Notebook Lock Opinions

Hello,

Im looking over Notebook locks from targus and kensington, and I am not sure what type of lock to get. The main two types are combo and keyed locks. I was wondering your opinions on which type is better.

For Combination Lock

Targus Defcon Combination Lock CL

For Keyed Locks

Kensington MicroSaver Security Cable Lock

Or the slightly more expensive

Kensington Microsaver DS Notebook Lock (ORANGE KEY)

 

Check out the Kensington lock reviews on this site:

http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=3042&review=notebook+lock

http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=3124

Some people prefer keys because apparently there's been some awkwardness with opening the combo lock, but personally I prefer having to carry around fewer keys.

 

Check out Amazon.com for the keyed version. I got mine for $19.99 ($28 shipped). < That's Cheap

 

I bought some china-made no name lock...regret it now...it doesnt work(doesnt fit)

 

ASUS notebooks are specially made for Kensington locks. At least that what the manual shows.

 

bensbargains.net has had notebook locks for $10 AR 2 times in the last 2 weeks.

 

hmmm

maybe i should have read the manual....i guess i'll get a kensington combination lock...the one in the 2nd NBR review.

 

You might want to double check that.

MOST laptops come with a slot called a "Kensington lock slot". It's called that because the company, Kensington, years ago came out with a standard for laptop manufacturers to put a slot on their computers, for the specific purpose of being used to lock up your laptop.

However, although the slot IS called a "Kensington Lock Slot", it is used for ANY computer accessory manufacturer which designs thier laptop cable locks to work with this slot, specifically Targus and, of course, Kensington. Other companies also make cable locks which work with the Kensington Slot, I just don't know them by name at the moment.

 

i currently have a microsaver DS lock and its pretty nice except the keys are rather bulky and they are rather annoying to use as well. I think the combolock is a better option imo but Ive read a couple of reviews where they said that the combination actually changes by itself.

 

i dont know if i should get a lock. im going off for college in coming month. is it really that necsesary?

 

If your in the dorms get one. You'll have your dorm door open once in awhile and it's safe to put one around your desk. I highly recommend it, just don't get a lock and lock it to the leg of your desk where all a thief has to do is lift the leg up to slide it off. If anything you have a bed to lock it to.

Refer to my post about amazon.com above for the cheapest prices.

 

Thats the exact reason Im getting a laptop lock cause im going to school. When im in my dorm or at the library its so easy for someone to just come up and take it if im not around. Couple years back some ex-con walked into a rez (residence) and made off with 5-10 laptops. They later caught him..but the fact is he got the laptops so easily.

Im worried about combo locks because Ive heard that combos are easy to crack, such as bike locks. and the other keyed locks are easy to crack by just using a pen barrel and wrapping a piece of toilet paper carton around it.

Check this link
http://www.spikedhumor.com/articles/9066/Kensington_lock_security_breach.html

I think I may just go for a combo lock. they on sale at bestbuy in canada. At least the combo the person physically has to try to crack the numbers. The Round Keyed locks seem to easy. If you have the money spend money on a Kensington DS.....

Thanks for the Help:base:

 

You could also go with a VGA lock from a company like Targus. That makes me mad to see that that guy was able to do it in less then a minute. I've heard that the combination will change on you (and I'm sure you've heard that) But your not going to get your combo cracked. Not with a 4 or 5 number combo.

Actually I'd like to see his close up because I understand that he's pushing the springs down but on my keyed lock there is a ring that must be turned that sits outside the circle of springs. Does that make sense, maybe some pictures?

 

the bic pen / toilet paper roll trick is years old. the problem was fixed years ago.

 

Figured, no reason to sweat it now.

 

What happens is that the plastic on the Bic pen is just hard enough to push the pins down to where they start resisting due to their springs, which basically puts them in the position they need to be in to open the lock with a little jiggling.
Turning, he just pushes the pins around, and it opens it, just like your key would do.

 

I understand that, but my lock has more than just that to make it unlock.

 

Easy to crack? They have to sit and go through 9999 combinations lol.

p.s. if someone really wanted ur laptop....they would just bring some cable cutters and snipe the wire and then take off...but i won't be letting my notebook out of my sight out of my dorm room. and ill just lock it up in my room when im there.

 

kensington combo locks are on sale at the canadian best buy online sales, if you happen to be of that region.

 

All I do is Windows Key + L and its locks my computer.

Simple really.

 

What force field version does that come with?

 

Ended up getting the Kensington Combo Lock from BestBuy for 40 Cdn. however on my e1505/6400 dell the locks a lil flimpsy...but i leave in a day and got no time to return it.

Cheers and thanks for your help

 

I ended up getting a Kensington Notebook MicroSaver from my dad.

The fit is pretty solid on my notebook.

 

joining late... there's also the alarmed kensington microsaver that goes off if the cable is cut. i have a review of it in my sig. just thoiught i'd share that.

 

Thanks for the reply, for me the extra bulk and probably the price would have detered me from purchasing the alarmed one.

Thanks anyways tho.