Kensington’s New Twist on Cable Locks

Most of us have heard sad stories of computers lost or stolen. I remember the fellow working at an outside cafe who had his stolen while he was trying to stop someone from stealing his bicycle. Some days it doesn’t pay to get out of bed. 

Cable style laptop computer lock

The cable style lock for laptops has been around for quiet awhile. About 90% of laptops have a micro security slot, and these cables, which are made of one form of steel or another, are designed to fasten into the security slot and wrap around a sturdy object, usually a piece of furniture. The part that fits in the security slot comes with some type of locking device. The composition of the better models make it almost impossible to cut the cables, certainly in cases of a quick grab and snatch. They are also easy to carry when traveling.

Apparently, the problem is that even when people have them, they don’t use them. This tends to make companies that issue notebooks to employees very unhappy.

The Kensington ClickSafe

Kensington’s approach to this problem is to affix part of the locking mechanism into the micro security slot on a “permanent” basis. It can be removed when necessary, but it is not designed to be removed for normal use.

Kensington ClickSafe cable locking system

Once the security anchor is attached to the computer the user just quickly attaches the lock, turns the key, and the computer is locked down. Obviously, if traveling the cable must first be wrapped around something strong.

The ClickSafe cable is made from tempered carbon steel. The lock is constructed from high carbon steel, and the patented security anchor is made of injected molded alloy. 

The product is available in several packaging options. One provides multiple extra keys for supervisors in the work setting as well as the single use and the two key version tested for this review. Prices vary according to packaging, but the individual option MSRP is US$49.99.

Installing And Using The ClickSafe

Using this cable lock system is a piece of cake. How hard can it be to wrap a steel cable around something sturdy and lock the locking mechanism? It’s flexible enough to manage and to wrap for travel as demonstrated in the image above. I like having a keyed system so that I don’t have to remember another set of numbers. 

My one negative experience was installing the security anchor. The enclosed instructions were inadequate and I was unable to complete the installation until I called my technician daughter to come over and help me. The instructions are simple images that instruct the user to insert the security anchor into the security slot and turn it 90 degrees until it catches and holds. There are additional instructions for tightening, but I was never able to get past that first step. It would not make the 90 degree turn no matter what I did. By the time my daughter came to help I had turned screws, etc. and it took her a few minutes to undo anything I had messed up and actually get it installed. Her comments were that it really required more specific instructions or a tech department to install the anchor. Lucky for me I have access to my own tech. 

Kensington can easily solve this problem by improving the instructions to include easy to follow, written directions that will guide the general user through the process.

Do I Recommend It? 

I do. It is flexible, strong, and has a good strong locking system in place.  It is particularly ideal for the work environment for both small and large work environments. It is also a good choice for individuals who feel more secure having the option of locking down their computer. Just make sure you can deal with the installation issue.

Product: ClickSafe Cable Lock

Company: Kensington

List Price: US$49.99

Rating:

Pros:

Cable locking system for laptop computers features a permanent security anchor installed in the micro security slot to encourage consistent use. Product is well made from high quality components.

 

Cons:

Initial installation of the security anchor can be difficult for individuals with limited technical expertise.