Keeping My MBP Safe? (Physically)

[AmbiguousNinja]

Hey, I'm going to go to China in August with my MBP (I can't be without it now ). I have a pretty decent bag for it but I'm concerned that someone could steal it at the airport (unlikely though) or on the 13 hour flight (I'm probably going to sleep). My main concern is that I'm also going to be on a train in China where I will be sleeping. We all know that China's not exactly "safe." Do you guys have any tips/tricks/advice for me to keep my MBP safe? Thanks in advance!

 

[miles01110]

Either don't bring it or sleep with it under your pillow.

 

[GoCubsGo]

I'd keep it in my bag when not in use and have the bag over my shoulder (diagonally across my chest) when sleeping. Have the bag itself facing towards the side of the car/plane, away from any isle.

 

[AmbiguousNinja]

Either don't bring it or sleep with it under your pillow.

Haha, I AM bringing for sure, it gets really boring after a while As for sleeping with it under my pillow, The train is pretty rocky (stupid poor, Chinese government )

I'd keep it in my bag when not in use and have the bag over my shoulder (diagonally across my chest) when sleeping. Have the bag itself facing towards the side of the car/plane, away from any isle.

Thanks!

 

[carinatauk]

Pacsafe do some good stuff

 

[MJNBGA]

Pacsafe do some good stuff

I'd recomend putting it underneath your shirt, and having a belt hold it. Sure it will be uncomfortable, but it's the only way.

 

[mac00l]

Hey, I'm going to go to China in August with my MBP (I can't be without it now ). I have a pretty decent bag for it but I'm concerned that someone could steal it at the airport (unlikely though) or on the 13 hour flight (I'm probably going to sleep). My main concern is that I'm also going to be on a train in China where I will be sleeping. We all know that China's not exactly "safe." Do you guys have any tips/tricks/advice for me to keep my MBP safe? Thanks in advance!

Yes never keep your computer in a computer bag, try using a common bagpack, and if possible even get one of THESE. Better to come back with a scratched MBP, than with nothing at all right?

Bottom line is, never make it darn obvious that you are carrying a laptop.

 

[MJNBGA]

Yes never keep your computer in a computer bag, try using a common bagpack, and if possible even get one of THESE. Better to come back with a scratched MBP, than with nothing at all right?

Bottom line is, never make it darn obvious that you are carrying a laptop.

What a great idea! But a little expensive. I suppose if you need it, it's OK .It's not exactly going to compliment the MacBook's looks, but it does it's job.

 

[thefoodie]

Buy a kensington lock

and tie the other end around a seat or something fixed. I agree with previous comment by MAC00l, dont put it in a laptop bag - put it in an ordinary ruck sack etc.

If you're going through India or any remote provinces, bring a powersurge guard with you. It will protect your charger/powersupply. When I was in India, a powersurge in the hotel fried my charger and ipod speaker power supply. So a lesson hard learned.

 

[mofunk]

I like the Timbuk2 bags. They are padded and most of them have a hidden compartment for the computer.

http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/backpacks/#backpack-laptop

 

[smallnshort247]

Besides the tips everyone else has given you, considering buying this just incase the worst happens and someone steals your laptop: http://hiddenapp.com/

Basically, if someone steals your mac, this app will not only help locate your mbp but it will also snap pics form the isight cam so you can actually see who is using your laptop. The only downside is that I highly doubt anyone in China would make an effort to help find an american's stolen laptop. I think this app would probably be more useful in the states.

 

[Blondie :)]

Yes never keep your computer in a computer bag, try using a common bagpack, and if possible even get one of THESE. Better to come back with a scratched MBP, than with nothing at all right?

Bottom line is, never make it darn obvious that you are carrying a laptop.

I agree. I always have my computer in my regular backpack. I'm a student, so I always have a backpack with me anyways. And to protect it while it's in my backpack I have this: http://www.goincase.com/products/detail/perforated-hardshell-case-cl57467

It works really well. I enjoy it because it's perforated and still allows the MBP to breath while maintaining functionality.

 

[awer25]

I have this Kensington ClickSafe lock and it's by far the best laptop lock I've ever used. Keep it handy, and lock the laptop to things nearby when needed (like the airplane seat while you sleep, as someone above mentioned).

 

[ShootingStars]

Besides the tips everyone else has given you, considering buying this just incase the worst happens and someone steals your laptop: http://hiddenapp.com/

Basically, if someone steals your mac, this app will not only help locate your mbp but it will also snap pics form the isight cam so you can actually see who is using your laptop. The only downside is that I highly doubt anyone in China would make an effort to help find an american's stolen laptop. I think this app would probably be more useful in the states.

LOL You know how easy it is to unscrew and take out the HD? Or even reformat it? You're wasting your money, unless the thief is total noob.

 

[Dark Void]

i also agree with a backpack but if you have to go with a laptop bag then i would suggest something that cannot have the straps detached.

 

[orfeas0]

Simple solution :
1) Use a normal backpack, not a laptop bag (!!).
2) Put a lock in the zipper.
3) Have the bag in front of you but strapped on you.
Something like that http://bobarno.com/thiefhunters/wp-content/uploads/backpack-front.jpg .
No way it can be stolen unless they violently take it from you.
Maybe a lock in the zipper seems risky (like a laptop bag, they will know you have something worthy in there), you can just zip it from a safe side (not the side with people next to it).

 

[stefmesman]

I have this Kensington ClickSafe lock and it's by far the best laptop lock I've ever used. Keep it handy, and lock the laptop to things nearby when needed (like the airplane seat while you sleep, as someone above mentioned).

+1 on the kensington lock, you can also attach it out of your bag through your belt or such when sleeping. or to your chair. also lock your main zippers with a lock.

 

[awer25]

LOL You know how easy it is to unscrew and take out the HD? Or even reformat it? You're wasting your money, unless the thief is total noob.

Many of them seem to be

Plus, Hidden recommends setting up a firmware password so they can't boot using the Option key.

 

[saberahul]

Connect the laptop lock (kingston or w.e). Loop it around so it makes a circle. Lock the lock code so no one can break it with bare hands. Buy handcuffs and cuff yourself to the loop you made.

 

[ABernardoJr]

What a great idea! But a little expensive. I suppose if you need it, it's OK .It's not exactly going to compliment the MacBook's looks, but it does it's job.

lol you'd be surprised at how many compliments that kind of case gets (my dad has one for his iPad)