Home > Consumer Reviews > Targus PA400U DEFCON 1 Ultra Notebook Computer Security System

I am a student living in a dorm situation and so wanted some basic protection for my lap top computer. I purchased the defcon cl because it was inexpensive, widely availible, and easy to use. Unfortunately, it has one major drawback, occasionally it decides to change the number combinationss which unlock it. I went to the company website and they suggested trying the numbers immediately around the combination and if that failed trying all the number combinations possible (there are 10,000). Several hours, one blister, and 1787 combinations later, I got frustrated and used a jewelers saw to cut through the connection to my computer (this solution took only five minutes). I would not suggest this lock to anyone who lacks the patience to try trial and error experimentation until they reach the correct combination, nor anyone attending a school with a metalsmithing program.

I had been using the lock for my laptop for the past 4 months without any trouble. All of a sudden, today, as I went to pick up the lock, which had been left untouched in the open position overnight with my combination in it, it decided to change combinations by itself. So it was in the locked position but the combination is still the one I had set. I tried so many combinations 'around' mine but obviously there are so many different possibilites. The fact that I even have to try to think of what combination my lock decided to change itself to today makes this a lock I can't rely on!

I have been using this lock for a few months without changing the combination. Suddenly I could no longer open it as it appears that the lock has changed its combination by itself.

I called engineering in the hotel I was staying in to help me. It took them less than a minute to cut the cable with ordinary pliers.

DO NOT BUY IF YOU HAVE AN iBOOK!! It slides in easily, but it is almost impossible to get out. I had to call their support line and they told me to apply pressure in the upper left corner (lower right corner if the lock is upside down). Even after doing that, it took me 10 minutes before I finally got it out. When I called, the guy asked me if I had an ibook before anything else. He then told me that they are tight in the ibooks and people have trouble getting them out. It is not worth the struggle if you have an ibook. I highly do not recommend this product for apple ibooks.

Please note that this review is for: "Targus PA410U DEFCON CL Notebook Computer Cable Lock." It is a four-digit combination cable lock and does not use a key or have an alarm (as some of the other reviews seem to suggest).

Great Aspects:

This Targus Notebook Lock does its job well and is relatively small and light. There are 10,000 possible combinations and an "anchor plate" is included to create a "secure object" if you are usually using your computer in an area without such stable objects. The 6' cable itself is pretty strong and would take quite some time to cut. The lock can swivel/pivot when locked into a notebook, making it easier to move the notebook and keeping the cable from getting entangled with itself or other things. Re-setting the combination is simple and the lock is very easy to install.

Downside:

Obviously, really determined thieves are going to be able to work thier way around the lock, either by destroying the computer's casing on the side the lock is attached (particularly for plastic-sided notebooks), guessing the combination, destroying the secure object, or cutting through the cable. Provided, most of these actions will take some time (and probably make considerable noise) but the lock is a deterent to theft, not an invincible bastion of security. Use a little common sense with your laptop and don't feel that the lock will save your computer from everything. The price of this lock isn't particularly cheap but it's probably worth the price.

Summary:

This notebook lock should satisfy the security needs of almost all notebook users. The price isn't excellent but, then again, it's also a very good lock and most people probably wouldn't mind paying a few extra bucks for a lock that will actually work well. This is about as good as it gets for general notebook locks.
Highly Recommend.