preventing theft, but rather from making impossible resale or use. It's the same principle as the dye tags at clothiers: they don't stop you from stealing, but make it pointless to do so since you can't wear the garment with the tag on, and removing the tag without the "key" ruins the garment.

tooki

ghporter · Jul 20, 2005, 05:43 PM

Originally Posted by Thanubs

Glenn,

I agree with you about those cylinder type key locks. But what about a good ole fashioned padlock style key lock? You know, the ones that actually use normal looking keys. Do you know for a fact that these are as vulnerable as the cylinder ones? The reason I'm asking is I'm really thinking of purchasing that LapLocker device and it uses a 5 tumbler padlock style lock. Thanks.

No, I don't know that tumbler-key locks are vulnerable. But I have not seen many of them lately, and the ones I've seen did not fit against the computer as well as I would like to really secure the lock. ALL of the combination locks I've seen DO fit very close to the computer, so they are physically more secure. For that reason I recommended what I've seen that should work.