Computer Lock Review: The Kensington MicroSaver

Hey everyone! I just got my Kensington MicroSaver lock in the mail and I thought I would share my thoughts about it!

First off, This lock is SMALL. About the diameter of my pinky and it only sticks out an inch at the most. The key is ingenious, if I were a thief, I wouldn't have a clue where to start as far as picking the lock goes. It is not a regular disc lock like the ones you see when people pick them with cardboard. Overall this lock looks nice, performs really smooth and feels sturdy.

Here are some pics:

As these pictures show, the hinges on the lock allow for it to swivel 90 degrees horizontally and although it is not shown in the pictures, it can also swivel 360 degrees around the lock.



Here you can see just how small the lock is:




However, nothing is perfect and I do have a few complaints.

First of all, the cable is very stiff, and I mean stiff. I know it is metal and its going to be stiff but I didn't expect this stiff.
Second of all, as seen in the following picture, there is nothing on the lock to protect the computer right at the hinge from the metal, I had some left over InvisibleShield material so I just went ahead and stuck that on the area that touched my computer.

Overall, this is a great lock and very smooth and I recommend you try it out!

 

Have they fixed the issue of these being able to be opened in seconds with a pen or a rolled up toilet roll, if not steer clear until they do.

 

The answer is yes, they most certainly have as I stated in my review, they now use a "disk style keyed locking system" which, as I said in the review, looks hard as hell to pick. Here is the website that explains it: http://us.kensington.com/html/17350.html

 

I was looking for a close-up of the key hole , do you have a picture.

Also is this the only Kensington MicroSaver , as i dont want to order an old hackable version.

Thanks.

 

No, this is not the only microsaver, but the "DS" in the name represents the new type of lock. The title of this particular lock is: MicroSaver® DS Keyed Ultra-Thin Notebook Lock

And here are some pictures of the key and lock that show the new lock type:

 

This from the guys that claimed that their previous joke of a lock was very secure.

Sure, this new design might be more secure than the previous one (not that that's an accomplishment either), but a Kensington lock should really only be used to deter casual theft when leaving your notebook unattended for a few minutes in a public space like the college library.

 

I hear what you are saying and I guarantee you it is more secure than the previous one, how secure? I don't know obviously but it will do a great job at keeping honest people honest and if someone were really that determined they would just break or cut something. So yes, this lock does its job, stays out of the way, looks nice and I would without a doubt recommend it to someone looking for a new lock.

 

I agree with Nicels. I have a MicroSaver DS Keyed it is more of a deterrent from the common snatch, but anything more would be silly to think you are protected. Most desk are made out of wood, a simple kick can break most support bars that you look your lock around. If you can find a metal pole of some sort, it is also easy to simply rip the computer lock out of the whole. While this would be obvious and loud, it is effective. Just remember, with time most anything is possible. On a personal note, I just use my lock for my dorm room or when I am at a LAN party or something. Other than that, I just pack up and bring my laptop with me when I leave the area...safest thing I have found yet.

Edit: Forgot to add that, in my opinion, the locks with audio or a program running on your laptop is the best. Something that is annoying and alerts those around would be a huge deterrent. Then again, it may annoy those around to the degree they break it themselves My 2 cents..

 

How strong are the ports to which the lock is attached to normally? For some reason, I picture someone simply snapping the frame of my laptop and leaving the lock and the little part of the frame it attaches to.

 

The model number is K64590US for the new MicroSaver® DS Keyed Ultra-Thin Notebook Lock according to the Kensington website.

 

Not to be rude or anything but the reason I made this thread was to show people that there is a new lock out there that is not like the "Hackable" ones, not to talk about whether or not laptop locks are, in general, impenetrable. Obviously we all know that for every new security there is a way to get around it and no one buying a kensington lock should expect to be able to lock their laptop up to a street sign for 12 hours and come back to it still there, however, if you are in a starbucks and you get up to get a napkin, to have to bring your laptop is a pain but with a lock on it, it won't be stolen before you get back. I appreciate all of your feedback but remember, this was made for someone who was looking for a lock and was curious about their choices, not to persuade someone to either buy one or not.
Thanks!

 

Obviously this depends on the laptop and the materials it is made out of. I have not had any experience ripping laptop locks out but mine seems relatively sturdy.

 

By the way everyone, my whole laptop was torn apart today and I had the ability to take a picture of the inside of the kensington security slot and to my surprise there is a little metal box that it goes into, I don't know if all laptops are like this but it definitely seems sturdy! I'll post some pics in a few...

 

Here are two pictures of the same thing but one is clearer than the other, in any case, the kensington "box" has the red square around it:

 

cool, i guess it's sturdier than i imagined =D

 

Haha yes I was sort of taken back by it too, I figured it would be hard plastic or something not a boxed in chunk of metal.