Laptop Lock for College?

Reckless

So, my Dad wants me to grab a laptop lock for the MacBook I'm taking with me up to college. Seemed like a good idea, so I hopped online and started doing a little poking around. It seems like these things aren't very secure or trustworthy at all. There's video of them being foiled by wire cutters, ball-point pens, etc.

Should I even bother buying one, or should I take other measures to prevent my laptop from being stolen?

Thanatos

Reckless wrote: »

So, my Dad wants me to grab a laptop lock for the MacBook I'm taking with me up to college. Seemed like a good idea, so I hopped online and started doing a little poking around. It seems like these things aren't very secure or trustworthy at all. There's video of them being foiled by wire cutters, ball-point pens, etc.

Should I even bother buying one, or should I take other measures to prevent my laptop from being stolen?

It's mostly just there to slow a thief down, and prevent crimes of opportunity. Nothing is going to be 100%.

Herschel

It can't hurt -- but the main way to prevent theft is to be sure you don't leave it lying around alone -- e.g., in your unlocked dorm room. Even when you go to bathroom, lock your door if a roommate isn't around.

Iceman.USAF

Keep this anecdote in mind.

A friend of mine works for comp USA. He said if he leaves the camera batteries (for the cameras on display) untaped, they're disappear. However, it he puts a piece of scotch tape over them, nobody touches them.

The same goes for the big sale sign outside. If he doesn't put a piece of string tying it to the building, it'll be done before they close. If he ties it with a string it'll stay.

So yeah, its really just to prevent someone from walking by and snatching it. Anyone determined enough to come after you in particular is going to take your laptop, even if it means sawing off your desk leg or whatever its attached to.

SilverWind

Really, just make sure you lock your door whenever you're not in your room. You're going to want to lug your laptop around and to classes (I'm assuming), and the lock will just be a hassle.

Now, if you're in a roommate situation I can understand the need for a lock, since you can't always depend on a friend to make sure they close up the room properly. But if alone? Don't bother.

Pheezer

Actually a Kensington style cable lock can be a really good theft prevention technique. Very rarely will a prospective thief carry around a pair of bolt cutters, and you're not likely to get away with the laptop unless you do. You shouldn't leave it unattended, and when I have mine with me I pack it up and carry it with me even if I'm just stepping out of a lecture to use the washroom. But if you want to feel extra safe, particularly if you're leaving it in your dorm room, a cable lock IS a really good idea. They're surprisingly difficult to get around, assuming you have something really big and really heavy to lock it to.

So I say it's $50 well spent.

KalTorak

I'd say it's a good idea to get one if you're going to be in an area where you don't feel safe leaving valuable things lying around for a few minutes - whether you get one or not,be sure to lock your dorm room door every time you leave it empty.

If you're getting a Mac laptop, in addition to the lock you can get a handy program that uses the motion sensor inside their laptops to detect someone trying to steal it, responding by letting out a very loud alarm, flashing the screen a lot to attract attention, and using the built-in iSight to take a picture of the potential thief and emailing the picture to a user-specified address. Not fool-proof, but unexpected to most thieves who are even prepared for a laptop lock.

Reckless

Sounds like I'll be getting myself a lock, and making sure both myself and my roomie lock the door when we're out.

Kal, I'd be really interested in buying a copy of that software. What's it called?

lordswing

Reckless wrote: »

Sounds like I'll be getting myself a lock, and making sure both myself and my roomie lock the door when we're out.

Kal, I'd be really interested in buying a copy of that software. What's it called?

It's called iAlertU. There's another program out there that will actually work with police to recover your MacBook/Pro if it gets stolen, the fee is like $30, but for the life of me I can't remember the name.

*edit*iAlertU is free btw.