Latptop Theft Security Locks

Chris Pirillo — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 20:47:59 +0000

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http://live.pirillo.com/ – Aviator1616 wonders if there is a mechanism that will physically lock up a laptop… much like a bike chain would do. The good news is that there are such things, as well as their software theft deterrent counterparts.

Not long ago, I recorded a video about LoJack, which is a theft deterrent plan for laptops. As soon as I uploaded this one, I received emails telling me about similar products, namely Undercover for Macs, and The Laptop Lock (which is FREE) for Windows. Any of these programs provide excellent recovery rates.

For a physical device, sure. Many laptops have a little loop built right onto them where you can affix a lock or chain. If your laptop doesn’t have one of these, you can always purchase a slot adapter kit. Kensington has several different locking options for your laptop… and many other devices you may have. Yes, you’ll have to pay around $40.00 USD, but isn’t that a small price to pay in comparison to a several *thousand* dollar laptop?

Another idea is to simply have a sticker or sign. Use something like “This laptop is protected by LoJack”. Often, this is enough to deter many theives in the first place. They know that the laptop is somehow protected, and they will likely be caught and prosecuted. Therefore, they’ll likely look for another one to try and steal.

What other security devices or programs do you know of or use? I’m always interested in hearing what you have to say! Leave me a comment, or shoot me an email. Until then… E ya later!

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Latptop Theft Security Locks

LoJack for Laptops

Chris Pirillo — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 23:30:38 +0000

LoJack for Laptops

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http://live.pirillo.com/ – Scotty2k from our chat room writes: “my laptop was recent stolen outside my place in my car. I got out of the car for 5 minutes and went inside and came back out to get it and it was gone, I knew for sure it was my neighbors that were moving in and they were parking right behind my car. When I noticed it missing I confronted them and they change the subject, 2 weeks later it was at my door step with a note “heard you were missing a laptop, is this yours?” I bet they got to the windows log in and gave up, and with no laptop battery power adapter they were SOL unless they bought one.”

You know, today I was out and about running errands. I was streaming live using uStream and EVDO. As I was leaving the parking garage, the attendant saw my MacBook Pro. He sadly mentioned that his laptop was just stolen today, and he has no idea who might have done it. I asked him if he’s using LoJack. His response was basically a blank stare.

After leaving the garage and wishing the attendant good luck, I had to stop at the Apple store to purchase an international adaptor for our upcoming trip to Germany. I happened to see a 3 year subscription of LoJack offered for only $99.00. At that moment, I knew I had to buy this peace of mind. With traveling so much, this will make me feel a lot better about having my laptop with me.

LoJack is a software that you install on your laptop, and then register with their site. This is the exact same service that has been helping thousands of people to recover their stolen vehicles for years. LoJack for Laptops is a theft protection service that tracks, locates and recovers stolen laptop and desktop computers. Software installed on your computer works behind the scenes to silently and securely contact the monitoring center, and if stolen, reports its location using any Internet connection.

According to recent research, a laptop is stolen every 53 seconds from coffee shops, college campuses, hotel rooms and motor vehicles. According to the FBI, 97% of these are never recovered. The LoJack team has successfully recovered 3 out of 4 stolen laptops that were covered with their protection. That’s pretty good odds… much better than 97% never being recovered.

I know that the peace of mind alone is worth the cost for me. Have you ever had a laptop or desktop stolen? Did you get it recovered? Do you use the LoJack service? Let me know what you think. I’m interested in hearing your tales.

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LoJack for Laptops

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Latptop Theft Security Locks

LoJack for Laptops