MB Air - No Security Slot??

Toe · Jan 16, 2008, 10:28 AM

Anyone at MWSF reading this? Can you go to the exhibit hall and look at the MBA and tell us if there is a Kensington Security Slot?

I do not see any mention of it on the MacBook Air tech specs page:
http://www.apple.com/macbookair/specs.html

For comparison, look at the regular MacBook:
http://www.apple.com/macbook/specs.html
"Security — Kensington cable lock slot"

It is a little difficult for me to imagine an expensive, ultra-portable, sexy, easy-to-steal computer that has no security slot.

I know Apple was trying to economize on space, but what if you're at a coffee shop and want to go to the bathroom? You gotta take your MBA with you everywhere??

superleccy · Jan 16, 2008, 10:33 AM

Clearly, Apple think that people who can afford a MacBook Air will be wealthy enough to just go out and buy a new one if it gets stolen.

SL

Steven Jackson · Jan 16, 2008, 10:33 AM

I don't mean to be argumentative, but would you really leave your computer unattended in a coffee shop, lock or no lock, while you went to the toilet?

I certainly wouldn't...

Steve.

Brianstorm91 · Jan 16, 2008, 10:35 AM

Still, I think that's a pretty poor mistake.
I'd definately not leave one at my desk without a lock, let alone in public places as it's intended.

telecomm · Jan 16, 2008, 10:37 AM

I think you're just meant to hide it in a manila envelope.

Toe · Jan 16, 2008, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steven Jackson

I don't mean to be argumentative, but would you really leave your computer unattended in a coffee shop, lock or no lock, while you went to the toilet?

I have been wondering about that, and I am not sure. I think it would depend on the environment in the shop at that moment. If I just gotta take a leak and there are some friendly people around, I think I might lock my MB to a table and/or a couple of chairs. It would be tremendously difficult for someone to get it in the time I'd be gone. Basically, they would have to smash the chair, or go at the cable with a big-handled cutter. I think someone would notice.

I do have my current MacBook FileVaulted and screen-saver locked, so if it gets stolen, at least my data/identity is safe. But of course I'd like for it to not get stolen.

In any event, I certainly have had cause to lock my MB. Such as when I've needed to leave it behind in a hotel room. I imagine I could try to hide the MBA, but... I'd feel better if it was tied down to something while I'm out snorkeling.

cogsinister · Jan 16, 2008, 10:53 AM

Does anyone even use the security slots on the side of the MB/MBP ?

I know i never have......

ray648 · Jan 16, 2008, 10:57 AM

Looking at the pictures on the apple site there might be one half way down the left side.

RichP · Jan 16, 2008, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ray648

Looking at the pictures on the apple site there might be one half way down the left side.

That is the angled magsafe power socket.

ray648 · Jan 16, 2008, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichP

That is the angled magsafe power socket.

I mean the little one nearer the bottom of the keyboard. It could just be a screw, but theres definately something there.

Toe · 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ray648

I mean the little one nearer the bottom of the keyboard. It could just be a screw, but theres definately something there.

Drat... got my hopes up. But it looks like that's a screw. Found this on:
http://www.apple.com/macbookair/features.html

mckyvlle · Jan 16, 2008, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cogsinister

Does anyone even use the security slots on the side of the MB/MBP ?

I know i never have......

I do. Always chain my MacBook to something when I have to leave it unattended. You never know who might be eyeing it.

Justinerator · Jan 16, 2008, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by telecomm

I think you're just meant to hide it in a manila envelope.

this made me laugh. nice

phungy · Jan 16, 2008, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by telecomm

I think you're just meant to hide it in a manila envelope.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Justinerator

this made me laugh. nice

Made me laugh as well, kudos.

andiwm2003 · Jan 16, 2008, 11:12 PM

the screen bezel is pretty wide. just drill a hole through it and use a cable lock.

kuebby · Jan 16, 2008, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mckyvlle

I do. Always chain my MacBook to something when I have to leave it unattended. You never know who might be eyeing it.

I bought a lock at Best Buy when they were really cheap but I've never actually used it. I just find I never leave my MacBook Pro anywhere unattended outside of my apartment.

amac4me · Jan 16, 2008, 11:34 PM

I actually called and spoke to an Apple Store rep today and he confirmed that there is no security slot. He said I was the first person he spoke to that asked that question.

I would love to have a MacBook Air but the lack of a security slot is a deal breaker for me. I take my current laptop to the office and school and have to leave it unattended at times. I do it knowing that it is locked down.

Maybe they will have it in the next model ... that's the hope but I'll probably have a newer MBP by that time because I'll be tired of waiting

mckyvlle · Jan 17, 2008, 02:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kuebby

I bought a lock at Best Buy when they were really cheap but I've never actually used it. I just find I never leave my MacBook Pro anywhere unattended outside of my apartment.

I work in an academic institution, in a shared office. There are times where I'm out of the office but students can still get in. I feel better if my MacBook is locked.

PeckhamBog · Jan 17, 2008, 07:16 PM

Maybe the 180 day update will include an 'ipod shuffle like clip' that you affix the mba to your shirt while you visit the rest room or go out for a lunchtime run????
It just about seems light enough, or do we have to wait for the MacBook Helium.

Seriously though. I hope a security slot is installed quickly by Apple. Otherwise it's sadly a non starter as a replacement for my ageing work PC [Compaq NC6120].

JasonBourne9 · Jan 17, 2008, 07:22 PM

It's so thin and light, you can just take it with you. Tuck it in your pants or something.

jnc · Jan 17, 2008, 07:22 PM

Ok this is the first time I've even heard anyone say that they even require the slot, we must have grown up in very different places. Far as I knew that slot was just for stores that'd have machines on display, or similar. (which makes me think - how WILL these be displayed if there's no slot? Behind glass?)

Something as valuable as a Mac would never leave my sight in a public place, anyway...

PeckhamBog · Jan 17, 2008, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jnc

Ok this is the first time I've even heard anyone say that they even require the slot, we must have grown up in very different places. Far as I knew that slot was just for stores that'd have machines on display, or similar. (which makes me think - how WILL these be displayed if there's no slot? Behind glass?)

Something as valuable as a Mac would never leave my sight in a public place, anyway...

I've had a notebook stolen. It was in a restricted area but accessible by the public.

I always tether my notebooks now outside of home [or at least take a cable with me in case I feel the need to].

jnc · Jan 17, 2008, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeckhamBog

I've had a notebook stolen. It was in a restricted area but accessible by the public.

I always tether my notebooks now outside of home [or at least take a cable with me in case I feel the need to].

The one public place I've ever left my MacBook unattended was on a train when I went to the WC. Between stops of course

usually it would always be in sight / on my person so owning a cable has never even crossed my mind.

Besides in any environment with other people (even around friends) I'd be more worried about some clumsy idiot spilling / dropping something on it... let alone having it nicked, to have it out of my sight!

aaron.lee2006 · Jan 17, 2008, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cogsinister

Does anyone even use the security slots on the side of the MB/MBP ?

I know i never have......

Nope never have. When I'm in class if I have to leave I just close it, put it into sleep mode and take it with me

///alpinepower · Jan 17, 2008, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toe

Anyone at MWSF reading this? Can you go to the exhibit hall and look at the MBA and tell us if there is a Kensington Security Slot?

I do not see any mention of it on the MacBook Air tech specs page:
http://www.apple.com/macbookair/specs.html

For comparison, look at the regular MacBook:
http://www.apple.com/macbook/specs.html
"Security — Kensington cable lock slot"

It is a little difficult for me to imagine an expensive, ultra-portable, sexy, easy-to-steal computer that has no security slot.

I know Apple was trying to economize on space, but what if you're at a coffee shop and want to go to the bathroom? You gotta take your MBA with you everywhere??

ah, see, you don't even live in the target market's world: they are insulated from such riff raff at all times.

Jan 16, 2008, 10:28 AM	#1
Toe macrumors 65816 Join Date: Mar 2002	MB Air - No Security Slot?? Anyone at MWSF reading this? Can you go to the exhibit hall and look at the MBA and tell us if there is a Kensington Security Slot? I do not see any mention of it on the MacBook Air tech specs page: http://www.apple.com/macbookair/specs.html For comparison, look at the regular MacBook: http://www.apple.com/macbook/specs.html "Security — Kensington cable lock slot" It is a little difficult for me to imagine an expensive, ultra-portable, sexy, easy-to-steal computer that has no security slot. I know Apple was trying to economize on space, but what if you're at a coffee shop and want to go to the bathroom? You gotta take your MBA with you everywhere?? __________________ Have BlackBook and iPhone. Have operated almost every Mac model. Avoid fake Cuban cigars. — Get real cigar artwork.

Jan 16, 2008, 10:33 AM	#2
superleccy macrumors 6502a Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: England	Clearly, Apple think that people who can afford a MacBook Air will be wealthy enough to just go out and buy a new one if it gets stolen. SL __________________ 15" MBP: 2.4GHz C2D SR; now 4GB RAM; 160GB 5400rpm HD; Matte; 20" Cinema Disp. 14" iBook G4: 1.33GHz; 768MB RAM; 80GB HD. Switched Nov '04.

Jan 16, 2008, 10:35 AM	#4
Brianstorm91 macrumors 65816 Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Hampshire, England.	Still, I think that's a pretty poor mistake. I'd definately not leave one at my desk without a lock, let alone in public places as it's intended. __________________ 12.1" PowerBook G4; 23" Apple Cinema Display; 40GB Playstation 3; 16GB iPod Touch

Jan 16, 2008, 10:53 AM	#7
cogsinister macrumors 6502a Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Fredericton NB Canada	Does anyone even use the security slots on the side of the MB/MBP ? I know i never have...... __________________ MacBook Aluminum 2.4GHz

Jan 16, 2008, 11:34 PM	#17
amac4me macrumors 65816 Join Date: Apr 2005	I actually called and spoke to an Apple Store rep today and he confirmed that there is no security slot. He said I was the first person he spoke to that asked that question. I would love to have a MacBook Air but the lack of a security slot is a deal breaker for me. I take my current laptop to the office and school and have to leave it unattended at times. I do it knowing that it is locked down. Maybe they will have it in the next model ... that's the hope but I'll probably have a newer MBP by that time because I'll be tired of waiting __________________ Switch To A Mac http://switchtoamac.com

Jan 16, 2008, 10:33 AM	#3
Steven Jackson macrumors 6502 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Lincoln, U.K.	I don't mean to be argumentative, but would you really leave your computer unattended in a coffee shop, lock or no lock, while you went to the toilet? I certainly wouldn't... Steve.

Jan 16, 2008, 10:37 AM	#5
telecomm macrumors 65816 Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Rome	I think you're just meant to hide it in a manila envelope.

Jan 16, 2008, 10:57 AM	#8
ray648 macrumors member Join Date: Jan 2008	Looking at the pictures on the apple site there might be one half way down the left side.

Jan 16, 2008, 11:12 PM	#15
andiwm2003 macrumors Demi-God Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Boston, MA	the screen bezel is pretty wide. just drill a hole through it and use a cable lock.

Jan 17, 2008, 07:16 PM	#19
PeckhamBog macrumors member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: London	MacBook Air Revision Maybe the 180 day update will include an 'ipod shuffle like clip' that you affix the mba to your shirt while you visit the rest room or go out for a lunchtime run???? It just about seems light enough, or do we have to wait for the MacBook Helium. Seriously though. I hope a security slot is installed quickly by Apple. Otherwise it's sadly a non starter as a replacement for my ageing work PC [Compaq NC6120].

Jan 17, 2008, 07:22 PM	#20
JasonBourne9 macrumors member Join Date: Jan 2008	It's so thin and light, you can just take it with you. Tuck it in your pants or something.

Jan 17, 2008, 07:22 PM	#21
jnc macrumors 68020 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Nunya, Business TX	Ok this is the first time I've even heard anyone say that they even require the slot, we must have grown up in very different places. Far as I knew that slot was just for stores that'd have machines on display, or similar. (which makes me think - how WILL these be displayed if there's no slot? Behind glass?) Something as valuable as a Mac would never leave my sight in a public place, anyway... __________________ The views expressed above do not, and are not intended to represent or reflect the opinions, policies and/or statements of my employer(s).

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