Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Kensington 64343 MicroSaver DS Keyed Notebook Computer Lock

Kensington 64343 MicroSaver DS Keyed Notebook Computer Lock
  • Ultra-strength carbon tempered steel cable core on 6-ft, 4.5 mm thick cable with external steel braided sheath
  • Innovative disc-lock engineering for triple maximum security
  • Patented T-bar locking mechanism provides superior lock strength and theft protection
  • Easy to install and use to protect high security computer devices
  • Fits in the standard Kensington security slot found in 99% of notebooks, CPUs, flat panel monitors, projectors, printers, docking stations

A very robust lock. It fits well on my thin MacBook Pro, and does not crowd out the adjacent USB port for most USB devices (an exception is my original iPod Shuffle, which is too wide for most adjacent ports). The straight key fits better on my key ring than a tubular key, appears secure enough, and rips open a mean parcel. The one drawback for me is that the heavy cable is parallel to the body of the lock. This precludes the use of a mouse alongside the lock side of my laptop.

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As others have said this is a great cable lock. I'll try not to repeat what has already been said.

SECURITY:

This has "flat" keys but they are not simple keys; their groove pattern is sort of three-dimensional. I don't think you're going to get them duplicated at your local hardware store. Register them at the Kensington web site so you can get them replaced if you lose them.

There are many stories and videos on the web showing how to easily defeat the cylindrical locks that are used on less expensive cable locks but none of that stuff will work here!

CONVENIENCE:

The cable comes with a clip attached to it that keeps the cable coiled neatly when not in use. It is well made and works great. See one of my uploaded images.

Since the clip is permanently attached to the cable this remains a "one piece" solution with no little parts to get lost or separated from the cable lock. ("one piece" except for the keys, of course)

HOWTO:

When I first tried to use this lock it took me a minute and some minor frustration to figure it out so I have uploaded an image and will give a little explanation here. I do notice that a fair number of other reviews also mention some confusion and frustration over the workings of the lock mechanism. I hope the following helps ...

* Always hold the cylinder marked with the "K" lock symbol with one hand while turning the key with the other (see uploaded image). Because the cable attachment provides a more prominent hand-hold it is tempting to hold on to it while turning the key but the cable attachment spins freely and has no relation to the locking mechanism so holding it will not accomplish anything except by chance, leading to confusion. This may be the most important point.

* The uploaded image shows the locking mechanism in the locked position. The key is turned fully counterclockwise. This is the only position in which the key can be inserted or removed. The lock's T-bar will NOT go into nor come out of the slot on the device being protected when in this position.

* To insert the lock's T-bar into the slot you need to first turn the key as far as you can (180 degrees) clockwise. That puts the lock on the unlocked position and allows the T-bar to be inserted into the slot. In the unlocked position the T-bar lines up with the pair of pins forming an overall flat shape that will fit into the slot.

* Once the lock's T-bar is in the slot turn the key as far as you can (180 degrees) counterclockwise. This puts the lock back into the locked position and allows you to remove the key. Be sure the T-bar is fully inserted into the slot before turning the key. If it is not, this is where you might damage the surface or any outer plastic layer of your laptop.

* Take note of the orientation of the key with respect to the T-bar and the T-bar with respect to the pins when it is in both the locked and the unlocked positions. This will help you line things up when inserting the T-bar into the slot. This may be the second most important point.

I'm sure you could figure that out all by yourself but this will give you something to think about and the pictures something to look at while you wait for yours to be delivered!

Read Best Reviews of Kensington 64343 MicroSaver DS Keyed Notebook Computer Lock Here

The Kensington Microsaver DS lock is really good. Right out of the box you can tell its very strong and i feel confident this lock could stop all but the most determined thief from walking away with my laptop. (Given a good amount of time and the right tools any lock can be broken) Notebook locks are, in effect, a visual deterrent. You're average pick up and go with your laptop thief wont bother with trying at it, they'll just move onto something easier. The lock design is really good, much better then the classic design that has videos all over the internet showing how it can be picked with such high-end objects as a piece of cardboard from a toilet roll or a hollowed out ball point pen. The rubber surface where the lock comes in contact with the notebook is definitely a plus, won't be doing any damage to your notebook. The lock itself again, feels and is strong. Definately something you want to look into, I spent a lot of time comparing this to the regular Microsaver one as well. The DS is worth that extra $8 I paid for!

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I looked at other locks in stores and did some online research and everything pointed to the MicroSaver DS with keys. While nothing will stop a determined thief I believe this is the best security available. It's well thought out, easy to use, and simply looks tough. It slips into a laptop bag easily yet it's long enough that you'll always be able to find something to attach it to. I use it while travelling and even at home.

I look at it this way. Once you realize that there is a device like this available you have to buy it and use it. Otherwise, you have no one to blame but yourself if your laptop is stolen.

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I just received this today and had it locking down my HP Pavillion dv9000 in about three minutes. Seems to fit the locking slot just fine and does the trick of keeping it locked down so it can't walk away from my desk. Cable is thick and coated, so it won't scratch. One caveat, this thing is NOT light nor does it roll up into a neat little package. By comparison, it's a bit lighter and compact than an old printer cable (before USB). It's the weight factor that knocks off a star.

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