I chose this model after extensive research. while I would prefer a combo lock for ease of use, I have read that due to machining tolerances (in any combo lock design), some people are able feel the tension change in the wheels when approaching the correct number. also, another amazon reviewer of a Kensington combo lock (not sure which model) stated that an incorrect combo setting will prevent the combo version of the lock from opening (I don't know if that's really true, check the combo version reviews here on amazon-someone talks about having that issue and calling Kensington regarding it). the coiled cable versions seemed too thin for my liking. using a key seems to be the best secure way of using this type of lock. (I also read security sites that say that round keys are not nearly as secure as flat keys, so these flat keys are a good choice.)
as to the lock itself. excellent!!! low profile, sleek design, VERY easy to just 'click' onto the little tab that I had previously mounted into the Kensington lock slot. really great design in how the cable mounts securely to the lock and can rotate all around the lock in orientation so it can face in many different directions and not put strain on the lock or laptop unnecessarily.
The lock head 'clicks' onto a little pin that you need to secure into the Kensington slot when you first set it up. then that little pin stays in the hole, and you just click the lock onto it to lock your laptop, and then insert the key into the hole in the lock head and turn and the lock unlicks to take off. the little nub that stays in she laptop locking slot is one you mount ahead of time and the actual locking head just clicks on and off of it. the little fixed nub that the removable lock head clicks onto is round and has two elevated cylinders that the lock grabs(I'm not describing it well, but it seems very secure and doesn't stick out much at all from the laptop when the lock isn't on it. (maybe 1/4 inch, and its smooth and rounded and I really don't consider it ugly or a problem at all.) actual daily usage of the lock is very fast: click on n click off. no fussing around trying to get it into the little plastic lock hole on the laptop n make sure it is snug. I read reviews about some locks wobbling or not being secure in the laptop and this setup removes that problem.
I think the little nub that permanently seats into the Kensington slot is pure genius (yes it is removable, but not while the lock is on it, and you just install it once and you can get it as perfect and tight as you want to then). I have to disagree with the other reviews that complained about it. this to me makes very good sense. otherwise you'd have to futz with it every time you wanted to attach the lock, and I could see how you might not always get it aligned, or tight, and it would start to wear the slot (metal is harder than plastic so over time the metal bar would wear on the plastic lock slot). plus it would just add hassle and time to locking and unlocking the lock so after awhile I could see mine being stuffed in a drawer somewhere.
note: when you first install the little nub--you insert the little 'T'bar into the locking slot. then you take the teeny allen wrenchthey give you and you stick it into the matching hole in the top of the nub and turn clockwise. this allen wrench will turn that little 'T' bar inside the slot 90 degrees so its now perpendicular to the little slot and can't come out. it also drives a second little piece of metal attached to the outer side of the nub into the slot--so it holds the nub in the slot and the inner part remains at 90 to the slot holding it securely (the inner and outer bar are 90 to each other so it grips the inside of the lock and holds it perpendicular to the orientation of the slot. my inner geek thinks that is just really cool and well made. I think people who had trouble putting in the nub didn't grasp the concept that the little flat bar on top ends up sitting in the locking hole and securing it. so tighten that sucker down with the allen wrench!
I like the thickness of this cable (5mm thick). It seems secure but not ridiculous. if you look up the Kensington ultrabook cable click lock the cable is 10mm thick. that was my other choice. I thought it would look to big, but looking at the 5mm cable, this doesn't seem garish so I would probably be happy with the 10mm choice as well. I believe this gives you about 6 feet which seems to be a good length for down to a table leg.
it also comes with a cable wrap holder for keeping it coiled up when not on the laptop. I like that. its clearly made to be reused and I appreciate that--makes it easy to store.
the only thing I would improve upon again would be that a combo lock I think would be a little easier than keys- even though you can register the keys and get fast replacements if you lose one. of course, you don't have to worry about people trying the lock hoping they'll get it or feel like a challenge.
OK, this was quite the long review--like I said, I did a lot of research before making this choice, and sight unseen I was a little confused on some of these issues before I actually held the lock in my hot little hand. but, having done so, I feel good that I made a really good choice on this one, so I wrote this to help other folks clarify issues prior to purchasing.
| Brand | Kensington |
|---|---|
| Item model number | K64637WW |
| Item Weight | 7.2 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 6.69 x 5.71 x 0.98 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 6.69 x 5.71 x 0.98 inches |
| Color | Black |
| Number of Processors | 1 |
| Manufacturer | Kensington |
| Language | English |
| ASIN | B004433ZG0 |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | August 19, 2010 |
