EDIT Dec 2nd, 2004. If you own this or any other type of similar "ciruclar" key locks, stop using them because they have been shown to be easily hacked!

I recently got a notice that someone has reviewed this old review of mine and I wanted to update it to reflect the news that was out for a while.

In case you haven't read news that's been floating around for months, there's news that will hurt you if you didn't know.

All kinds of circular key locks like Kryptonite (yes, those "unhackable" bike locks), Kensington laptop locks which rely on a circular type of key to lock and unlock your valuables have been shown on many internet sites with videos on how to use the blunt end of a Bic pen to unlock these types of locks. Many people have tried it and attest that this technique works! So, if you own any of these types of locks, stop using them! And contact the manufacturer about this and ask them what upgrades they can mail you or re-imburse you.

For Kryptonite, check out their website:

http://www.kryptonite.com

Unfortunately, there's no such information on Kensington's site.

I have long stopped using the lock and usually use it when I'm only away from my computer for a short period of time. Now, it's basically useless.

Here are the articles that discuss how easily these locks can be hacked and opened.

http://www.wired.com/news/culture/0,1284,64987,00.html

http://www.security.org/

So, stop using these types of locks and get a better alternative.

Here's the original review.
+++++++++

It's a well known statistic that a thousand notebook computers are stolen each day. Hot notebook computers are a lucrative crime. One way to deter a potential thief from making yours the next statistic is to deter him from doing so. The Kensington Microsaver is the industry standard notebook computer cable lock. They were the first company to come up with the notebook computer lock that attaches to the security slot found on almost all notebook computers today.

The Kensington Microsaver is a 6 feet long cable lock that is very similar to ones found on bicycle cable locks. The lock is composed of a coiled set of twisted cables wrapped by a plastic tube to keep the cables in place and reinforced, very much like that of a bicycle cable. The cable then makes a loop at the end, held by a moulded metallic enclosure which is also wrapped by a plastic cover. At the other end is the circular steel alloy key lock which attaches to the security slot of the notebook computer. The key slot of the lock is actually a circular slot that looks like a "Q". The key at least the part where it inserts into the slot, needless to say, is circular.

To secure the computer and the lock, first loop the cable around an immovable object and then secure the lock to your notebook computer. To secure the lock to the notebook computer, first place the Kensington Microsaver key into the circular key slot of the lock. Then, insert the lock into the security slot of the notebook computer. Push the key in and turn the key counter-clockwise until you can't turn it. Remove the key. The lock is now attached securely to the notebook computer. To unlock, simply do the same but turn the key clockwise.

The Kensington Microsaver comes with two keys with a separate key identification tag, which contains a number of the key code should you require a key replacement from Kensington.

The Kensington Microsaver now has two custom-keyed options which allow companies to control computer access. The Master-Keyed option allows an order of keys to have a "master key" which can open all the locks, preventing problems of misplaced or lost keys. The Like-Keyed option allows an order of the same locks, thus any of the keys from the same order will open the locks. The Custom-Keyed products can be ordered from the reseller or distributor in minimum order of 50 with additional multiple order of 25.

My observations of the lock. I did find that the 6 feet cable can be a nuisance when not in use. I have found that by wrapping it around that I can have it take up less space and more portable. When I really start to think about this product, I can be a bit skeptical about how it can be effective. The cable isn't that thick. Someone with a wire cutter can easily cut the cable, although he'd have to lug such a big tool around. And, although the lock can be forcefully be pulled out of the notebook computer, most thieves wouldn't resort to it because it would greatly damage the computer. So, a product like this can be effective like most security devices in that it "deters" thieves from stealing as it would take a bit more effort in the attempt to do so. If anyone really wants to steal the computer at any cost, he/she will. What you want to do is to convince the thief from even considering it.

Details and specifications:

Galvanized steel
Steel alloy with round key lock
6 feet / 1.8 meters from tip of loop to circular edge of locking device

Locking device
diameter: 0.75 inches/1.9 cm
length: 1.3 inches/3.4 cm
weight: 5.5 ounces/156 grams

Model 64068

For those notebook computers which don't have the security slot, a free Adapter kit is available (for US and Canada residents only) on request by Kensington.

The Kensington Microsaver comes with a lifetime warranty, toll-free technical support and a no risk 90 day trial.

For a piece of mind, the Kensington Notebook Microsaver lock is well worth the money to secure your $2000+ notebook computer.

Thanks for taking the time to read and rate my review.

Recommended: No