Security Devices...

Well, I am eagerly awaiting my arrival for my S6210 and since I am new to this whole laptop deal I was wondering about security devices for laptops. I am going to NYU next year, and that place I know for a fact is prone for laptops getting stolen. I plan on guarding the laptop with my life, but in case that doesn't work out what can I do to prevent theft e.g. trackers etc.?

Thanks.

 

I'm not sure what Fujitsu puts in their notebooks for security, but my thinkpad has a password lock on the hard drive that cannot be overcome by formatting and a security chip built into the motherboard. If it is ever stolen it will not be useable as a notebook, all they will have is a display, battery,and memory they could sell out of it...I guess the keycaps as well[ ]
The hard drive is useless without the password and won't boot, if the hard drive could boot or if they put a different hard drive in it, then the security chip won't let them buy unless they know that password. The only way around that is to send the notebook back to IBM with proof of ownership and pay ~$300 for them to replace the custom security chip. I would not waste money on a tracker, they are easy to get around. Your best bet is to do like you said and guard it with your life. Also have a backup of your data always, not just to replace it if it is stolen, but hard drives crash and they will only a few years so you need a backup or the data will be lost. The best thing to do is get a personal articles insurance policy on the notebook(not from the retailer or manufacturer) from a real insurance company. Mine is insured for $2000 and costs $38/yr through statefarm insurance.

Jack

The color of justice in america is green.
http://pbase.com/joneill

 

You can buy locks and things of that nature, but Fujitsu doesn't offer the IBM-type security. You could also consider a Smartcard or USB biometric fingerprint scanner.

Editor in Chief http://www.bargainPDA.com and http://www.SPOTstop.com

 

Thanks a lot, I'll probably just go the insurance route and hope I can stay hold of this thing .

 

Check these out:

http://www.officemax.com/max/solutions/product/prodBlock.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&expansionOID=-536895313&prodBlockOID=537336545

http://www.officemax.com/max/solutions/product/prodBlock.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&expansionOID=-536895313&prodBlockOID=537041289

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Fujitsu S6210: 1.6Ghz PM ~ 768MB RAM ~ 60GB 7200RPM Hard Drive
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Random Questions: Rich, when did you order your laptop? Was it through Portable One?

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'> ....but Fujitsu doesn't offer the IBM-type security. You could also consider a Smartcard or USB biometric fingerprint scanner.<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'></font id='quote'></blockquote id='quote'>

I guess I'll check it out when I get my 6210 tomorrow, but there is (supposedly) a BIOS password protection and this:

http://www.pc-ap.fujitsu.com/pdfs/security.pdf

on "certain" models. After my last laptop was stolen, I'm kinda paranoid about the data on it being accessed. Insurance riders (ala the on through StateFarm) can protect your investment, but I don't want anyone into my stuff.

Anyone with other ideas??

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Random Questions: Rich, when did you order your laptop? Was it through Portable One?
<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'></font id='quote'></blockquote id='quote'>

I ordered on 7/2 and actually arrives tomorrow.

They're pretty awesome.

 

To protect your data there are a number of software programs that can handle this. I don't have much experience though, you might try posting in the software forum.

Editor in Chief http://www.bargainPDA.com and http://www.SPOTstop.com