Students: Are we at a higher risk?

Are we at a higher risk of getting our notebook's stolen because they are really nice looking? Share your opinion and what you think about notebook eye candy being quite appealing to theives.

 

Not really, in the end, a notebook is a notebook.

And stolen is vague, do you mean you being mugged/attacked or if you leave it, or if your house is broken into?

 

Stolen in terms of student use would most likely mean if a student left it unitended, either if it's inside or outside the dorm.

 

I'd have to say not really. While there are many Asus models that are very attractive, Asus is still relatively unknown as a brand and this applies to potential thieves too. I'd be more worried about an upmarket Toshiba or Sony myself.

 

A notebook is a notebook If I were the thief, I wouldn't spend a good minute or two debating whether the notebook I am about to steal lives up to my tastes or is "current gen". I don't see a point to this poll. It's expensive, its portable, no one is around, SNATCH!

 

agreed.

a thief doesnt care.

 

I agree aswell.

The answer is simple, don't leave it unintended. Anything can be stolen. Unless you are stuck is a small university like I am, so you probably can, but its not usually the best move. But, it may depend on the time frame. Say if you have use the washroom really quick, it might be ok, and might no be. In the end, its better to be safe than sorry, unless you have insurance .

 

I know where Aryding is coming from... The Ensemble units are quite flashy. As a theif, if I had the choice between a W3J and a Dell 9400.. I'd grab the W3J.

But what everyone is try to say is use common sense.

A) Use a lock if you think that you'll be distracted for longer than 30 seconds.

B) Try not to do things routinely or in a pattern. A good theif have noticed a pattern in your behavior and use that to exploit the situation. Switching things up and being unpredictable will throw people off and make you a less likely target.

C) Set up a bait bag program at your school. Similar to bait cars, bait bags are left unattended in vulnarable spots for potential theives. When a theif grabs the bait bag, you and 3 of your +200lbs boys kick the crap out of them.

 

That's quite funny, maybe I'll try that. I can just see the Youtube video now.

Thanks for reading my mind Mikeoo17. Like Mikeoo17 said, the higher end models are quite flashy and thieves do prowl around for what they want to steal. I understand how to keep my stuff secure, I just started this poll to see what people thought of thief attraction to ASUS notebooks.

 

If I were to break into a dorm room to steal a notebook, and I saw an Asus sitting next to a crotchety HP notebook, the choice would be simple.

 

Ah, but unless the th ief plans to keep the notebook himself, then the more common Dell becomes easier to shift... as opposed to the Asus which may be one of only two or three in the school.

These kinds of thefts are crimes of opportunity by their very nature, but that doesn't necessarily mean the thief is stupid.

 

Unless the thief knows the retail value of the notebook, he or she will go with anything possible. Saftey, and also knowing where your valuables are the most important thing to know. Ive seen people crying over even Dell B120's(those black cheap ones).

 

hell, people try to steal my winbook si and it aint worth crap, so i voted no

a theif doesn't care what the model/name is

 

lol, chances are the thief wont care, he/she will take both and sell them on ebay or something, get locks everyone!

 

I guess size of notebook plays a role too. I think theif usually wants to steal with speed and at ease. If there was a W2j and a dell 700m in the room, theives would probably swipe the 700m. Stealing the W2j would require more planning. They are more worried about whos watching and getting out in time.

 

make use of the kensington lock port as well. and by the way, if you're going to lock it, dont lock it to a table leg that can be lifted >_>

 

How about a ball and chain.

Amazon has a deal on Keyed Kensington locks for $19.99, plus shipping.

 

haha i have seen that before and cant help to burst into laugher

 

I don't think the brand really makes a difference. It's ease of access, and students often seem to bend over backwards to make things easy for thieves. Wander around a crowded college library during final exam time, and you'll see students leaving bags, notebooks, wallets, keys, and other such valuables completely unattended. A youthful lack of common sense and a false sense of security are far bigger factors in college notebook theft than brand, I'd say.

 

so sager 5950 can be theft-proof by itself!

 

No question that a better looking laptop will draw more attention or make it more desirable...even though everyone has a different opinion of good looking.

You could make an argument that since Asus is a relatively lesser known Laptop manuf., that could make them less attractive to thieves(as opposed to a Sony or an Apple - you'd get more for them selling them).

Bottom line - be a paranoid bastard and you'll be fine. Trust no one - NO ONE!

 

Yeah, take them both!

Seriously, to most thieves, it's pawning money.

 

Some of you folks really don't know too much about the stealing thought process. It's not, oh, there's an HP dv8000t! Oh, look at that ASUS W2jc V6Jccv.1.0, etc. A laptop is a laptop, a phone is a phone, a diaper bag left unattended is still a prime target. I mean, why not take it? If there's nothing of worth, it can be tossed away. If there's even a few dollars in it, already taking it was worth it.

A few years ago, a guy at school offered me a bag with a Nikon F4 in it and five prime lenses that he called said 'screw on somehow' for 500 dollars. He pulled the number out of his ass, easily, all the stuff inside was worth well over 4k, he just didn't know it. From experience, the common theif takes it on the sole basis that it is a camera, laptop, phone etc, and usually doesn't know what exactly it is they're taking...they just want to make easy buck! Watch your stuff folks

 

So... Who is going to organize a bait program at their school?

 

I'd like to know if my school will support it. I'm going to go talk to DPS.

 

I was discussing a bait set up with some friends and I suppose we did end up thinking of something a bit out of hand... >.>

Get an old, unused laptop, empty out the contents and stuff the inside with an tiny explosion device of some sort and lots of bright, sticky red paint. I mean, it's what banks do to their money when being robbed so it has got to be legal for average citizen too! <.<

 

But that would require the paint to explode only through vents. If it did any more it would be considered a bomb.

...And then you would be considered a terrorist

 

Hmmm, good point. Maybe we can take out the keyboard so when they open it, BAM! >

 

you'll take Asus.

but I'll take both.

 

I dunno why but this thread brought to mind the image of a thief dickering over price with their fence/buyer and the thief saying "...but they are selling for $xxxx on eBay..."

And I am sure the brand does not matter when it comes to a theft of opportunity...though many thieves seem to be attracked to them "shiny objects"...sooo, ya never know. I am sure a person might be stalked because they have a more expensive system. Especially if they brag about it to all their friends. Perhaps a good camo paint job might be in order?

Actually it might be a good idea to complain where everyone can hear you about the POS hand-me-down system you were given for college. Complain about it all the time and eventually nobody will want it? Really, if ya run it down it might discourage those who's ears are open and receptive to comments about the value of an item to steal.

 

I dont' live in a dorm.. but carry this thing out an expensive lappy at night is kinda risky. I consider that is a thing that we must be becareful of. Put it in a backpack or something and don't hold it in your arms is a good thing.

This is a useful thread here... not many people discuss about this.

 

my two methods for protecting my laptop...

I weigh 250 lbs. and wear a size 48 suit jacket

DON'T LEAVE IT ANYWHERE!

 

If someone were to really try stealing BigV's laptop, call me. I'll go assist him!

 

People will steal Plymoth Acclaims and Dodge Spirit.

Why?

Because they can. It's as simple as that.

Even if you take a quick break to urinate, that's what hibernate and the 5 second backpack-packing is for. If you're dumb enough to leave it out, then the terrorists have already won.

 

Notebooks are notebooks.

 

I'm going to college to play football. I highly doubt anyone would mess with a 6'6 275 LBS offensive lineman . Even so, I will travel with a backpack. And I sure hope I can trust my roommate...if I can't we are going to have a long year, or I'll just opt for a new room.

 

Why would they have to mess with you when they just take it when you're not around (essentially the only time your laptop would actually be stolen). That way, you don't even know who they are.

You could be 10ft tall and weigh 400 lbs while being able to do the 100m in 8 seconds and benchpress a Volvo... if you're nowhere near the laptop, it's like taking candy from a baby.

Brains counts for more than size.

 

Truth, but my roomate will be on the football team as well, so we should have a mutual trust, know what I mean?