Thinkpads Forum

UPDATE:

Ive decided to go with the new Kensignton Combosave lock. Ill post some picks when it arrives.

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I need a laptop lock for college in the fall, for my thinkpad T42p. One concern I have is buying a lock that will not block the usage of the 2 USB ports, and the only lock I know will do this, the kensington microsaver lock, has some security issues. So my question is, what do you guys use/recommend for your T series notebook?

I don't know any other port-blocking locks, but why not use a bios and windows password and lock (Win-L) or standby the machine when you leave it unattended? I have standy-on-LCD-down and just close the lid every time I need to get up.

Kenn wrote:why not use a bios and windows password and lock (Win-L) or standby the machine when you leave it unattended? I have standy-on-LCD-down and just close the lid every time I need to get up.

But will that keep your ThinkPad from walking away?

SNAP! I have one of those locks... Should I lock my thinkpad to myself? So if someone tried to steal my Thinkpad, they would have to drag me off as well?

Kenn wrote:I don't know any other port-blocking locks, but why not use a bios and windows password and lock (Win-L) or standby the machine when you leave it unattended? I have standy-on-LCD-down and just close the lid every time I need to get up.

just to rephrase, I want a laptop lock that will not block my usb ports, and one that will keep my laptop in my dorm room.

I have the microsaver lock, and when i bought it, i was aware of the security issues of kensinton-style locks.

Laptop locks, like bicycle locks, are not that effective in stopping a criminal from taking your laptop away. If a criminal really wants your product, they'll get it. (They can cut quite easily cut through the cable, the microsavers cable is about 2 cm in diameter) The purpose is just to deter a thief.

The microsaver is a pretty cool device though, and it desn't take up that much space. I would recommend it for anyone who is traveling with therre laptop or wants to feel safer by securing it to an immovable object.

I wouldn't be too worried about the security issues. It is a tedious process, and I would doubt that many thiefs would try to make a device to pick the lock as opposed to just snipping the cable and then dealing with the lock.

So should I use the microsaver I have on myself? So if they stole it they would have to drag me with my TP (Deter people especially when I am 200 pounds...)

nonny wrote:

Kenn wrote:why not use a bios and windows password and lock (Win-L) or standby the machine when you leave it unattended? I have standy-on-LCD-down and just close the lid every time I need to get up.

But will that keep your ThinkPad from walking away?

Sorry, I thought the OP wanted a lock that would block the USB ports from unauthorized use, so I meant he should use a regular lock and just password-protect the system when he's gone.

I have one of these PC Guardian locks and wonder what would keep someone from just grabbing the Thinkpad with both hands and yanking it right off by force. It would bend out the locking tabs, maybe crack some plastic, but it looks like you would have a functional laptop.

Is there more to it? Is there a tripwire around the lock slot or something that would render the laptop less useful?

(Is this thread going to get locked too now?)

Shoim32 wrote: I wouldn't be too worried about the security issues. It is a tedious process, and I would doubt that many thiefs would try to make a device to pick the lock as opposed to just snipping the cable and then dealing with the lock.

5 seconds with a bic pen, no wire cutters needed.

http://www.pbase.com/kenn/image/39543037

Ground Loop wrote:I have one of these PC Guardian locks

And your USB ports aren't blocked? Ill take this one into consideration.

The kingston defcon locks are fine, that problem only applied to their older locks. Just make sure its a combination lock and it won't get BIC'dl. Another cool lock I seen but haven't tested is the KeyCard Travel Lock by RoadWire. I just like it because it's not the common key types - so they'd have to be [censored] good or really familar with this lock to even attempt picking it - and because it uses thin flat credit card sized keys it will be easy to cary in your wallot and on your keychain (using the mini-card key)

http://www.roadwired.com/store/Product.cfm?Productid=83

You post about the keycard locks looks interesting. I notice that the laptop they use for the illustration is a ThinkPad.

Vindicated wrote:The kingston defcon locks are fine, that problem only applied to their older locks. Just make sure its a combination lock and it won't get BIC'dl. Another cool lock I seen but haven't tested is the KeyCard Travel Lock by RoadWire. I just like it because it's not the common key types - so they'd have to be [censored] good or really familar with this lock to even attempt picking it - and because it uses thin flat credit card sized keys it will be easy to cary in your wallot and on your keychain (using the mini-card key)

http://www.roadwired.com/store/Product.cfm?Productid=83

Really cool concept here - the only thing that would keep me from buying this one is that cable looks like it could be cut with a pair of finger nail clippers.

Yeah I noticed that too. Then again even the Targus Defcon locks (which I own) don't look very cut resistant. I bet if I took my Spydero knife to it I could cut through in about a minute.

Just right now I seen a sale on the KeyCard lock on eBags' website (20% off). Even weired, I found the same sale on Amazon (supplied via eBags) but with cheaper shipping. For $16 and some pocket change I went ahead a placed an order. Even if it was junk it could make a good backpack zipper lock - and all the reviews seem to be pretty positive.

When I get it, I'll take some photos and post a review.

Awsome, I look forward to your findings.