Apple Anti-theft device

#1 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 - 14:32

Never heard about it, pretty complete kit including case screwdriver

http://www.ebay.fr/itm/KIT-APPLE-ANTIVOL-/290973377076?pt=FR_GH_Informatique_Ordinateurs_Ordinateurs_de_Collection&hash=item43bf5d6234#ht_39wt_1315

#2 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 - 15:53

Nice, what the heck are those double-wide lugs used to nail down, LaserWriters? I finally got one of those lugs mounted on a IIsi. It's annoying that it sticks out so far, but doesn't matter in use, the back of a Mac always seems to be about a half meter from the wall because of the cable designs . . .

. . . almost literally in the case of the X100's video cable and more so if it's a PowerBook cable. :

#3 Sat, 14 Sep 2013 - 06:38

Huh. I always though you fed it a length of chain and used that.

#4 Sat, 14 Sep 2013 - 11:04

It was an accessory originally intended for the Macintosh 128k but which could also be used on the Mac 512k through the Plus.

http://www.vectronicsappleworld.com/macintosh/articlepics/macmanual/image19.jpg

http://homepage2.nifty.com/56thWAREHOUSE/SYUHEN/COMPACT.html

And in light of how high some EBAY auctions are for these old Macs, such a security cable would make practical use even today!

#5 Sat, 14 Sep 2013 - 22:53

Oh yeah, my 512kE has one of those installed. The keyboard doesn't have one, though.

#6 Sat, 14 Sep 2013 - 23:29

I've seen those being sold on eBay from time to time. The problem is that after you've put the metal lock into the machine, you apparently can't take it out again. I'm not sure you can even open the computer any more without cracking it?

Maybe I'm wrong, but that's what I've read about it a long time ago

#7 Sun, 15 Sep 2013 - 00:21

If you open the Mac's enclosure, you can pry it out from the inside. But of course that requires you to have a long enough torx screwdriver that will allow you to take out the screws so so as to open enclosure. The existence of the torx screws on the Mac makes it harder for a thief to open the case and defeat the security lock.

#8 Sun, 15 Sep 2013 - 00:49

I always though you fed it a length of chain and used that.

That cable's likely a lot more annoying to cut than just about chain that fits though the hole. The ring itself looks to be a crappy white metal casting, so the system seems to be more of a casual theft deterrent for use in a school or work situation than any kind of serious security device.

I love the way the pic shows the cable looped around what appears to be a wooden table's leg stretcher. :lol:

#9 Sun, 15 Sep 2013 - 05:17

I'm not sure you can even open the computer any more without cracking it?

You can. I have done it many times on the 512kE.

#10 Sun, 15 Sep 2013 - 15:05

I'm glad I was wrong, because that wouldn't make it much useful :beige: