What are you doing to protect your MacBook Air from theft?

K

Kendo

macrumors 68020
It didn't occur to me that the MacBook Air doesn't have a slot for a Kensington Lock. This question is probably more for individuals who live on their own and have roommates but is also applicable to single apartments in case of burglary.

What are you doing to secure your MacBook Air? I live in NYC so unfortunately a lot of living situations involve rooming with people you don't know (like on Craigslist).

I am aware that the MacBook Air is so light you can carry it around everywhere. But sometimes it is not practical. If I go on a date to a restaurant or go see a movie with a friend, or go shopping for clothes, I don't want to carry it around with me. It is much easier to leave it at home locked up.
 
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I lock it in my desk drawer either at home or at work.

When out in the car it gets locked in the car's boot.

Either way, it's fully insured and I don't keep sensitive data on it. So theft of it wouldn't be the end of the world.

I'm surprised nobody has come up with a cable lock for it of some description yet, well not that i'm aware of yet anyway.
 
Well usually it is always with me, I also use the BookBook case as an added protection while in my bag, and it also works fairly well as a cpver if all one does is take a short glance at it.

In the occasion that someone does take it.
I will prey and hope that the thief isn´t smart :p
 
1) Safeware insurance w/theft coverage.
2) I NEVER leave my MBA alone in public unless somebody I know is there watching it. Otherwise I just pick it up and take it into the bathroom with me- for example. I hear Starbucks is rampant with laptop theft. A little bit of inconvenience versus a lot of discomfort- even with full backups.
3) I NEVER leave it in a car trunk. EVER. I carry it with my in my trusty TimBuk2 backpack. It's not that heavy, after all.
4) I do not walk around with a backpack that screams "laptop!".

There is just no substitute for vigilance. Sad but true these days.:eek:
 
Invisible shield in a bookbook case and put in a shelf when I'm gone. I'll have to check out that insurance.
 
I posted the text below on a different thread (the OP had just had his MB stolen). This thread might be a better location, maybe this will help someone:

1) Consider putting some software such as Prey (www.preyproject.com) - there are some other similar applications available, which will track your Mac and send you reports which include the location, pictures of whomever is using it and even what programs are being run.

Set up a "Guest" account as a honeypot setup, which doesn't require a password to use. If someone steals your machine, you want to make it easy enough for them to get online (but not using your regular Username), so Prey can do its business and report back where it is and who has it.

2) Set an EFI Firmware password to prevent someone from re-installing the OS and wiping your disk.

3) Backup to a cloud service (I use Crashplan), if your machine gets stolen or damaged, at least you have your data. Local backups are convenient, but if the thief takes your external drive (or it gets damaged, like in case of a house fire) you would want an off site backup.

4) Record all your serial numbers and save receipts, so that if the police recover your stuff, you have some evidence that it is yours. Save this stuff in a different place than just on your machine (I keep mine stored in 1Password).
 
a kensington lock is protection against an opportunistic thief (walking by and seeing it unattended on a table) and does nothing against a dedicated thief (one with some basic tools).

prey or any other type of software is a joke if the thief has even basic knowledge about computers and/or computer theft.

serial numbers? well, i would be amazed if it got back to you, but i guess you never know.

the best thing? don't leave home with out it, have insurance and secure backups when you do, and move someplace safer!
 
Turn on FileVault2, so that you don't get hit with identity theft if someone steals your machine... and subscribe to automated cloud backup so that you can get your data back.

/Jim
 
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I bench 180kg and have been doing MMA since i was 9 im 26 now lol but i hav insurance
 
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I bench 180kg and have been doing MMA since i was 9 im 26 now lol but i hav insurance
 
I've got a bookbook case for mine and i always store it in it when it's not in use.

pageHeroImages_bookbook1.jpg


Nobody is going to steal a old book right?
 
Nothing at all. No insurance, no lock, no cases. A good thief likes a challenge. If it's not challenging at all, they won't bother.

I've left it on my desk in plain view dozens of times while I was out of the office, it's just sitting there at home, sometimes in plain sight of anyone walking by the house.
 
DouchGod said:
I've got a bookbook case for mine and i always store it in it when it's not in use.

Image

Nobody is going to steal a old book right?
Click to expand...

The ultimate in security through stealth :D. Well done! I rely on putting it away somewhere not too obvious (there are draws under my bed but their presence isn't obvious, insurance and backup!
 
Kendo said:
But that is kinda the point of this thread. How are you keeping it locked down? There is no Kensington Lock slot on the MacBook Air.
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When it's not in my home and out of my reach, my Air is in a locker or safe-box.

There are many other options too, such as keeping it in a lockable briefcase, then fix the briefcase to the wall or the floor.
 
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Home insurance.
 
I carry it in my bag every single day except for weekends, when I use it most of the time for projects...
 
Funkymonk said:
I go to kickboxing gym 4 times a week :cool:
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Cool, where's your MBA whilst you're in the gym then...?

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KnightWRX said:
Nothing at all. No insurance, no lock, no cases. A good thief likes a challenge. If it's not challenging at all, they won't bother.

I've left it on my desk in plain view dozens of times while I was out of the office, it's just sitting there at home, sometimes in plain sight of anyone walking by the house.
Click to expand...

Thats a load of great advice there!

you might be right if you're talking about professional casino/bank robbers who'd i agreed get a rush out of cracking a joint, but not the more common "do anything for a quick buck" thief.

Most theft is "opportunistic" theft, and so an easy target is most likely to be the preferred target for items like high value gadgets etc that can be easily sold on through eBay etc.
 
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