<p>I would recommend buying student insurance. This will generally also include the lojack for computer. CSI Insurance does this very inexpensively. It covers cel phone, computer, etc.</p>
<p>SDMom, just like the Adobe and Office programs, the Lojack program we bought for D's computer had to be reinstalled after a major Vista crash. That was almost two years ago. H dealt with the issue and became somewhat unimpressed with the software. And don't get him strted on the Vista issues :).</p>
<p>I agree, it is better than nothing, since most laptop thieves are not too sophisticated and will try to access the Web from the stolen laptop sooner rather than later.</p>
<p>SDmom,</p>
<p>Dont know about college, but in my town, the police have used them very succesffuly.</p>
<p>We went the route of a lockable trunk, which can hold not only the laptop but also a variety of cameras etc. My suspicion, however, is that it is never locked and just takes up space in the room.</p>
<p>The laptop lock is a good idea as long as they use it. Laptop theft is a problem at most campuses just like bike theft. IMO if the parents purchased the laptop for the student the student s/b provided with a laptop lock, instructed to use it, and told that if their laptop is stolen while they weren't using the lock, it's up to the student to replace the laptop - not the parent. These locks take all of about 10 seconds to put on or take off.</p>
<p>BunsenBurner,</p>
<p>The Lojack website now lists which computers have what they call "Computrace" built into the computer, which is supposed to allow the Lojack to remain after a operating system is re-installed. I don't recall seeing this list last summer, when we were investigating whether to buy Lojack. (Perhaps the company had to disclose this after complaints from customers whose computers did not have this feature?). I guess we got lucky because my S's laptop (Toshiba Satellite) is listed.</p>
<p>These do nothing/ I know many people that can break in to all but the really expensive ones. Dont bother.</p>
<p>Now bicycle theft...that's a real problem. At least you can keep your computer with you wherever you go. You have to leave your bike outside.</p>
<p>
[quote]
These do nothing/ I know many people that can break in to all but the really expensive ones. Dont bother.
[/quote]
If you're referring to the laptop locks - sure, all one needs is a simple bolt cutter, but since the majority of thefts are crimes of opportunity and since a dorm is a target rich environment full of laptops that aren't locked down, it's more likely that the unlocked ones would be grabbed rather than a locked one. I think it's worth bothering.</p>
<p>For S he received a small easy to carry safe as a grad present from a family friend. He uses that to lock up his bank statements, passport, etc. and than he locks that in a lockable cabinet in his room. Since he also has a kitchen on his floor and a place to put his kitchen things he also has a ski lock to lock that cabinet up. The ski lock is great because you can move it. We also bought LoJack and he has a laptop cable to lock his laptop up when in the dorm room, in the library or at the cafe if he leaves the table for a bit. Not the best sometimes but he's in his 3rd year and still has everything. D will start in the fall and college recommends the laptop cable.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Now bicycle theft...that's a real problem.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Daughter was told to buy a $50 lock and a $20 bike.</p>
<p>Apparently, Lojackforlaptops is now BIOS-embedded:</p>
<p>IT</a> Asset Tracking Management Built into PC BIOS</p>
<p>That was not the case when we looked and bought it quite a while ago.</p>
<p>At D school, apparently, thieves used to drive a pickup truck through the campus on an October night and collect every unlocked bike. Why October? By that time, everyone gets used to the notion that their campus is the most serene place on the planet, and no one bothers to lock their bikes.</p>
<p>Check to see what the dorm offers- son's always had a lockable drawer, he provided the lock. Friend needed his own at his school. I got son a small lockable safe with a changeable combination for apartment use- a place to keep cash, other such stuff- you trust your roommates, but friends of friends may wander around.</p>
<p>Re: laptop locks - found out too late that sometimes these things change the combo by themselves. I wouldn't have believed it, but then checked the reviews on amazon and there were dozens and dozens of complaints about the combo changing. Can't remember the brand right now, but it was by no means the cheapest; it was a name brand. D will have security use bolt cutters come May, or maybe saw off a headboard slat.</p>
<p>I read those Amazon reviews about changing combos by themselves…opted for a name brand cable lock with a key instead. Wonder if son is using it and if he still has the key?!</p>
<p>Ds school sponsors a popular safe rental company. They come to the room and bolt the thing into a closet shelf, which is bolted into the wall. A large number of kids, including D, used them. I still would not recommend sending anything really valuable to school,but it is a handy place to put cash, credit cards, jewelry etc.</p>