Laptop Lojack

[kamari]

anybody know much about this? I've been readin up on it and it seems to be a ridiculous waste of time. My interpretation of www.lojackforlaptops.com description is that you install software on your comp, and lojack goes into action when you report it stolen.

My issues/questions/logic behind this is:
#1 seems like unless the laptop is online there's nothing that can be done to activate or trace the lojack system.

#2 since the system is software and not hardware, wouldn't a $100 replacement of the hard drive defeat the whole purpose of the lojack system in the first place?
#2 1/2: laptop companies are now making some sort of piggybacking chip that, even if the hard drive is removed, this chip that's in the laptop can still function to send and receive lojack signals...but that's only in the newest of laptops and they're still relatively scarce.

#3 Lojack subpoenas the internet provider when they locate the lojack signal, but if the thief bounces around from wireless network to wireless network then all you're gonna get is a bunch of no-end subpoenas to a bunch of unsuspecting people.

#4 If your laptop is not found in 30 days, lojack refunds you the $50 price of the software. hmm, I'm gonna need more of an incentive than that.


Any TPFers have this or know any positives about this? Seems like a waste of $50.

[ndsimm]

My company uses it on the laptops we get shipped from Dell and in my Division, we recovered three last year using this. The "software" is actually part of the BIOS and once it is turned on, it cannot be turned off. They way it works is, when you are connected to the internet (the only "downside" to this program - the stolen unit has to be on the internet because that is how the signal is sent)
the software tracks the IP address of the unit. They can reload the OS, replace the Hard drive, but since it is in the BIOS, most common thieves can't bypass it. When ou laptops were stolen, I had to file a police report and Computrace used that to get a search warrant for the location that they had an IP address for.

[rogerfsmith]

Keep in mind that the average thief steals laptops, etc to resell. They could care less if there is a detection device in the unit. It is the person that buys the stolen goods that will ultimately hook it up to the Internet and since he doesn't know its stolen (???), he may very well use it in his own home, etc. So these items do work. Lots of people get their laptops back who have this system.
Cheers,
Roger

[ndsimm]

That's actually how we got one of ours back...a guy got it from a pawn shop and we were able to go back to the original seller and bust him!

[rescue951]

i always see this program at compusa, but didnt know much abt it. Hell if it works it might just be worth it. My birthday is approaching anyone wanna get me an early gift? lol

[kamari]

Originally Posted by ndsimm

My company uses it on the laptops we get shipped from Dell and in my Division, we recovered three last year using this. The "software" is actually part of the BIOS and once it is turned on, it cannot be turned off. They way it works is, when you are connected to the internet (the only "downside" to this program - the stolen unit has to be on the internet because that is how the signal is sent)
the software tracks the IP address of the unit. They can reload the OS, replace the Hard drive, but since it is in the BIOS, most common thieves can't bypass it. When ou laptops were stolen, I had to file a police report and Computrace used that to get a search warrant for the location that they had an IP address for.

on a side note, I think the movie Cars is quickly becoming my favorite movie. My 3-year-old daughter watches it repeatedly and I find myself more into it than she is.

[ndsimm]

Originally Posted by kamari

on a side note, I think the movie Cars is quickly becoming my favorite movie. My 3-year-old daughter watches it repeatedly and I find myself more into it than she is.

"McQueen and Sally, parked beneath a tree, K - I -S - S... UHHHHH .....I - N -T !!!"