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Archiver > APG > 2001-02 > 0982611756


From: "Amy Johnson Crow" <>
Subject: Re: [APG] Laptops during research phase
Date: Mon, 19 Feb 2001 14:42:36 -0500
References: <000001c0983d$2fb211c0$a1d5fea9@oemcomputer> <004a01c0986d$fd1d7fc0$5c2b4b0c@0016307068>


Pat Stamm wrote:
<snip>
> And of course there is always the problem of
> security. What do you lock down the computer too? I have never ever been
> able to stay in one spot for the entire research period. :)


I use a locking device from Targus (the computer carrying-case people). It
has a combination lock with a gizmo that plugs into a locking port on the
side of the laptop. Plug in the gizmo (don't you love these technical
terms?!), pull out the cable from the combination lock, wrap the cable
around a table leg, back through the gizmo and then plug the cable into the
lock. With the cable running through the gizmo, you can't pull it out of the
laptop. The whole thing is very similar in theory to a bicycle lock -- put
the chain through the spokes so you can't move the bike. With the gizmo
there, the cable keeps someone from lifting your laptop.

The model I use also has a motion detector built into the lock. If you don't
have a table leg to wrap the cable around, you can still use the gizmo; just
run the cable through the gizmo and back into the combination lock. Set the
motion detector and if someone moves your laptop, a really annoying alarm
goes off. The obvious disadvantage to this is if you lift your own laptop
and forget to shut off the alarm first. (I haven't done that -- yet.)

I'm sure there are other manufacturers of these types of locking devices.
They are available in most large computer or office supply stores.

Hope this helps!

Amy

==========
Amy Johnson Crow, CG
Reynoldsburg, Ohio
http://www.amyjohnsoncrow.com


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