PodLocker promises security, may deliver torn pants

So here's another product meant to add some security to your life that may in fact leave you worse off than you would have been without it. The PodLocker is an aluminum frame that slips over several different iPod models and comes with a carabineer-style Master Lock for securing to your clothes, bag, or desk. On the surface, this seems like an idea whose time has surely come, what with the recent spate of podjackings that have plagued music-loving subway riders worldwide. Upon consulting the company psychic (read: magic eight ball), however, we envision a scenario that substantially differs from full iPod lockdown: instead of tearing your 'Pod straight from your hands, hooligans will start simply ripping the damn thing right through your belt loop or purse strap. So rather than just losing your iPod, now you're down a DAP, a PodLocker, and a $1000 Vuitton bag—security breakthrough, indeed.

[Thanks, Ari]

[Bob Gray @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

Yeah, or they'll just kill you and take your pants. To me, this thing is hazardous.

[eskimo @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

Or, depending on where you strap it to, you could be down a pair of pants as well.

[Rob @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

purpose of a lock:

a lock keeps an honest person honest. a lock does not keep anyone/thing out.

[Dario @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

Easy solution, just get use a tempered dog chain as a belt and lock it to that. High fashion here we come!

[jared @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

The best security solution for the iPod is still to KEEP IT IN YOUR POCKET, and USE AFTERMARKET HEADPHONES. This product is a fashion accessory disguised as a functional add-on.

[pat mac @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

You could conect it to your pair of handcuffs you have at home and then they would have to cut yor hand off to get it.

[Martin @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

I can't agree more with the aftermarket headphones comment. I can't tell you how many people on the bus I can tell use iPods, with only a half-second glance at their earbuds.

If you're in an area that has a lot of ... "unsavory" individuals, this alone greatly reduces the liklihood that someone is going to notice you have an iPod in the first place.

[pat mac @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

You could conect it to your pair of handcuffs you have at home and then they would have to cut yor hand off to get it.

[Matt @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

I was riding in the metro the other day (something I DON'T do very often) and realized I was wearing my iPod headphones with my shuffle. Rather than having someone thing I had a nice, new ipod, I held the tiny shuffle in my hand, hoping anyone who thought they might want to steal it would pass me up for one with a display.

Either my plan worked or I'm just paranoid, but either way, I still have my shuffle.

Now, if only I can find a way to disguise the nano as a shuffle...

[Ryan Gardner @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

Heck with the stupid lock - if the case is pretty abrasion-resistant, and the loop is strong - that would be a sweet case to use rock climbing. Just clip a locking 'biner through it (as in - screws shut, not as in "gay combination lock") and clip to your harness. Now if only Apple had Bluetooth earphones (or headphones).

[NekoTsukimi @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

That thing just says "Look how cool I am with my iPod, yo!"

I gotta go get one now!!

[Bilal @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

Actually it wud be nice for a school environment with a backpack. Cus at school they wudnt take ur whole backpack off ur back.

[vectorbug @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

Just give up your damned ipod if the knife asks for it. If you can afford to lay down $200-400 on an ipod rather than bills or a non-apple mp3 player you can probably afford the newer one thats just around the corner.

[I Hate Macs @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

If I had an iPod I would walk around with it in my hand with the original headphones in and when someone tried to take it I would smash their face in.

[tiuk @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

#11, someone has a knife, you don't. They say "give me your backpack", what are you going to do? Say "no"?

[Freaky Smalls @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

As a podjacker I must say that I personally don't like to kill though I have and will again if need be for your ipod. Any of you fools, who think this thing will stop me is dead wrong. Pun intended.

[Rocck Lobster @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

Try the Koyono BlackCoat T-shirt. http://www.koyono.com. Hidden pockets in the t-shirt allow you to slip the iPod/MP3 player through a zipper in the front of the shirt, just leaving the headphone cord hanging out. Wear the t-shirt underneath your work clothes. Hooligans can't see your iPod and don't know where it is....they just see your headphones. Can't grab the iPod if you don't know where it is!

[TheBlunderbuss @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

#15 I always carry a knife.

[Anonymous @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

After we had an ipod stolen that we were using for the music at a party we build an ipod locker of our own. It was a bent and welded steel plate that fit over a retail aluminum case (so the ipod didn't get scratched). This may be prettier, but we like the intimidating look.

Pics:
http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/536/img14548am.jpg
http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/8126/img14562hh.jpg

[yupsilon @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

Those original earbuds aren't comfy anyhow, just wear some headphones that are not so catchy and keep your Ipod out of reach. It is not cute to play with it the wholetime during a subway ride anyway..

this PodLocker just flashes out, you have enough money to give out to idiotic Ipod acc's. like that funny IpodSocks.. God..

[mike @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM]

Hehe, someone tried to rob me, and I had my PDA and mobile phone in my coat pockets - about �350 worth of stuff, plus a new leather wallet which had about �20 in it. (btw. it was all hidden, nothing visible)

However, when 3 guys approached me to take my stuff, I stalled them for a bit, they threatened me a bit, I had time to think, and then a really wierd idea came to me...

I took out about 50 pence (about 75 cents)worth of loose change, which looked like a lot because it was all coins of 10s, 5s and 1s, and said it was all I had... Guess what... it worked. They took it and walked off. Saved by the bulky English coins...


(note. I don't recommend you do this. It was a spur of the moment thing which saved my stuff, but I may have just had lenient crooks. Best just to give em what they want).