Targus Cut Resistant DEFCON Armor Lock Review

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by Caleb Schmerge

Introduction

Imagine the worst thing that could happen to your new baby, your new laptop baby that is. You go to the coffee shop to try out the new wireless and enjoy a cup of Java. So you sit down, and of course you forgot the sugar. In the time it takes you to get your sugar, its gone, the laptop that is. Someone managed to get your laptop and leave the coffee shop. What do you do? All of your data, your pictures, your music, your life is gone.

Now imagine that you decided to buy a notebook lock, and this time the thief was caught by someone else, and your laptop was safe. Some people don’t like notebook locks, but they have their use. Simple to use, relatively inexpensive, and potentially capable of saving your laptop, a notebook lock is probably one of the best investments you can make for your new computer.

Construction

One of the most important features of a notebook lock is its construction. There is little point in buying a lock if it can’t prevent theft (maybe it’s a deterrent, but I would risk it). This lock is built well and has many nice features. First, it has a nice loop at one end, to allow you to secure the lock to a table, or any suitable anchor. The loop is made with a heavy block that doesn’t seem like it will come loose. At the other end, the piece that connects to the laptop is rotatable (across several axis), and feels well built. The lock has a changeable combination, and comes with rubber sizing disks to ensure a tight fit with your computer. The cable itself has a core made of a heavy cable, covered by rings (to prevent cutting), all covered by rubber (to give it a nice feel). The lock will move around, allowing you to lock your computer in nearly any situation, but it isn’t too flimsy to cause worry.

Looks

This lock definitely look better than most. Some locks are just a steel cable with a rubber cover that may be easy to cut. This lock provides a much heavier duty look. While I didn’t try to cut the lock (sorry, no cutters), it definitely gives the sense that it isn’t a joke. If you locked your laptop with this, most people wouldn’t bother trying to get it off, especially if there was anyone else around. This is probably the best thing a lock can do. If no one tries to steal your computer, I consider that a job well done.

Operation

This lock is very easy to operate. Simply enter your combination and press the button, then either put the lock in your computer, or take it out. When you are done, change the numbers so no one can take your computer, and you are done. The numbers are easy to see, and easy to lineup (there is a little window you see them through, no more guess where they go). This lock operates smoothly, and I have no concern of it getting stuck in my computer at all.

Code/Keys

One of the worst things you could do is lose the key to your computer lock. Not only would you look like a thief yourself, you might have a lot of trouble getting the lock out of your computer. Not to mention, having to carry an extra key is a lot of hassle. This lock avoids all of this with a simple 4-digit, user changeable combination. This makes it easy for you to remember, and assures you that you won’t lose the key (unless of course you lose your mind). The other benefit to this is that if someone gets the combination, you can simply change it.

Changing the combination is also a simple process, you simply enter the current combination, then turn a screw, enter the new combination, then turn the screw back to its original position. 15 seconds for your own personalized notebook lock. What more could you ask for?

Conclusion

I have used this lock quite a few times at the University Library, many times in areas where there aren’t many people. As far as I can tell, no one even attempted to take my computer while I was gone. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t recommend just leaving your laptop sitting somewhere. The best defense is a good offense; don’t give someone the chance to steal your computer. But, if it has to happen, this notebook lock is a good option for preventing theft. It is easy to use, provides a solid image, and you don’t have to worry about a key.

Pros:

• Keyless/Changeable Combination
• Nice Construction/Quality
• Theft Deterrence

Cons:

• Could cause Damage to Computer
• Expensive

 

Great review. I've never used a notebook lock before but your description really paints the picture for me.

If I were going to be putting my notebook in those sorts of situations, I would probably either always take it with me or use a lock like this.

 

Caleb, thank you for a well-done review. I've had an older version of this cable for about 5 years and it has served me well. The cable is light and easy to carry along. It won't deter someone with the proper tools (i.e., a wire cutter) but it will prevent theft of opportunity ("There's an unattended notebook - I'll take it!"). Since I bought my lock, Target has updated its lineup to include locks with stronger cables.

Now, I believe there is some confusion about which model Caleb actually reviewed. [Edit: Caleb states in the following message that he has the DEFCON Armor Lock, the strongest and most expensive cable offered by Targus. The lock is shown in the third picture below.] When you go to the Targus site, you find three similar keyless cable locks:

- Targus DEFCON CL Notebook Computer Cable Lock, $34.99
- Targus Ultra Max Notebook Cable Lock, $44.99
- Targus DEFCON® CL Armor Combination Lock, $54.99

The pictures in the review clearly show the least expensive lock for $34.99, which is almost identical to the one I have. Here is a picture from the Targus site, it's the same as in the review:



The "Buying Choices" box at the top and bottom of the review advertises "detailed pricing from 8 stores starting at $45.00", which indicates that the second most expensive lock was reviewed. Again, here is a picture of that lock from the Targus site:



Finally, the title of the review refers to the "DEFCON Armor Lock", which indicates that Caleb actually has the most expensive lock in the lineup from Targus, shown in this image:



You can see that these are clearly different locks. Please confirm which lock the review actually refers to. Many thanks.

 

I have the DEFCON Armor Lock, which is the lock in the third picture. As far as pictures go, the only difference between them is the cable, so the lock head is still the same.

 

Caleb, thank you for the clarification.

 

For noobs and tourist who think this lock will protect you from your precious gear being misappropriated, think again. This lock can be bypassed in 30 seconds....beer witness..
http://www.engadget.com/videos/lockdown/targus_fiddler.wmv

 

Funny you should bring it up, I can make this guy look like a "noob" with a pair of bolt cutters. That would take 5 seconds. The point is, no notebook lock is completely safe. The end of my review shows that the point of this is deterrence. Just because you lock your car doesn't mean it won't be broken into, it just means it is harder to. If someone was breaking into a car, it is likely that a bypasser would say something, and if someone was sticking a piece of metal into your notebook lock, that might raise some suspicion. To me, the video isn't news, its just amusement.

 

I bought one of these (eBay 15€) and the first day it stopped working. Thanks god I was using it without the laptop (it was 5 minutes after it arrived! the combination stopped working).

I've asked Targus a RMA. The problem is that I don't really now if I should rely on this lock anymore... imagine it had happened with it locking the laptop!

What do you guys think?

 

Although you may not visit these forums anymore, I'd like to clear something up - obviously no notebook lock is impenetrable, and can be considered a deterrent. Most locks can be cut by 14-inch bolt cutters.
However, when a 55$ lock is ridiculously easy to open with simple and small tools (the shim in the video he attached, or medium-sized pliers which can be used to bend the 'Armor' model's cable until it tears itself), I find no reason why this lock - or any other lock made by Targus, since they haven't improved their design - should be purchased by anybody.
Add to this the fact that the CL models tends to get stuck easily, and you'll understand why this lock should never have gotten a good review.

 

You are still missing the point here. Do you really believe that no one is going to be concerned when you got at a notebook lock with a pair of pliers? If I saw that I would say something, and I have to imagine that many others would too.

Most places where you would lock your laptop up and leave have more non-locked devices that people would steal.

You don't need a bomb-proof lock - you just need one better than someone else has.

 

Actually, I have - the pliers in a pocket knife could be used to rip open the armor version, and I doubt people would notice if you went over to someone's laptop and opened it with a thin metal strip (as demonstrated in that video).

Exactly. Again, my point isn't that you need a 'perfect' lock, but this lock is not only less secure than its competition, but also more expensive.

 

You don't think people would notice you shoving things into a lock? Maybe you live somewhere with some below par people, but honestly, I have a feeling the average person would notice.

Oh, and for the record, I could damage a lot of things with pliers - I could probably change a tire with pliers - however, that doesn't mean it will work well or happen fast.

This lock serves as an adequate diversion, let it go at that.

 

There have been a lot of robberies in my neighborhood and I want to protect my laptop. Here, no one would care if there were pliers or shims or anything. Can anyone suggest the best possible solution for this? I haven't bought one of these before, but isn't the connection of the anchor end a weak point? I'm unclear on how these work. Any help or reviews would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
New to the forum.

 

If people would't care how someone disassembled the lock, you probably won't secure your computer completely. There are potential weak points where the lock meets the computer, and depending on the lock design in a few other areas. As old as this lock is, I would suggest looking for some newer alternatives.