<p>sorry if this is too trivial a question, but when people reccommend "locks" for laptops - are they referring to certains locks that are specifically designed for computer laptops or do they mean just a simple lock and key? If it is a specific one, can you link me to something popular/good quality? I googled "laptop lock" but the results weren't great...thanks! :)</p>
<p>something like this:
<a href="http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=PA410U%5B/url%5D">http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=PA410U</a></p>
<p>the combo one is better than the key one...i've read that the key one is easily picked with an index card or something.</p>
<p>It's a special lock for a laptop. It's a reinforced cable that has one end that connects to a lock point built in to laptops and the cable s/b looped around an object such as a desk, chair, bedframe, etc. Some locks are keyed and some are combo locks.</p>
<p>Go to <a href="http://www.circuitcity.com%5B/url%5D">www.circuitcity.com</a> and search for "laptop lock" and you should see them (Targus makes one) for around $29.95. You s/b able to get them at the college bookstore and other places also.</p>
<p>I highly recommend these.</p>
<p>like i said in another thread, you can just use a padlock or masterlock since the desks in Vista have a lockable drawer. </p>
<p>most people i know don't lock their laptops in their room during the regular school year, so you might not need to buy cable lock depending on where/how you plan to use your laptop during the year (ie: if you plan on leaving it in your room all the time, you probably wont end up needing to lock it).</p>
<p>$30 for a laptop lock is pretty cheap insurance for a $1500 or more laptop. There are definitely laptop thefts every year and you never know what your roommates will be like regarding locking doors, etc. (my daughter's roommates generally left the doors unlocked or sometimes wide open).</p>
<p>Locking it in a drawer with a decent lock like VTE says is a good idea also if the option exists in your dorm.</p>
<p>yeah $30 is cheap insurance. i personally keep it locked even when in my room, but i was just stating my observations.</p>
<p>the drawer option would only be pratical for orientation though. it would be a huge hassle if you did that every day during the school year.</p>
<p>I'm with VTECaddict, I always keep my laptop locked to my desk unless I need to move it for some reason. It's definitely something every college student that owns a laptop should invest in - just in case.</p>
<p>and it is impossible to cut off the lock?</p>
<p>you'd probably need a heavy duty tool to cut the wire - which i would like to believe that most students wouldn't have on hand...</p>
<p>Nothing is impossible. A lock serves more of a deterrent; if someone is really intent on stealing something, they'll make it happen.</p>
<p>true. what a great idea-- thanks guys!!</p>
<p>Fortunately for you if you use the lock (but unfortunately for them), there will always be many students who don't use a lock so the thief has easier pickings than cutting through your cable. Most thieves are opportunists. Now, how do lock down the iPod?</p>
<p>I just returned from the first orientation, with my son, and we heard from the Safety office that they recommend a "Stop Plate". This is a security plate that they'll install on your laptop, registering it, and helping to prevent theft. If it is stolen, it has a barcode to track the computer, and an etched in phone number, with the message "stolen property" on it. It's $20, and they said they'll have a table set up at move-in time to put these on laptops. From what they told us, most thefts are from outside the university, and the cables merely slow them down, but the security plates prevent them from re-selling the laptops, so they don't bother stealing them. We're probably going to use both, as he has an expensive laptop that I don't want to have to replace!</p>
<p>Thanks so much for the information Kira_mom. I'll have to look into these Stop Plates once I'm down there at orientation.</p>
<p>I would highly recommend a good combination laptop lock made by targus or kensington while you're at the dorms, particularly if you're living in a Hall. While it's rare, in-room laptop theft does occur. You don't need anything fancy, just visit the bookstore in ackerman when you move in and buy one.</p>