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Miscellaneous laptop discussions : I found many threads about laptop locks, but...

by Cyborganizer - 3/8/07 7:10 PM
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Post 1 of 12

I found many threads about laptop locks, but...

by Cyborganizer - 3/8/07 7:10 PM

I cannot find one that answers the question: "which is better, a combination lock or a key lock"? The combination lock is cheaper, but someone might see me put in the code. The key locks also range in price. The round keys are cheaper than the flat keys. Anyways, here are my questions.

1. Which is the better laptop lock. Cheaper combination or Key Locks?
2. If the key laptop lock is recommended, do you recommend the cheaper round key or flat key?

I appreciate all of the help CNET provides,
:) ;) :D ;) :)

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Post 2 of 12

(NT) This does not appear to be a popular topic.

by Cyborganizer - 3/10/07 9:14 AM In reply to: I found many threads about laptop locks, but... by Cyborganizer

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Post 3 of 12

My review of laptop locks.

by Cyborganizer - 3/10/07 12:35 PM In reply to: I found many threads about laptop locks, but... by Cyborganizer

After looking at many website review pages, I conclude Kensington makes the best laptop lock. Other brands like Targus have a bad reputation of getting stuck on the computer. After watching several videos on the Internet, I do not think round key locks provide an acceptable level of security. I cannot find videos of the new Kensington disc key lock being picked. It is not invincible, but it is harder to pick. I think the disc key locks are the most secure. If you choose the combination lock, treat it like any online code. Change it regularly in case someone sees you enter it. If you constantly change your combination about once a month, the combination lock is probably just as good. DO NOT FORGET THE COMBINATION. I think I am going to buy the Kensington MicroSaver DS Notebook Lock #64343. It is not cheap, but neither is a laptop.

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Post 4 of 12

I'm looking for a good lock, too

by giggles - 3/21/07 2:48 PM In reply to: I found many threads about laptop locks, but... by Cyborganizer

I've seen the ones that can be picked, etc. I have a combination lock and a key lock, but I'd really like to see something new. I've seen the DevCon or DefCon (I forget which) that is essentially an alarm. Seems like a sound extra measure. But really, I'd pay $100 for a very good lock, but don't seem to find much on the market.

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Post 5 of 12

(NT) It is much harder to pick a flat key than a round key lock.

by Cyborganizer - 3/21/07 3:08 PM In reply to: I'm looking for a good lock, too by giggles

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Post 6 of 12

an unsettling thought

by linkit - 3/21/07 3:12 PM In reply to: I found many threads about laptop locks, but... by Cyborganizer

Very few padlocks and security cables can withstand my bar cutters. :(
Nevertheless, I am of the camp that says any lock is better than none. :)

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Post 7 of 12

An acetylene torch cuts through almost anything, however...

by Cyborganizer - 3/21/07 3:31 PM In reply to: an unsettling thought by linkit

Locks are not designed to be foolproof. They are designed to make it harder to steal a car, laptop or other valuables. If it takes more than a minute to steal, it is not worth stealing. Especially in a crowded library, school or other public areas. If you keep a constant eye on your laptop, it is pretty hard to cut that lock without you or someone else noticing. Even if someone cuts it and steals it, Kensington insures your laptop up to a certain amount.

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Post 8 of 12

Yep, not foolproof

by linkit - 3/21/07 4:45 PM In reply to: An acetylene torch cuts through almost anything, however... by Cyborganizer

Where I have been, blowtorches haven't been a problem; however, the bar cutters and some other snips that one can stow in a backpack made their mark every now and then.

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Post 9 of 12

It depends where you're going with it.

by PudgyOne - 3/21/07 4:49 PM In reply to: An acetylene torch cuts through almost anything, however... by Cyborganizer

If you are traveling, I found this

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=luggage+locks&btnG=Google+Search

I would want one that wouldn't be cut off.


Rick

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Post 10 of 12

The link you sent is not for a laptop lock.

by Cyborganizer - 3/21/07 5:21 PM In reply to: It depends where you're going with it. by PudgyOne

Here is one for a Kensington laptop lock.

http://us.kensington.com/html/11208.html

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Post 11 of 12

Good link, but....

by TreknologyNet - 3/23/07 6:51 PM In reply to: The link you sent is not for a laptop lock. by Cyborganizer

Most machines I have seen which include the Kensington lock slot, only do so in the plastic case, and more often than not that plastic is brittle rather than ductile making it fairly easy to force the lock off the laptop without attacting too much attention.

At university, rather than going to all the trouble of carting locks and chains around, I went to the admin staff and got the same tag as they use to mark books. It means I have to pass my laptop around the barrier because someone stealing it would try to carry it through the barrier and trigger the alarm. This also has the benefit of my being known to security staff enhancing personal safety over that of the laptop.

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Post 12 of 12

Aluminum Alloy cases have that advantage.

by Cyborganizer - 3/23/07 8:21 PM In reply to: Good link, but.... by TreknologyNet

I really like the Dell Latitude D620 for its strong metal case.

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