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Protect Your Laptop!
December 11, 2001
by Stephen Hildreth
Editor in Chief
How do you protect your PowerBook or iBook? By protection, I mean, how do you prevent it from being stolen? One of our readers recently asked us to cover some of the devices available to lock down a laptop:
"Can I ask your readers to suggest a good cable lock for a TiBook?"
There are many different types of locks available. Some use the built-in Kensington Security Slot, and some don't. If you use a lock, let us know. If we get enough responses, we'll publish a list of everyone's favorite security methods. If possible, include the name of the device, where you purchased the item, and its approximate purchase price.
The following is a reprint of an article we published last year covering theft devices:
Do you use the Kensington Security Slot on your PowerBook? Why not? Let's face it, laptops are prime targets for thieves, and unless your machine never leaves the confines of your home, you need to use some type of security device. This includes hotel rooms, dorms, and other settings where there may be a fair amount of people parading in and out that you don't know. For an overview of security risks and practices, peruse our editorial "Preventing PowerBook Theft." Your first line of defense is a good security cable, locked by either a combination or a key. A good example is the Targus DEFCON CL - a cable combination lock with 6.5 feet of galvanized steel cable, available for $29.99. The downside to a cable lock is that a good set of bolt cutters will usually cut through this type of cable.
Next up the list would be Port's DEFCON 1. This little beauty is a motion-activated cable-alarm system that attaches to the security slot via an adapter or can be used to secure a carrying case. If the cable is cut, or if the unit is moved, a loud, piercing alarm sounds. This is good protection for the power user, but still affordable, at $49.95 (I've been using a DEFCON 1 for a number of years--it works great).
For something a little more permanent, try Kryptonite's KryptoVault. It has a pivoting cylinder with a 7-pin anti-pick key lock and permanent desk anchor to lock down to the surface where you use your laptop most. A vinyl-coated, 8mm maximum grade braided steel cable attaches to the pivoting cylinder enabling portable tethering. The KryptoVault is available from Outpost.com for $59.95.
If you keep your laptop in a case with important accessories and files, then you might be interested in Port's Mobile Standard Case Featuring DEFCON3 Remote Control ($129). This one not only protects your laptop, but everything else you carry along too. Their Air Cushion protects your notebook against drops and bumps, while the built-in alarm protects it against theft when it's in the case. Front compartment pockets hold files, CD's and other travel and business items. Outer zippered sleeves are handy for tickets and newspapers. The built-in high-pitch alarm and motion sensor are activated by the key-chain remote control.
Finally, near the top of the food chain, is Lexent Tech's iSpy (about $147.95). iSpy is a cool tool that notifies you via a keychain fob if your laptop is disturbed, giving you the option of setting off the alarm. When used in conjunction with a security cable, it's a very powerful theft deterrent. According to Lexent, "iSpy with PC Radar alerts you discretely on your keychain to an attempted theft; is controlled with a keychain remote; and automatically checks for your local proximity to see if you are the one causing the motion before alarming. While unnoticeable in normal use, iSpy with PC Radar combines hybrid motion and proximity sensing technology to personally you when your computer is moved only when you are outside of its immediate proximity. iSpy offers the best in laptop computer security by automatically arming itself when it senses a separation between you and your computer. Once auto-armed, iSpy uses PC Radar technology to scan for unauthorized motion and either alerts you on your keychain to a nominal range of 100 feet or automatically sounds a piercing siren - you set the function. If you choose to be alerted on your keychain you may then, if necessary, remotely trigger the alarm on your laptop and interrupt a theft before your laptop gets away."
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