Ways to physically secure laptop that has no kensington lock

My company is planning to buy several laptops for demonstration purposes in a convention stand. Previously, we always bought laptops that have kensington slots for the typical cable locks.

Now, the laptop we are liking most is an ultrabook with no kensington slot, and we are looking for a mechanism that does not need the slot.

Please do not provide software options, what we are trying to do is to stop the theft of the hardware.

Thanks

Solution 1:

It would seem that Kensington has identified the lack of a lock slot on ultrabooks and the like. They have a solution:

Security Slot Adapter Kit for Ultrabook™

That they sell here: Security Slot Adapter Kit for Ultrabook™ and at the time of this post, it seems resonably priced at $12.99 US.

Solution 2:

Kensington does have a device that actually locks arms in place around the screens...depending on the exact laptop in question it may interfere with the visuals, though. They claim it will work on any standard 13"-17" laptop.

Laptop Locking Station

Solution 3:

I have found a very good solution for laptops or ultrabooks that do not have a Kensington type of locking slot anymore:

J-Plug Lock from Multplx.

https://security.multplx.com/products/jplug_lock/

I have ordered the J-Plug directly with the manufacturer in the UK as there are basically no stores/distributors in the EU yet.

I assume that the J-Plug was initially made for lage scale use to prevent demo devices from theft (e.g.: exhibitions, large sales stores, etc...).

The people at Multplx really did a great customer service job for my tiny, tiny one item order. Called me twice from the UK to Germany to handle my inquiry and the order itself.

The J-Plug (with loop) and the Tetrakey Security Tool (needed to actually lock/unlock the J-Plug from the 3.5 audio jack) arrived in less than 24 hours (UK to Germany).

J-Plug Lock: 23 GBP Tetrakey Security Tool: 12 GBP Shipping UK to Germany with DHL: 29 GBP

I am really very impressed by the speed this single item order was handled by Multplx.

I have of course immediately tried it and I must say: it is really what I was looking for.

If you are looking for a physcial lock for your YOGA 900+ ultrabook or any other ultrabook that does not have a Kensington lock option and DOES have a 3.5 audio jack: J-Plug Lock imho is the perfect lock.

I would suggest a small closeable (zipper) bag/pouch or the like to keep the lock in it while travelling, so you do not loose the needle bracket and/or the back cover. If the Multplx Tool (screwdriver) fits in there as well, even better :)

Here is an image of my J-Plug Lock that arrived yesterday attached to my YOGA 910s:

Solution 4:

Interesting question. How about something much simpler: An movement based alarm with a small ball in contact with a level surface so that you may slide it to and fro and lift it, say 3 inches to feel the weight, all connected to a USB (individual or hub).

If you yank the device itself, it rings. If you grab the laptop, again it rings loudly. No disconnect possible without a coded entry to "safely remove the device". The alarm itself would be quite small but would pack a high decibel screech.

I just retired as a mechanical engineer! Good luck.