Lock recomendations

What are your favorite makes of laptop locks? I know there aren't many out there, but I'm curious which ones do people find the most secure and least annoying?

 

I have a preference for Kensington Combo locks

 

One company, Targus.

 

thanks for the link.

 

I'd recommend checking out kensington locks. Keep in mind that most of the security behind having a notebook lock is that it's visibly there because any one of them can be cut given the proper tools, time and effort. Really, it just keeps honest people honest and at least slows the crook down.

I'd recommend not getting one that uses a barrel lock due to the fact that they can easily be cracked. That leaves combination and flat locks. Good luck and have fun finding the lock you desire!

 

I went with the Kensington afterall. It had much better reviews on amazon that listed a number of reasons to go with them that made sense. I went with a key lock too, figuring I won't loose them on my key chain, is less bulky, less annoying to match up numbers, and the code won't accidentally reset. That would be scary, and it apparently happened to quite a few customers.

 

What model did you end up going with?

 

Is it necessary to purchase a lock...particularly if I'm going to be on a college campus? If so, which lock should I purchase?

 

I wouldn't say it is absolutely necessary as long as you keep a close eye on it at all times, but it definitely gives you more peace of mind. In a college atmosphere, a large majority of the safety in having one is that the lock is visible. If you can afford the $20-50 a lock will cost you, why not?

For suggestions on locks to get... I'd recommend to not get anything that uses a barrel lock as they're very easy to crack even for the typical opportunistic thief. This leaves combination and flat locks. And, for a company to look at go for Kensington. From there it's more a matter on how much you'd like to spend. I've got the MicroSaver DS which uses a flat lock and goes for about $50. The combination equivalent goes for about half that last I checked. Either is a good choice as I doubt you'll ever leave your laptop sitting around for the thief to take the couple hours he'd need to go through countless combinations. Also, keep in mind how thick the cable is. It doesn't mean much if it can be gnawed through with scissors!

 

I recommend to avoid Targus locks because I read about 10-15 reviews how Targus locks have a tendency to get stuck in the slot. I recommend the Kensington MicroSaver DS Notebook Lock. It is very expensive (about $50) but it is the best lock on the market.
http://www.buy.com/prod/Kensington_...k_Steel_6_Cable_Lock/q/loc/101/202699365.html
http://www.bestbuybusiness.com/bbfb...etail&showAddButton=true&productID=BB10612233

 

Thanks a lot kappa.squared. I'm looking into the Kensington locks.

 

What is a "barrel lock"?

 

A barrel lock has a round key.

Here is an example
Barrel Lock Design

 

So is there a "combination equivalent" to the Microsaver DS key lock? If so can you please provide a link?

 

Of Course.
http://us.kensington.com/html/1427.html
All of these except the portable one should work. I would stick with this one though. It has many good reviews.
http://us.kensington.com/html/11209.html

 

http://us.kensington.com/html/1427.html

Those are all of Kensington's combination locks. I wouldn't recommend either of the "portable" options due to the thin cable. The others should be a decent equivalent, but the cable does look a little thinner than the MicroSaver DS (maybe it's just my eyes or their picture, heh).

 

Thanks for the links