Thinkpads Forum

Airport operators have noted that many laptops are lost and not returned simply because they have no owner identification.

I have some preprinted mailing return labels, provided by a Veterans organization, that I used to identify my previous, non-Thinkpad laptops. Now I am the proud owner of W500, T400, X61T, and X61 models.

I am reluctant to apply these labels to the flocked paint surfaces, because
a. The flocked paint is more delicate.
b. Since the labels are not intended for "security", they lack the durability of types designed for security. Nevertheless, they lasted for a decade on my old laptops.

How and where do you label your Thinkpads?

The bottom...
I mean, that's where Lenovo puts all the other labels to identify the model, serial, Windows license, etc. You will hardly notice another label, and it won't do any damage to the finish.

If all you are concerned about is being re-united with a misplaced laptop that is found by an honest person, I'd apply the label to the LCD bezel (if small enough) or to the palmrest or other plastic area of the system. As Neil says, the bottom is the normal place for stickers and even if the adhesive does affect the paint, it would be out of view in regular usage. FWIW, I'd only put your name and phone number or email on the label.

I haven't yet applied any labels or markings to signify ownership or contact information but I've thought about it. From the standpoint of making the 'label' hard to tamper with, yet easily changed (in case you sell the system), I'd lean towards the method to change the BIOS "splash" screen so that it has my phone number or email. In the case of a lost laptop, it would require that the person finding it would at least attempt to turn it on, since there's no outward indication on the casing. For a stolen system, it would be a clear indication of ownership, but again, it relies on the fact that whoever 'finds' your system is honest enough to try to get it back to you. There are other methods such as changing Windows logon screen to use a custom image you create but that's easily enough circumvented by the same registry edits you used in the first place or, if the 'new owner' is not tech savvy enough, by simply re-installing the OS.

Always....ALWAYS have hidden AND public ownership labeling!

Rather than address labels, I'd recommend using something like a P-Touch, but what you have is better than nothing.

The base is obvious. It's what an honest person will use to contact you, and what a thief will look to remove. That's why you need less obvious locations too. This is important if you need to prove ownership before a third party such as police or security. That's why I include labeling inside the battery compartment and on the Ultrabay component. Both are easily removed whether the machine is functional or not to prove ownership before that third party.

Of course, as rkawakami said previously, ThinkPad BIOS customizations (if available for your model) to display your ownership at post is nice as well, especially in combination with a password.

I put a label in the battery compartment, which is unlikely to be seen by most people (unless the battery needs to be replaced!)