Kensington vs Targus locks

I'm looking for laptop security cable and locks.. at my local best buy, there are only 2 choices:

Kensington Microsaver Retractable Portable Notebook Lock & Cable/Security Device ($45)


Targus Notebook Cable Lock ($40)


I know no anti-theft device is 100% fool proof.. but am I the only one that thinks the kensington one looks very shady? I think it's the plastic retractable thing that bothers me.. I wanted to see what others had to say first though.

 

I'd stay away from four-digit locks... also read this article here:
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=3042&review=notebook+lock

 

I have the Defcon CL and so far it feels pretty good on my notebook. As long as you don't leave your notebook with the lock on for too long, then these theft-deterrent devices should suffice. If you plan to leave your notebook in the open with one of these for several hours then I would reconsider just bringing it with you. The Targus lock feels pretty strong in my opinion but I have no comparison to the Kensington lock.

 

I found the Targus Ultra Max cable lock at my local Fry's. The packaging claims 4,000 lb. pull strength (whatever that means) compared to 2,400 lb. pull strength on their other cable locks.

It is a four digit combo lock, with what certainly looks like a VERY thick cable.

Personally, I always try to bring my laptop with me if I don't leave it at home. However, that's not always possible.

I was in Yosemite last week with the rugrats, and when we left the room to go hiking, rafting, biking, etc. I was NOT going to drag my computer bag and laptop along with me. Using a cable lock in the room simply provided a little more security.

As for the people who don't recommend a combo lock... try figuring out the combo on a four digit lock such as the one used with the Targus lock. Turn to 0000, push the button, no go... turn to 0001, push the button, no go...turn to 0002, push, no go.

Anyone who is planning on stealing your computer is NOT going to want to waste his/her time trying out even half of the possibilities... 5,000 combinations.

Frankly, there's a MUCH greater likelyhood that I'd lose the keys during the lifetime of the cable lock, then there is that anyone will figure out the combo and steal my laptop... anyway, that's my thinking.

It is a deterrent. A determined theif will probably still steal it even with the lock, but the grab and dash guy will move on to another laptop.

By the way, Fry's price was $35 less $10 mail in rebate. For $25, this provides me with a LITTLE more security then nothing, but I feel it's certainly worth it.

 

I'm saying that a person shouldn't leave their notebooks with a lock on in the open. If it is in a locked room or within your own house then that is fine. Just don't expect to go to a library and place your notebook with a lock then go away for a few hours, that's just not really safe.

 

If you want to check it out, I gave my 2 cents on my new lock http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=67313 which is the kensington alarmed lock, a feature i thought might be cool/an extra deterrant.

 

How to pick a kensington lock in 60 seconds
http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=6560787668346205814&q=pick+lock

 

Yeah, that's exactly what I thought of when a previous poster commented on the potential of spending 3 hours working on a combination.

 

I believe Kensington has updated there line of locks so that it cant be picked by a roll of TP. Deterent is what a lock is, not a fool proof security system. A good thing is when you need to go somewhere and leave the notebook in your room(saying this as this really applies to the college students and there upcoming purchases of notebooks), try to keep it in a locked cabinet or in an area where it cant be seen.

 

yeah the tp roll is the old style. they've added more cylinders. Either way, someone who is trying to pick a lock in a public place better be dang quick and dang stealth about it before someone catches on. I'd like to see him pick 15 in a row with tp rolls. but just remember that it's just a deterrant and don't be dumb with where you leave you laptop.