Customer Reviews

Kensington K64560US ComboSaver Portable Notebook Computer Lock

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(25)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(16)

 

 

As previous reviews have noted, the instructions on this thing look like they were written by a 2 year old. Here is how to set this lock:

1. Set the lock to all 0's
2. Insert the metal key into the bottom of the lock, with the 2 yellow dots.
3. Twist the metal key until the 2 yellow dots line up, creating a yellow line.
4. Scramble to your new code
5. CAUTION: MAKE SURE YOU DO NOT MOVE THE COMBO AT ALL DURING THIS STEP. It is very easy to accidentally move the combo a number or 2 during this step, and it will ruin your lock for good (if you do not remember the missed-entered combo. Now, twist the metal key back to its original position, breaking the yellow line back into 2 yellow dots. You are now down.

To LOCK the product into a device:

1. Tie the lock around something, anything, using the loop.
2. Set the lock to the correct code.
3. Insert the lock into the device, and then turn 90 degrees. If don't properly, the lock will not come out of the device, BUT YOU ARE NOT DONE.
4. While pushing the button on the end of the lock, scramble the lock to an incorrect code. This should lock the lock in place, and prevent it from spinning in the device. Double check with a few tugs that the device is secure.

To UNLOCK:
1. Re-enter correct code
2. Push button
3. Turn 90 degrees
4. Remove from device.


Wasn't that easy, Kensington?

I read some of the reviews, and it seems like some people got theirs and it worked fine. However, my lock was poorly made. I could tell from the start it wasn't high quality because the numbers did not slide very well, as you would expect from a nice bike lock or combination lock.

After inserting the lock into my laptop, I was unable to scramble the code because the numbers were stuck. I called customer service (which was outsourced to another country, therefore it took them forever to understand my problem) and they told me to return it to get another one. Gotta love that.

I think in the interest of having IKEA-style no-words instructions, they have undermined their product. Here's what I think happened when I tried to reset the code: I put the combo at the preset 0000, then inserted & turned the special reset tool, then put in my new code, then turned the tool back. Then I tried to use the lock, and it didn't work. Then I noticed that though I had thought I'd turned the tool "60 degrees" as the instructions say, I had maybe not turned it quite enough. So I put the tool in again and turned it just a hair more, and it clicked - at which point I believe the combo was reset to whatever number was in the combo window at that point - not the number I'd put in, nor the factory preset. Since I had been trying to make it work, I have no idea what numbers had ended up on the thing at that point. So now there's no way to make it work, and no way to reset it.

All because, in the interest of "simplicity" they chose not to put in the instructions the words "Turn back 60 degrees until it clicks."

So now I have a useless product that I need to return. Nice work, Kensington!

Packaging: The lock came smartly packaged featuring the lock, a short instruction manual, and minimal packaging. No marketing material or other junk that will just take up space in my recycle bin. The one negative note was that the plastic insert was not marked with a recycle number.

Construction: Solid. Others have complained about the build quality, but this is one of the best-built locks I've ever seen, and I have seen a lot. The cable coil is coated in a thick layer of nylon, ensuring a longer usable life. The number dials move smoothly and click firmly at each indent. The lock button is a big chunk of metal that is easy to push and provides excellent feedback. The reset tool is permanently attached to the lock loop so you won't lose it.

Setting the Lock: Easy. So easy, in fact, that I had to double-check my work. People have been really critical of this process and I'm guessing that Kensington redesigned the instruction guide. If you bother to read the instructions, you cannot go wrong with setting this lock. Really.

Usability: Again, super easy. If you follow the manual, you cannot go wrong. Until you get some practice, it's a two-handed process, so put down that latte. The large size is actually a good thing. I want my lock to deter a potential thief, not have him (or her) cause mayhem and destruction trying to run out the shop with it. I want the thief to take a look and just move on in search of easier prey. This big ugly thing sticks so far out the side that it would be almost impossible to miss. Also, I want it to remind ME that I've locked my computer, so don't knock everything off the desk/table when I go to put my computer away.

Summary: Great product at a great price. It's close enough to perfect to get an enthusiastic thumbs-up.

My daughter purchased this lock to take to college. She couldn't get it to work and even had other people try to get it to work! She went to the bookstore and they said they stopped carrying these locks; she ended up having to pay for a new one with a key. Don't get this lock!!

I too purchased the lock and had trouble scrambling the numbers. I finally was able to scramble 3 of the 4. Cheaply made, looks rather easy to break, action is very rough and stiff.

Granted, this is not the best lock out there. But among the "decent" quality ones is one of the cheapest. If you look at the pictures, there is a little metallic tool attached to the cable that is used to change the combination, so I disagree with other reviewers that say is easy to change the combination without noticing it. I do agree with the ones that say that you should first figure out how it works before locking your computer for the first time and this applies to every lock.

The self coiling cable is good for portability but if you lock your computer from a position where the cable might get on the way then you might find it a little bit inconvenient but not really a big deal (At work I lock my computer to the Keyboard tray under my desk so the cable comes from the front).

The numbers slide reasonably well, probably not as smooth as a bank safe but good enough for the price. The lock itself is made mostly of metallic parts so it does not have a cheap plastic feeling. There is also a black rubber part at the locking point that prevents the lock from scratching the computer.

Lastly if you have doubts about compatibility, this will work with any device that supports the T-bar lock mechanism also known as security slot found in 99% of laptops, some LCD's and other electronic devices.

Ok, I have to say, this product is the best! I have a new MacBook Pro and often bring it with me to the coffee shop. Before buying the ComboSaver I would bring my MacBook Pro with me whenever I left the table - - even if it was just for a minute (hey, you never know and it would only take a second for someone to walk away with my MacBook). Anyway, I wanted somedthing that was secure, easy to use and light weight enough to bring with me - - and I found everything I was looking for in the ComboSaver (including piece of mind). For what I spent on my Macbook not to mention everything that I have stored, it was money well spent! I would recommend this to EVERYONE! Like I said, it only takes a minute for someone to walk away with your laptop, I'm thrilled that mine is safe!

After trying multiple times and going through many forums for exact directions on how to use this, it still didn't work with my macbook pro (the lock was able to be pulled out even after the combo was locked and everything). It also scratched up the lock port on my mac.

I had heard that some of the older computer locks on the market had become easy to break through, so I purchased this new one for my daughter's laptop when she started taking it to school. The lock is easy to use, and apparently has overcome the problems with some earlier locks, because we did everything we could to test it, and could not get through. One of the best things about the new design is the coiled cable. It makes it much easier to store the lock between uses, she just sticks it in the bottom of her backpack. Laptop theft is a huge issue at school, and I am not interested in buying another one. And she's not interested in re-writing the term papers stored on her computer. So I'm constantly reminding her to keep her laptop locked. I may buy another one for myself, though I prefer the keyed locks to the combination version.