If you want to secure your device, a lock is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to do so. It creates a deterrent to potential thieves and makes it so someone can't just grab the device and run. No laptop lock is impenetrable, but good ones have sturdy lock heads and thick cables that are difficult to cut through. Kensington has been in the business of locks for decades and has a variety of worthwhile options, but the Kensington Combination Cable lock leads the pack thanks to its ease of use, options when it comes to levels of security, and its affordable price.
Our pick
Kensington Combination Laptop Lock
Oct 14, 2014 A Kensington Security Slot (also called a K-Slot or Kensington lock) is part of an anti-theft system designed by Kensington Computer Products Group. It is a small, metal-reinforced hole found.
Secure but simple
This Kensington lock works with most laptops that feature the T-Bar slot for locks. It has a tamper-resistant lock head and cut-resistant cable to increase security. It also has a one-handed design that makes it easy to lock and unlock.
Who should buy a Kensington Combination Laptop Lock
Anyone who wants to add physical security to their laptop should consider this lock. It's easy to lock and unlock if you have the combination thanks to a design that can be used with only one hand. Its lock head is sturdy and impact resistant and its included cable is cut-resistant.
Is it a good time to buy a Kensington Combination Laptop Lock?
Laptop locks are mostly simple parts like steel and cable coating so they have a long lifespan. It's not unreasonable to expect a lock to last longer than the laptop that it's protecting. While prices can always fluctuate, this combination lock is at an affordable price. Also, this lock design has been out for a few years so the price has stabilized. As a result, it's a good time to buy the lock if you're looking to add security to your device.
Reasons to buy
- One-hand design
- Secure
- Works with popular T-Bar lock slot
- Has multiple options for levels of security
Reasons not to buy
- Only works with laptops with T-Bar lock slot
Easy to use security
Kensington has been in the device-locking business for decades and has earned a strong reputation. They have partnerships with a number of well-known laptop manufacturers including HP and Lenovo because of their reliability. It works with the T-Bar slot that's become common among laptops from many different brands. While no lock will guarantee your device is 100 percent secure, this Kensington lock will help deter thieves.
Laptop locks are often used at terminals and permanent setups, but smaller ones such as the Kensington Combination Laptop Lock could easily be used on the go, provided that you have something to wrap the cable around. If you take your laptop to an office or public area that people walk by you might want the added peace of mind from locking your device down.
Kensington has been in the device-locking business for decades and has earned a strong reputation.
The T-Bar design that the Kensington Combination Laptop Lock uses is a common lock style among laptops. It's often on the side of the device and if you haven't used a laptop lock before, you could easily confuse it for another port or cut out. It's a nice slot to have on a device and when you're shopping for your next laptop you should be aware of if it has a Kensington Lock Slot.
The important thing when considering this lock is to ensure that it is compatible with your device. Kensington Locks work with a Kensington Lock Slot (also called a T-Bar lock slot) that is common on laptops, especially business laptops. Kensington's website states that their locks are compatible with over 90 percent of all business devices. Most device manufacturers clearly list and advertise that their device has a Kensington Lock Slot because business professionals and security-conscious users want to know that a device can be locked down. If your device doesn't have a Kensington Lock Slot, you'll need to get a mount or attachment that allows you to lock your device.
Kensington Lock Specification
When it comes to pricing, this Kensington lock is very affordable. You can get the standard version for $19. There's also an ultra version for just over $27 that is more secure due to its extra thick cable.
Alternatives to the Kensington Combination Laptop
There are many options when it comes to Kensington locks and locks from other brands. If you prefer a key over a combination or your device doesn't have a Kensington Lock Slot, there are still ways to secure your device.
Runner-up
Kensington Laptop Lock Instructions
Kensington 64068F MicroSaver Keyed Laptop Lock for Business
Under lock and key
This lock has a sturdy lock head and a thick cable that's cut-resistant. It works with the Kensington Lock slot and allows you to secure your device with the included keys.
This keyed lock is another excellent choice. In fact, if you prefer locks over a combination, then you'll likely prefer this one. It's also from Kensington and features similar design quality when it comes to the cable and lock head.
Bottom line
Adding a lock to your device is fairly simple and affordable. Kensington has a number of good locks, but the Kensington Combination Laptop Lock has a good combination of affordability, security, and ease of use. If your laptop doesn't have a Kensington Lock Slot or you prefer a lock and key over a combination, you have other solid options.
Our pick
Kensington Combination Laptop Lock
Secure but simple
This Kensington lock works with most laptops that feature the T-Bar slot for locks. It has a tamper-resistant lock head and cut-resistant cable to increase security. It also has a one-handed design that makes it easy to lock and unlock.
Credits — The team that worked on this guide
Sean Endicott I'm an app enthusiast despite the fact that I used Windows Phone for years. I'm on an eternal quest to convert every element of my home into something I can control from my phone.
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Kensington T Bar Lock Slot
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A Kensington Security Slot (also called a K-Slot or Kensington lock) is part of an anti-theft system designed in the early 1990s[1] and patented by Kryptonite in 1999–2000,[2] assigned to Schlage in 2002, and since 2005 owned and marketed by Kensington Computer Products Group, a division of ACCO Brands.[3]
Description[edit]
The system consists of a small, metal-reinforced hole found commonly on small or portable computers and electronics equipment such as laptops, computer monitors, desktop computers, gaming consoles, and video projectors, combined with a metal anchor attached to a rubberized metal cable secured with a key or combination lock. The end of the cable has a small loop that allows the cable to be looped around a permanent object, such as a heavy table or other similar equipment.[2]
The hole is found in most laptops, although a lock for it is typically not included. Occasionally, the slot is located so that installing a lock will also prevent the removal of a valuable subcomponent, such as a rechargeable battery or a memory module. The Kensington slot may be marked with a small icon that looks like a padlock with a capital 'K', or the slot may be unlabelled.
Security[edit]
Kensington locks are not designed to be an impervious protection measure.[3] Because most computer equipment cases are generally made of plastic or thin metal, the lock can be torn out, though not without doing significant visible damage to the case. The cable itself can be cut if an individual has a wire cutter or bolt cutter sufficiently strong to cut through the cable material, which will vary between different brands of cable. The Kensington type locks are useful to discourage quick grab-and-run thefts of equipment from casually supervised locations such as coffee shops, but cannot prevent the removal of equipment secured in an unattended location.
The key is often a cylindrical type, but there are versions which use a traditional flat key. There are also versions of the lock that use a numeric combination instead of a key.[3]
Alternatives[edit]
Several manufacturers offer similar locking mechanisms that do not require a special lock hole.[4] They attach to a popular port, such as the VGA or printer port, and have special screws to secure locks in place.
References[edit]
- ^The Computer Chronicles, The Computer Chronicles - Notebook Computers (1992), retrieved 2018-12-13
- ^ abSecurity anchor/tether assemblage for portable articles: U.S. Patent 6,081,9746,317,936 and 6,360,405 (Cornelius McDaid, John Ristuccia, Kryptonite Corporation - priority date: 1999-06-21)
- ^ abc'Kensington SAFE Security Ratings'. Archived from the original on 2011-09-03. Retrieved 2014-04-12.
- ^'PA496U: Targus DEFCON® VPKL - Video Port Key Lock'. Archived from the original on 2009-05-27. Retrieved 2014-04-12.
External links[edit]
| Wikimedia Commons has media related to Kensington lock. |