Laptop Security Devices

[aaronp]

Hello Everyone,

Before I start I'd like to say that this is my first post, and I'm very happy to be joining the community. Not enough can be said about the commendable job you all do with problem solving, and a large part of my decision to go with my recent T42 purchase was because of this forum. I hope IBM knows what great salespeople you all are!

Anyway, I am a student, and am having some concerns about laptop security. Searching the web, I found StopTheft plates, which are basically plates that you affix to your laptop that have the phone number of a tracking center, as well as several identification numbers. Apparently they are very hard to remove, and even if a thief does remove them, a tatoo has been permanently embedded into the laptop's case. I guess the whole idea is theft prevention through inability to resale, and it's supposedly quite effective (impressive corporate client list). Anyway, the website is http://www.stoptheft.com/prodset.htm and I was wondering what you guys think. They are only $25 (ignore the corporate asset tracking software option), which includes free recovery and shipping for 3 years. Another issue of mine is whether or not the tatoo would be readable on the TP's black surface.

Boy, this post is getting long, but I thought while on the subject of security, I'd ask everyone's opinion on laptop locks. I don't really understand how these work (attach to the laptop, etc), so if anyone could enlighten me, I'd appreciate it. Also, does anyone have a good recommendation for one?

[T41mbi]

I dont know much about this kind of security you are referring to sorry I have never had to worry too much about my laptop being stolen... but I will offer you a small advice which is to avoid Kensignton branded locks I have read numerous reports about how easy it is to circumvent the security provided in this particular brand/range of products.

[Budge]

Aaronp,

Sorry I can't help you with the security issue, but I was wondering if you could help me? I see that you are a fellow student, and that you own the very notebook I would like to purchase. Would you share with me the price you paid for the notebook? In addition how long did they take to ship it to you? Did you order it on the web or phone?


Thanks,
Budge

[aaronp]

Budge,

I should clarify that when I say "recent T42 purchase" I mean that I have just purchased it, but have not yet received it. It did, however, ship just 2 days after I ordered it online (ordered monday, shipped wednesday), much to my surprise. However, UPS now says its order status is an "Exception," and has been placed on an FDA hold. Currently it has been "arrival scanned" in Alaska (for FDA purposes?). I'm still hoping to get it tomorrow. In response to your other question, I went ahead and paid full price ($2,399), as the student discount laptops didn't quite meet my needs, and I didn't want to take the time to swap out the hard drive. I was also debating contacting Bill, but I've heard he cannot discount the Express models much, if at all.

[Leon]

I have previously seen the stickers that you reference. I have not gotten them yet, but I will get them for my new T42. In my opinion, they are a good deterrent and potential for return if lost or stolen regardless of any other security device that you choose to use. After spending that much money for a laptop, it's a small price to add for a little more security.

[Logi7]

I dont know much about this kind of security you are referring to sorry I have never had to worry too much about my laptop being stolen... but I will offer you a small advice which is to avoid Kensignton branded locks I have read numerous reports about how easy it is to circumvent the security provided in this particular brand/range of products.

oh [censored] , ya right

i just recieved my kengston lock today

dammit!!!!!!!!!!

[Nabeel]

I was about to get a Kensington, and probably still will, as a deterent. I need one for my dorm.
Anything else that could be used as one?

[hmphargh]

one comment...you can get an IBM asset tag (i believe its similar to the stop pads or whatnot) for $12.00. i have one. its metallic, really hard to peel off, and leaves a mark, as any asset tag should. includes a tracking number, serial, my name, and model #

[austin785]

what's the best cable lock out there?

asset tags are a nice safety feature, but like anything.. if someone wants to steal your laptop, they can.. not much can stop them.

[hmphargh]

true, but a lock wont stop them either, both are really just deterrants

[Logi7]

well IBM's arnt really prime targets for theft anyway, theives cant tell the difference between at 5 years old model and the new ones

add that with a lock as a deterant, im not too worried about somebody stealing my laptop

I think laptops are stolen from librarys more than from dorms rooms

[aaronp]

Right, I think the idea is more for it to act as a deterrant, if nothing else. I saw the IBM asset tags, but was unaware that they left a mark (is it similiar to the StopTheft tatoo?), and I'm pretty sure the tracking and recovery services aren't as significant. I could be wrong though.

I'm still wondering how most of these laptop locks work. How do they generally attach to the laptop? Also, what else to they attach to, if anything? Do you have to bolt another piece to a stationary object?

[Leon]

The IBM asset tag is incomparable to the security tag discussed above, First of all, the IBM Tag (which is only available at time of order) , is butt ugly, and is put on the Top Cover. Also, although it leaves a mark if removed, it does not leave any information. The Security Tag discussed above goes on the bottom of the machine, and leaves a "Tattoo" with the identifying information if removed.

[Hangfire]

I think all you can do is have many layers of deterents, tags, cables, locks. The thief will start to look elsewhere. (Path of least resistance.)

[aaronp]

I'm still looking for recommendations on particular laptop locks/cables that work well, and how exactly they function. Advice would be very much appreciated.

[kchung]

I'm still looking for recommendations on particular laptop locks/cables that work well, and how exactly they function. Advice would be very much appreciated.

If you're looking for a deterrent, the Kingston locks will work but most of the laptop locks have a lasso loop that you to "lasso" around a permanent object that the thief can't just "lift it up" and take off. A chair or table leg wouldn't work unless there some part of the structure you could "lasso" and not slip it off.

For a permanent solution, kingston sells a version of the lock that has a permanent 3 or 4 inch sticky pad to which the cable lock is attached to.

As for how it locks to the laptop or port replicator, the mechanism connects to a slot on the back (or side depending on laptop) that when you turn the key to the locked position, the moving part engages in the slot and the key comes out.

As noted by others, this is not a totally secure solution but just a deterrent.

There are those audible alarm thingys but I think those are like car alarms, who's going to go out of their way to check on the alarm?

-Kevin