Kensington Microsaver Notebook Lock

I know that this should probably be posted under the accessories forum, but since this pertains to a Macbook Pro, I doubt I want anyone else's opinion other than MBP users...

I bought one with my MBP, but then later on, I heard some bad stories about them...

Any thoughts/experiences?

If it matters... its the one with the keys, not the combination.

 

I have the same concern because I read some bad reviews on Apple's site. Can someone point me in the direction of a good lock that is compatable with the macbook pro?

 

Same question. I already bought one and seeing those bad reviews is making me worried

 

What are the bad reviews saying? My biggest concern with any of these locks is a false sense of security. None of these is going to have thick enough cable that can't be cut. I think they are useful to deter someone from taking your notebook while you are using it, but I would never trust one enough to leave the notebook unattended.

 

Yeah I know. The reviews say that the t-bar design messes up the slot in the MBP rendering it and any other locks useless (something like that)

 

Why would you buy a product after reading numerous bad reviews? Or did you buy before reading? Either way, you deserve a seat in time-out.

A review from The Apple Store [for the Kensington Slim Microsaver Lock - the one with the keys]:

Skepticism, that's funny. Return it if possible.

 

I bought it before. Hmmm what kind of lock should i get instead?

oh and the reason I bought it was because i had gift cards and needed to use them on something (couldn't think of anything)

 

I have a cheap (5 euro) no name lock. It looks the same as the kensington locks we have at work and it fits into the macbook pro. I know it wont stop anybody who really wants to steal my macbook but it gives me the confidance to leave the table at the library and walk a bit to find a book without constantly looking back to check on my notebook. I think someone ripping out the lock from the securtiy lock at the library would be very noticable. Same things during lectuers. It just makes you free to move and not have to worry about someone just picking up your macbook and walking out. No one would know that it is not their notebook but if they have to break the lock I am sure someone would notice and stop them.

 

so, anyone have any lock recommendations? Or is everyone pretty much going lock free?

 

Personally I don't see the point in a lock. I will never leave my $2,000+ notebook alone. I'm THAT nervous. Especially when the purpose of the device is protection and in fact it is causing damage, not cool.

wave makes a good argument, but notebook locks are still not for me. Even in my university's library I wouldn't feel comfortable leaving my MBP out while I use the toilet. I know it sounds like a hassle, but I put my MBP into my case and bring it with me to the bathroom, every time (too much info?). So for me it was about finding the right case, not a lock.

Sorry I cannot offer you any lock recommendations. Instead I would urge you to focus your attention on finding case that suits your needs. If this idea interests you, there are several threads on NBR already. Try searching the forum for something like "MacBook Pro Case".

 

I'm using the Kensington Microsaver DS Notebook Lock, and I haven't had any problems getting it to slide into the slot and lock. No warping, no forcing, or anything like that at all.

Incidentally, how many of you actually end up using the notebook lock often when you're there in person (i.e. during class, at a cafe when you're sitting there, etc.)? I ended up rarely using my lock on my previous notebooks.

 

Heres the thing,

every Apple store I go to is using the lock so.... how bad could it be?

 

Just curious. How long and how often have you been using the lock? If it has your approval I guess I'll give the lock a shot.

 

I just bought one and yeah it messed up my lock.

 

I bought this particular model (the DS one) at the same time I bought my MBP, although not from Apple.

So it's been use for about a month now.

Although I personally haven't had any issues with it, maybe I could've just been lucky? The first time I tried it, it did seem a bit tight, but nothing broke or anything and after using it for a while, the slot still seems fine.

If you're worried though, you could take a look at other brands like Targus, although I'm not sure if it would be any different (they're all supposed to use the same design right?).

 

Did you buy the regular microsaver lock or the DS model?

 

I bought the regular microsaver. I think it's still functional but what ended up happening was it got jammed and in the process of trying to get it out I ended up scratching the slot and the metallic paint around the slot.

 

Well the DS model isn't on the apple site, but the regular one is and it's the one that got the bad reviews. So maybe the DS model works for mbp's and the regular one doesn't.

 

mine works fine. it scratches the plastic on the side of the slot a little but this is to be expected when you're scraping metal and plastic against each other

 

Macbook Pro Kensington cable lock slot problems: who is at fault here?

I purchased a MacBook Pro for my wife in Nov 2006; although I am not sure of the model number, it is the first generation to use the 2.33GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor. The laptop has never left our flat, however it is usually cable locked to the radiator when we are away for extended periods. I have been using “older” generation of Kensington cable locks for many years now on many different types of laptop, mostly IBM Thinkpads, but I recently replaced my older generation (late 90s) Kensington cable locks (thin cable, smallish lock mechanism with a barrel/cylinder style key) with the new Kensington Microsaver DS notebook locks, which use a new “disc lock” with a different key and are generally way sturdier. However, after 2 months of intermittent use with the MacBook Pro, the Kensington security slot on the right had side has been completely reamed, and the Kensington DS lock now simply falls out when supposedly “secured”.

Thinking that I am not alone, I Googled my observations and discovered many postings of other users who have experienced the same problem. I also found poor feedback for another Kensington lock on the Apple online store. I am not exactly sure who is at fault here. Is it a design issue with the security slot, or are the new Kensington Microsaver DS locks just too brutish for the dainty and precious MacBook Pro???

For over a decade I have owned or been in possession of (via work) numerous laptops, including Toshibas, Dells, Compaqs and, for over 6 years, Thinkpads (both IBM and Lenovo). For all of this time I have religiously secured them with Kensington cable locks, at the office, at home (when out), in the car and at the pub. This was done partly for peace of mind, but with company issued laptops, it was a requirement for insurance purposes. No cable lock, no reimbursement if nicked. Besides, too many stolen laptop stories vindicate this behaviour, and I did have a Thinkpad power supply stolen from my second-floor desk while away at a meeting many years ago; if my laptop was not locked up, I am sure it would have gone walkabout as well. Although I just gave 3 older Kensington locks away, I currently own 4 new Kensington locks, including 3 Microsaver DS locks and 1 Microsaver Twin, which I use to lock up a Tektronix MSO4000 oscilloscope up on my workbench. (Yes, even oscilloscopes now come with Kensington security slots.)

To this day, I have never, never, never had an issue with the security slot failing so catastrophically with any PC, and in fact the Thinkpad security slot has no issues with the new Microsaver DS locks I have been using for the past 2 months. Upon closer inspection of the MacBook Pro security slot, it appears that there is a metal locking plate that is supposed to sit in the back of the security slot, with which the Kensington cable lock mechanism meshes with when turning the key to the locked position. This metal plate is now “floating around” inside the laptop, albeit near the slot. Sandwiched between the precious aluminium casing and this plate is grey plastic. It appears to me that the Kensington lock mechanism has managed to wedge itself between the grey plastic and the locking plate, both shredding the plastic and dislodging the plate!

It looks like the MacBook Pro will have to go to Apple for repair, however IMHO this appears to be a design issue with the security slot. Apple: what are your thoughts?