Customer Reviews

Belkin F8E550-CMK Notebook Security Lock, Master-Keyed

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(17)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

This cable, lock, and eyehole attachment set is a decent theft deterrent for any device that has a built-in security slot. A determined thief won't be stopped by this system, of course--any lock system that depends on a security slot has an easily exploitable weak point, especially on anything with a plastic case--but it should be sufficient for uses where the protected object is not left unattended for long periods.

*The security cable is about the thickness of an Ethernet cable, while the padlock (including the shackle) is roughly the size of a Zippo lighter.

*The eyehole attachment is not particularly robust and probably shouldn't be relied upon for securing irreplaceable equipment or in high-risk environments.

*Both the padlock and eyehole attachment are sheathed in soft plastic so that they won't scratch or ding the device they are securing.

*A travel pouch and a brief instruction sheet are included.

Bottom line: an acceptable setup for home, mobile, and attended office use. A stronger eyehole attachment would be a major improvement. 3.5 stars.

I purchased this lock for my college bound son after ordering and returning a combination lock. The combo locks can be difficult in positioning the correct numbers and I've read that they sometime simply will not open, regardless of the correct positioning. Too many horror stories of people taking a hacksaw to the lock or furniture it is tethered to! The other advantage is the extra key. It's a good solution at a very reasonable price.

I was excited to order this lock, since it is very affordable. On first examination, it was strong and adequate. Unfortunately there is a part of it that can be broken. A small high school girl was able to twist the lock and break the little metal parts that go into the laptop. I was sad, but glad I had only bought one so I didn't waste a lot of money.

The locking insert does not fit into the security slot for macbook pros. You can force the key insert to align, but doing so would cause the aluminum sideplate to bulge.

I bought another for my external hard drive, and that works wonderfully. My only concern is that this lock is not truly universal.

Some Kensington locks do not fit the insert tabs snugly, allowing the tab to be opened slightly and angled out of the K-slot. This product's mini-padlock is not one of these. It firmly keeps the tab closed and the two hooks at maximum width. I would highly recommend one of these, even if you don't buy this particular one rather than get one of the combination models. Many of them change combos spontaneously and for no reason, trapping your equipment. This lock came with two keys, one you can keep on a key ring and the other you can put some where safe, even make copies if you were so inclined.

Product does everything it's supposed to do. However, the metal for the lock seems rather thin (< 1.5 cm in diameter?, don't know what type of metal) that I often have the urge to just try to cut it myself. Unfortunately, I don't think the limited warranty covers for that if I happened to succeed in stealing my own computer... Otherwise, it's pretty light, the cable is of decent length, and when I insert the locking device vertically, like most laptops, into my IBM X60s, it doesn't make the laptop rise up, which I know some laptops do.

It is a great product. It comes with a hook and a lock that can bind your laptob together. Easy to use, to tie up, and to lock up, but hard to steal it. Satisfied!

Most laptop locks integrate the lock and the cable into a single piece, but the Belkin lock is interestingly three-pieced (lock, cable, and "pivot clamp" that connects the computer to the lock). The lock and the cable never need to be separated; only the pivot clamp needs to be attached and detached.

1. Easy to install/uninstall
Installing single-pieced locks can be a little hassle. The lock closely attaches to the side of a computer so finding a Kensington slot or a keyhole is not always easy without turning the laptop's side toward you. When you lock it or unlock it, other keys in the keychain often bang the desk and make noise in a quiet library.
With the Belkin lock, these problems are gone. First, you don't need a key to lock it. When you unlock it, you lift up the padlock, find the keyhole, insert the key, and unlock it without turning your computer around or making noise.
2. Nylon bag
I did not care about it when I decided to purchase it, but it's turned out to be a nice bonus. A 6ft steel cable can turn into an unwieldy monster in your backpack or briefcase. It goes under control by putting all pieces into a compact bag.
3. The rubberized padlock feels good.
4. You can actually use it to lock something other than laptops (but I'm not sure if that's a good idea.)

Bottom line:
Some reviewers were concerned with the strength of the pivot clamp. Well, I don't know how strong truly it is, but it looks OK to me. It is covered with plastic but the inside is metal as thick as the T-bar of any other brand locks (after all, no lock can be thicker than the Kensington slot size). Knowing no notebook lock can deter determined theft, I am satisfied with the Belkin lock which is good enough to deter casual theft.

More expensive products are of doubtful greater value, because all attach to computer via very small hole. Effectively encourages honest people to remain so.

I bought this to replace a Kensington lock, because it proved a much cheaper option. So far, it seems to work fine.