May 17, 2000
by Stephen Hildreth
Editor-in-Chief

A couple of PowerBook Central readers have recently had their new rigs stolen. Send us a message if you come across a PowerBook with any of the following serial numbers:

AT0099ELHDR: PowerBook G3/400 (Pismo)
QT00813NHKE: PowerBook G3/500 (Pismo)
QT0171HP-HDR-ff07: PowerBook G3/400 (Pismo)
TY7216M27ZQ: PowerBook 3400c/180/CD

Has your machine been stolen? Send us the serial number and model name. We'll compile a list and post it here for public viewing. Although chances are slim, it's possible that someone will come across your machine and let us know. In addition to notifying Apple, your local police department, and your insurance company (always insure your machine), peruse all the auction and classified sites. Sites like eBay are great dumping grounds for hot PowerBooks. These days, if a stolen PowerBook isn't shipped out of the country, it's probably going to be fenced on an auction or classified site.

If you're using the Password Security control panel (on pre-Pismo PowerBooks), list your phone number on there stating that there is a substantial cash reward if found, no questions asked. More than one person has gotten their machine returned in this fashion, especially since Password Security is very hard to defeat.

Last year, we posted an article with some tips on preventing laptop theft. The following is a quick synopsis of that article:

"After buying that fancy PowerBook G3 you've been dreaming about, the last thing you want to happen is to have it stolen. Unfortunately, that's a fact of life in today's society. Five to six thousand laptops are stolen each year, from dorm rooms, bathroom stalls, cars, offices - you name it. Fencing hot laptops is big business. Unfortunately, not everyone recognizes this threat. In the same way that you would never leave your mountain bike unlocked while away from it, you should always make sure that your PowerBook is secure when it's out of your sight.

Fortunately, Apple has been thoughtful enough to include a security slot on most of their PowerBooks. Using this security slot, you can purchase several different types of cables and locking devices to secure your PowerBook to an immovable object. These devices are readily available from manufacturers like Port & Kensington and range from simple cables to motion-activated alarms. I myself use one from Port whenever my 'Book is away from home, even in my office at work. Their DEFCON 1 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 the ultimate protection device for the power user, but still affordable at $49.95. Port now has DEFCON equipped carrying cases activated via remote control - perfect for the airport warrior who can't be bothered with stringing a cable around the nearest chair or post. At the very least, you should use a simple cable system while your PowerBook sits unattended in your dorm room or at your desk. It's a small price to pay for the peace of mind knowing that your pride and joy will be there when you get back.

I'm always amazed at the number of travelers strolling through airports toting laptop bags that so obviously say, "There's an expensive computer in here." Airports are prime hunting grounds for thieves, and most savvy travelers should know better. Laptops are stolen many different ways at airports, whether it be at the security checkpoint or through the bottom of the bathroom stall while you're indisposed. Whenever I travel by airline, I use one of two alternatives to my daily Kensington laptop case. The first is a backpack made by Targus with a specially formed, padded space for a laptop and plenty of space for files and accessories. This thing has been all over the place with me, from the arctic to the tropics, and I can vouch for its versatility and anonymity. Most folks just assume that it's another ubiquitous daypack. For shorter trips, I use a padded wetsuit-type carrying case (available from Macimports) just large enough to fit around my PowerBook, but too small to hold anything else besides a couple of cables. This I toss into my carryon bag, rendering it invisible to onlookers.

Securing your PowerBook is simple, cheap, and painless. From a cable lock to a stealth carrying case, taking to time to make sure your 'Book is safe will go a long way toward keeping you off the statistics list."

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