Using a notebook lock on a T42?

[CoolRunnings]

I've never had to use a notebook lock in the past since I always had Dells . Now that I have a T42, I'm a lot more conscious of how easy it would be for someone to walk off with it, so I was wondering if someone could answer a few questions regarding me getting a notebook lock for this machine...

1. Where would you hook a lock up on this computer? I see a few spots where it might be possible but I'm not certain. Photos of the place would be great!

2. What notebook locks would you recommend for a T42?

[etherealtml]

The T42 an be locked with a Kensington lock. If you look on the left side of your notebook- to the left of the usb ports- you will see a little slot where the lock will fit.

Kensington makes a variety of locks, some with keys, some with combinations. There are also several generic locks on the market, just make sure that they are Kengsington-compatible.

[CoolRunnings]

Ah ok thanks. I thought that was the right one... Just wanted to be sure. Looking on NewEgg, there seem to be quite a variety of locks. Any one that is truly better than the other?

[syhead]

I just wanted to add that Kensington is just one of several brands. You can find similar locks from several other brands. The lock connection is standard, all locks fit to any laptop. Kensingtons are pretty expensive. I got a non-Kensington for $12, while Kensington's cost around $45.

[mdarnton]

I'm curious--has anyone here ever had the cable clipped on their lock, and the computer stolen? To me (criminal mind at work) it looks like it would be all too easy to do this. I bought a lock for a recent trip, but really, I felt the whole time that if someone really wanted my computer, it was as good as gone. Are these locks mainly selling us a false sense of security?

[etherealtml]

The locks are supposed to deter theft, not prevent it.

[sktn77a]

Look on e-bay for a Defcon CL (combination lock) - retails for $40 but you can get them on e-bay for $5 + $5 shipping.

[mdarnton]

The concept of theft deterrent doesn't impress me a whole lot when it's a dead dog with no teeth that's supposed to be doing do the job. I have not tried it, but I believe that I could cut the cable on these things with a $5 pair of diagonal cutters from the hardware store. That's as good as no protection at all.

[zver17]

why dont you try it on a cheap generic lock - I would be curious to know the result
apart from that, short of locking the tp into a safe i cant see how you would prevent theft. actually i believe the dock offers a partial solution - once locked it is rather hard to remove without breaking the tp, so would discourage theft. i guess they could just sell it by parts (?).

[etherealtml]

The concept of theft deterrent doesn't impress me a whole lot when it's a dead dog with no teeth that's supposed to be doing do the job. I have not tried it, but I believe that I could cut the cable on these things with a $5 pair of diagonal cutters from the hardware store. That's as good as no protection at all.

Someone could also take a $50 crowbar, pry open your window and take the TV out of your living room. Doesn't mean you shouldn't lock your doors.

[dfumento]

I like http://www.compu-lock.com/notesaver.asp . They used to be the company recommended by IBM. You can get 3/16" or 5/16" cable.

[carbon_unit]

Most of those locks use a circular key and can be opened using a $0.05 ball point pen. So they really just keep the honest people honest. The best protection is to keep it with you at all times and that is free.