Lock It Down
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Although absentmindedness (a subject of which I have first-hand experience) is often the cause of a notebook going missing, it is not the only reason whereby a worried user could be separated from valuable data, important applications and an expensive piece of kit. There is always the "pick up and go" situation, where less scrupulous individuals walk off with your property, to take into consideration. While the former problem might be alleviate by the use of technology such as Dr. Kawashima's Brain Training, recently released on the Nintendo platform, protecting your notebook from would-be thieves calls for a different strategy with possible assistance from Kensington.
Well known for its security locks that fit into the appropriately named Kensington slot on 99% of modern notebooks, the company has recently updated and extended its range of products designed to offer greater security. All the various locks make use of thick steel cabling so that the protected device can be securely attached to an appropriate fixture. Individual locks in the Kensington range have been categorised as Safe, Safe Pro and Safe Premium.
The MicroSaver Combination lock comes with 1.8 metre of 4mm thick steel cable. It is now a four-wheel combination lock with 10,000 possible combinations. Pricing has been set at £24.99 for this Safe security product.
There are two new locks in the Safe Pro category. The MicroSaver Notebook lock also has a 1.8 metre cable but this is constructed of 4.5mm thick carbon tempered steel that is 20% stronger than the previous version of the lock. Using Kensington's patented T-bar locking system, this lock, like others in the range, has a built-in anti-tamper feature which indicates when unauthorised activity has been attempted. Two keys, specifically tied to the individual lock, are provided and replacements can be supplied to registered users. This lock is priced at £34.99.
For those who need to protect two devices, such as a notebook and projector, Kensington offers its MicroSaver Twin lock. This has two T-bar locks attached to a 2.2 metre length of 4.5mm thick carbon tempered steel cable. While one lock is permanently attached to one end of the cable, the other lock can be slide along the cable to suit different circumstances. The Twin lock is priced at £49.99.
Completing the range of locks, and categorised as Safe Premium, is the MicroSaver DS Notebook lock. Again a 1.8 metre of cable is provided but in this instance it consists of 5mm thick carbon tempered steel within a stainless steel braided sheath. The lock still makes use of the Kensington T-bar mechanism but the key design has changed as the company has switched from the barrel design to a more traditional style of key. This lock comes with a strap for compact travel storage and has been priced at £44.99.
Although far more appropriate for those who require a notebook within an open environment, such as a public arena or exhibition hall, the Kensington lock solution would also benefit other types of users. While using such a lock would not deter a break in at home, it should stop the thief from walking off with your property.
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