How this $50 laptop accessory can save you thousands of dollars

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• StarTech.com Universal Laptop Lock is out there from Amazon for $46.
• Stable, well-made laptop computer lock is greater than sufficient to discourage an opportunistic thief.
• Not the lightest, most handy factor to hold about.

As tech devices grow to be more and more compact and light-weight, they grow to be extra susceptible to theft. It could be almost not possible to eradicate the chance, however you may considerably deter thieves.

Additionally: 7 hacking tools that look harmless but can do real damage

One instrument I’ve discovered to be fairly efficient is the StarTech.com Universal Laptop Lock. It is a 6.6-foot, cut-resistant metal cable with a lock on one finish that matches a wide range of safety slots. The alternative finish contains a loop, which you’ll be able to safe round an immovable object, making it significantly more difficult for somebody to stroll away together with your gadget. 

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The specs

• Lock: Tubular lock (two keys provided) with ball joint design that enables for 360-degree rotation and 90-degree pivot
• Cable size: 6.6-foot (2 meters)
• Compatibility: Noble Wedge, Ok-Slot (T-Bar), and Nano lock slots

Laptop computer locks usually are not a brand new idea, and due to the number of safety slots which are discovered on gadgets — from laptops to docking stations — discovering the best lock could be troublesome.

The Common Laptop computer Lock addresses this difficulty with an adjustable tip that matches the three most typical safety slot varieties. Merely twist the adjuster to change the scale of the tip to match your gadget.

Be aware: A well-liked line of laptops that do not have any safety slots are Apple’s MacBooks. 

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Moreover, the Common Laptop computer Lock comes with a set of spacers that make sure the lock sits snugly in opposition to the physique of the gadget, stopping any rattling or scratching.

The cable additionally features a loop on the alternative finish that may be secured round a desk leg or another sturdy anchor level. With a thickness of 0.17 inches (4.4 mm), the strong cable consists of cut-resistant carbon metal, making it a formidable problem to chop via with a hacksaw or shears.

Whereas no lock is fully foolproof, and a talented particular person would possibly defeat this lock in below a minute, it’s not seemingly that an opportunist thief will possess the experience or instruments required to breach this lock with out the important thing.

The lock is engineered to withstand brute power makes an attempt, akin to yanking and pulling, countering aggressive types of assault. This strong design serves as a considerable deterrent in opposition to theft. 

All in all, it is a powerful lock that is well-designed to maintain your stuff secured. The one actual draw back: a metal cable weighing some 5.2 oz (147 g) is a good weight to lug round with you if you happen to plan on utilizing this when out and about.

ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation

Whereas a decided or expert attacker may probably overcome this lock, such people are uncommon. It is the opportunist thief who poses the best threat, and a strong lock like this one will seemingly make them rethink earlier than trying to steal your belongings. I feel this makes the StarTech.com Universal Laptop Lock a worthwhile purchase for below $50.