How protect my new Macbook Pro Retina Display without Kensington lock ???

Drugstore,

I solved the heavy lock tension/pressure on the Griffin by bending the metal strip to the best compromise angles* that still let me pass it through under the screen, but enable the lock to rest out horizontally on the table (instead of being Freudianly upright). With the weight of the lock lying flat on the table for support, the flat flap of the strip lies pretty flat on the MBR, so closing the lid is no problem. I also put a couple of layers of electrical tape or film on the flap to soften the edges even more to reduced the risk of scratches further.

*(curved for insertion,then flatened the last 0.5 inch or so where the lock is, with the curve lessened a little as it nears the lock hole flat part and with a minimal angle bend right at before that flat part for the lock hole.)

Of course that doesn't work when I use a lift under the MBR15 which raises up the back. (I'm very fond of my http://www.aviiq.com/collections/laptop-stands/products/portable-quick-stand as long as the table isn't too slippery for my MBR to not slide). So I'd have to remove the Aviiq if I closed the laptop.

The Maclocks case looks like it would greatly reduce heat removal by convection, and the underside of my MBR does get warm. And plastic seems easy to break, although a strip of metal like the Griffin/PNY isn't exactly real hard to cut or maybe even bend to remove either.

The stongest solution seemed the Laptop Lock Adapter:

http://www.snakechicago.com/

It doesn't take a lot of space behind the MBR, but this puts the lock on the right side in the way of where I'd use my small traveling-use Logitech mouse, and it means I can't use the ports it locks itself into. This would have been good for me if the lock were on the left instead of on the right (though that'd be fine for a lefty), but maybe if I saw it in real life I'd find it's far enough back or doesn't protrude enough to not get in the way? I'm always skeptical. I use a Targus ACH119US 4-port USB3.0 hub when I need more ports anyway and don't really need the SD card slot, so I wouldn't mind sacrificing those to the lock when I need to lock up.

If small size is the priority and you don't mind appying this to your MBR, I liked how clean and small this solution looked (although I'd guess it can be removed with some effort, too, since it's just a strong glue):

http://www.noblelocks.com/wedge/RetinaPlate.html

P.S. -- It looks like Griffin no longer makes its TechSafe Cable Lock. They've removed it from their web site. It used to be at http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/techsafe-cable-lock , so I guess they gave up on the product instead of trying to improve it and sold it to PNY?

Hi macimby,

Can you show a photo of your redesigned blade?

Thanks a lot,

Ron

Just received the PNY unit and as you can see it does not exactly lay flat when on a counter, therefore it could damage your screen if you close the lid. I did pick up the MBP with the lock in place and the lid closed fine without any issues. So all in all it appears to work fine as long as you do not close you screen. Hope this helps everyone.

On second thought I may be able to bend the metal slightly for a flat fit. Will try later.

'frad not, FlyingDutchman68 -- not planning to go to that much trouble. But I can say that it did take me quite a while to get the bends right. I started on the tab end so it would angle flat, and then worked out from there, doing a lot of trial & error.

For example, in Cypher303's photo you can see that if you bent the angle of the tab, it could be made to fit flat. And you can imagine that for the lock end, if you made a wave (up and then straight out back) so where the lock attaches is raised up to lock--sitting-flat-on-table-level, the lock wouldn't be aimed up in the air and there wouldn't be any pressure on the tab and the lid could be closed (gently).

It's easier said than done (and even a photo wouldn't help) because you have to get the curve of the strip just right so you can insert it down & back through the slot under the screen, but you want to end to be more flat. My curve became flatter toward the end and the last maybe 1/2 inch was flat out level.

There are two other ways you might secure your Retina MBP.

Do a search for Kensington locking station w/o cable and

Do a search for Landingzone Pro and lite.

Below was send to me from Apple support after removing my previouse reply.

"Specifically, "No advertising. Do not use the Site to sell or market your products to others and do not post a URL unless it directly answers a user's question. If any portion of your Submission, including any posted URL, results in any accrual of compensation or benefit to you, you must note this in your post by stating, 'I may receive some form of compensation, financial or otherwise, from my recommendation or link.' "

There is no compensation coming to me from either of above suggested search terms. None. Nada. zero. I am not an employee and have no personal relations with anyone at those companies.

However I do have a similar yet totally different and it is patent pending method to accomplish securing a MBP. I want Apple to own it. Why should others be making money off of MBP's and no compensation directly to Apple?

I like what Apple did with replacing their older iphone and ipad cable end with Lighting end putting a stop to non Apple cables coming from other places.

Apple should have its own locking station for MBP and perhaps team up with ACCO Brands or Master Lock for a combination or keyed lock and cable.

I hope I have not again run afoul of any posting rules.

I have settled on the kensington k-slot adapter. it's a small metal puck that goes on with 3M VHB tape.It's removable with some work and should not cause damage to the unit.

I first tried the Maclocks skin. It seemed less than ideal, but Apple didn't really give these vendors much to work with. The first thing you will notice is that it is rather heavy and adds noticeable bulk to the machine. When installing the skin, I noted it was not of very good quality (for a $70 piece of plastic I would expect more). It had a lot of sharp edges and did not seem to have been deburred. The next quality issue was the replacement screws and the screw driver they included. It was very clear that they sourced the cheapest, lowest quality parts.

So I get the skin installed and then try to use it with my Thunderbolt display. It's incompatible. The skin blocks access to both the magsafe 2 adapter and the Thunderbolt connector. In fact all ports are obstructed (with exception of the magsafe 2 port when not using the magsafe 2 adapter). This includes the USB and HDMI ports. This is such an epic failure that they did not test using peripherals with their product. I also doubt the security of this solution as it seems like one could easily snap off the part where the lock connects. The lock itself would give quite a bit leverage to accomplish this. Finally the skin has developed cracks in the corners because it does not fit the contour of the edges well enough and there are pressure points.

Next up was the Snake Chicago. It's a very inexpensive solution and no one could argue that it does not securely lock the unit. I think it's a reasonable solution for a more or less permanent lock. I did not like the idea of jamming metal into my USB and SD Card slots. I was concerned that i could damage the pins or short something out. The other issue was that lining up the slot to lock it was not very convenient.

The k-slot adapter is like $10 and will get the job done. I am concerned that it might put pressure on the screen in my bag and cause a light spot, but I am not sure what other option I have. It's really frustrating that Apple could change the magsafe port (un expiring patents?) but not find a way to lock the computer even if in an overpriced proprietary way.

There is a another Patent Pending way to lock a slotless or like laptop without using screws, a plastic case, locking into card or SD slot and nothing locks into a plastic slot. My way. Metallurgy was not one of my courses in college, but what I do know, metal for whatever reason is usually stronger than plastic. Locking a tiny metal "T" into a 5/16" wide rectangular thin wall plastic slot is not optimal for security. There is also a perfectly good reason why most home door locks have their fastening screws on inside of door and not key access side. Check out this other Apple discussion support site https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2485354?start=0&tstart=0 Apple shares are down how much? One could wonder if Steve Jobs would allow others to sell their locking devices not paying Apple a dime for giving them for that opportunity to make a dollar. Can you say Lightning connector? Can you say lost profit? I have an open offer for Apple to own an IP proprietary locking device for use with Macbooks.

valberico -- Thank you for sharing that experience. I wonder if you have any thoughts on the similar Noble Locks "MacBook Pro Retina Plate Lock Kit with Profile Wedge Lock"?

securityanchor -- I don't know why you repeatedly hype your non-existant product here. You are wasting your time. And your red herring arguments show you don't have any good arguments. Apple stock is not hurting due to ignoring you -- it's all about speculation about risks to revenue growth from competing mobile products (Android, Windows 8), not really a MacBook issue, but I think this makes Apple stock is a great buy at a low 8.5 PE with 2.5% dividend yield. Apple product managment is not reading this discussion and they don't need your idea. If you believe in your product so much, go make it yourself and be happy. Frankly, it is rare for someone to come up with a product idea that other people haven't also thought of -- the difference is that only one of them will actually do the work to make the product or find a sponsor to do it. Merely having an idea usually isn't worth the paper it's written on. If Apple's policy is to not even listen to unsolicited product pitches, the only way you'll get their attention is to make product that is so successful that Apple notices you and contacts you (or makes their own version). Let us know when you have an actual product for us.

I had the same problem with my macbook air as it does not have a security slot. I got a maclocks security lock and case for my MBA13, it works fine for me. In fact I only use the bottom part of the case & a cable lock, that is all you need to to secure your precious devise. I see they also have a solution for the MBPR13'' & MBPR15'': http://www.maclocks.com/mac-locks-macbook-pro-lock-macbook-air-lock.html

It looks like the same consept like the MacBook air lock, check it out.

Dear SecurityAnchor

Steve Jobs don't really care any more, and even if he did its very hard to hear what he have to say under 6ft of earth and stone.

I have realized that if someone wants to take something very bad then they will.

Just having something hooked to your MBP or MBA is good enough against sticky fingers.

I have been using http://www.maclocks.com/mac-locks-macbook-pro-lock-macbook-air-lock/macbookairlo ck-13.html for a few years now and its just fine.

You don't need a safe to protect your computer, or a 44 magnum.

Just be aware and get some products which creats deterrence. that will do.

Have a nice day.

I'm headed to a trade show in a few weeks where I plan to demo software on my 15 MBP Retina, and I'd like something to deter a quick snatch. I recently bought the snakechicago adapter and tried it today. I inserted the long piece in the left USB port and then inserted the small plate in the sd card slot and proceeded to line up the holes. I was then surprised by a popup saying one of my USB devices was drawing too much power and would be powered off. Can you say short circuit? Needless to say it came out quickly. I grabbed a DVM and checked the conductivity of the metal pieces (should have done this first). The enamel finish on the flat surfaces is not conductive, however, the sharp edges conduct easily. So indeed it appears this thing was shorting out the USB port. I tested the port and it seems to be working fine - phew. It won't go back in without some additional insulation - I will try electrical tape I think. I may also try out the PNY thing. It's frustrating there aren't better options. Keep posting solutions... thanks.

I did an Amazon search for Snakechicago.

My method to lock is different from that of Snakechicago.

And once again a message to Apple.

Apple

Why not offer a proprietary Macbook locking device thereby increasing Apple's bottom line and giving Layze1974 a better option on his/her next Macbook purchase.

securityanchor -- Please stop wasting your breath here. You keep repeating yourself, but you won't get the attention of any relevant Apple manager this way, just moderators who delete spammers.

Moderator

I am not spamming.

What I'm doing here is replying to original post asking for help or other ways to lock a slotless Macbook.

I am merely providing links to those who have a concern locking there Macbook.

Above snakechicago I found early today about an hour ago jklocks and macbracket just add .com

I would have put in full link however I don't want to get in any trouble here, again.

There is no connection or money transactions between me and above links on how to lock a Macbook, I have my own way and it appears there are lots of other ways.

securityanchor -- My compliaint is that most of your posts (the ones you keep repeating, not your last one) look like attempts to repeatedly promote your own product design idea to Apple product managers who are even not looking at this discussion, hoping that they (or someone else) might produce it and pay you for using it. As you should know from email spam we all get, it saying it isn't spam does not make it not spam. I wouldn't mind an occasional repetition especially in the form of a refresh of a list of all the best candidate products that a person could buy, but your design isn't even an available product, so it doesn't even address the current need. When your product is available, I'm sure all of the people here would like to take a look at it, but until then I see no need for the repetition.