The Lockdown: The Targus iPod Lock, or, a modicum of security
Noted security expert Marc Weber Tobias contributes a new column, The Lockdown, exposing the shoddy security you may depend on.
Targus is offering what they call a "mobile security lock" that they claim is a perfect "solution" for the millions of iPod owners who are hoping to keep their music players secure from theft. After evaluating the device from three different perspectives, I was not quite sure exactly what the "solution" was that they were describing, so I requested an interview with their Director of United States Marketing, Al Giazzon. Targus agreed, in part to respond to the Lockdown analysis of the Defcon CL Armored computer lock. I offered them a chance to talk about their philosophy on both of these products and to comment specifically on what I had described as Defcon CL design deficiencies. They also reviewed my video prior to the interview. The interview will come shortly, but in this article, I will analyze their latest product offering, the Targus iPod Lock, and summarize what I thought were key points of the interview regarding this product. I think you will find the discussion quite interesting and may shed some light on how Targus defines "security" in the context of protecting computers and small handheld devices, but for now we should discuss and expose the security in this product as well.
The Mobile Security Lock for the iPod
This is a small (2.75-ounce) device that consists of a docking connector that is secured with a three-digit combination lock. It is connected to a retractable 2.5-foot wire that terminates in a lightweight carrying case. Functionally, the idea is that the dock will be inserted into the iPod connector and the cable extended and wrapped around something that is immobile. Two release buttons, one on each side of the locking mechanism, must be simultaneously depressed in order to retract the two metal pins that project into the base of the internal iPod connector. Once the combination wheels are spun and locked, the side buttons cannot be depressed, thus making it impossible to easily withdraw the dock. The design is similar to a notebook lock; the iPod is tied to something that cannot be carried away.
Because there is no dedicated security slot as with a notebook computer, the docking port is the only method to link a tether to the iPod. This is the most critical design problem with the Targus "solution" and in my view, not only is it almost totally ineffective but can result in damage to the device if the cable is removed improperly, either by the owner or a would-be thief.
Utilizing the connector as the method to secure the cable required the least amount of engineering on the part of Targus, was the most obvious, and unfortunately also the least secure. There are other means to protect these handheld devices but would require additional components.
From an esthetic approach, I believe that Targus was correct in their design but at the expense of security. According to Targus, they do not really engineer their products with regard to security; their off-shore manufacturing partner deals with those issues. Whether their vendors are competent to do so is an open question in view of the analysis of the Defcon CL and this lock.
The function of this latest device, as described in the Targus literature, "is to be used as a mobile solution for your backpack, notebook bag, purse or stationary object. It provides an affordable way to secure their iPod while at work or on the go." If the word "secure" means stopping someone from easily stealing your iPod, it does not, which I believe is readily apparent. Targus says the product provides a "modicum of security" and must be considered in the context of the devices they are protecting, cost of the lock to the consumer, and common sense.
More on how Targus sees security for the consumer later in this article. Remember, the key phrase is "a modicum of security." For those readers that are not familiar with this term, the definition for modicum includes small amount, little, bit, scrap, or ounce. This would be an accurate definition of the protection afforded by this product.
Locking Hardware
I analyzed the mobile security lock from the perspective of the functionality of its three primary components: the cable, the lock, and the interface. I also discussed the design of each of these with Al Giazzon.
The Cable
According to Al, the cable is a trade-off between weight and security. The plastic-covered wire that they are using to protect the iPod is 0.065-inch in diameter, well less than a tenth of an inch. It is simple to cut with a pair of diagonal cutters. Targus agrees, stating that the cable is not particularly relevant in terms of security but obviously is needed to tether the device to a desk or backpack or other solid item. So the cable is not one of those items that will really stop your iPod from being stolen; it is just required as part of the overall package.
The Lock
A three-digit combination lock with 999 different user-programmable possibilities appears to keep the "mobile security lock" from being removed from the iPod other than by the owner. Not quite. The mechanism of this "lock" essentially replicates the old Defcon combination lock design, allowing very rapid decoding of the gate position of each wheel, then subtracting two digits for the actual combination. Decoding can be accomplished with a piece of paper or thin plastic as described in our security alert in 2004, and is easily accomplished.
But, argues Targus, the lock is not part of the security puzzle but is simply there as a mechanism to keep the device from being improperly removed from the iPod. In other words, the combination lock is not really relevant as one of the security components in this product. Evidently Targus did not even consider the ability to rapidly decode the combination, and Al was not even aware of the process to do so.
You would think that the combination lock would be integral to the security of this device, but it is not. So what is left to keep your iPod safe? Only one thing: the locking interface at the end of the cable.
The Interface
The interface is the most critical component because it ties the wire to whatever object it is wrapped around. Essentially, it is a replica of the connector that Apple uses to mate with the internal electronics. What holds this connector -- and in this case, the lock -- in place? As anyone who owns an iPod knows, it's merely two tiny metal projecting barbs, as shown in the photograph. That is it. Sure, it's plenty enough to keep your FM remote connected to your iPod, but when using this apparatus the entire security of this device rests on those two small pieces of metal. This connector was designed for an electrical interface, not to withstand any stress, and as I demonstrate, it fails of this essential purpose. In fact, there is an orange warning label affixed to the cable, cautioning the consumer and thief that "forced removal of the secured lock may cause permanent damage to the iPod." It does, which can be viewed as both good and bad.
The good: Targus believes it is a deterrent to thieves, especially young thieves, because they will not steal an iPod if they know it may be damaged by forced removal. Whether it really is a deterrent in such a circumstance is open to question, but Al told me his teenage kids picked up on this issue right away when he brought home a sample of the lock.
The bad: The iPod owner may also do damage if he is not careful in the way he removes the insert, and more importantly a co-worker or someone who just wants to be malicious can easily do damage by removing and inserting the connector.
As shown in this video [WMV], all that is required is a force that is applied at an angle to the connection. The connector snaps right out of the socket. On my 60GB video iPod there was no damage to the internal pins, but on the nano, there was significant deformation of the brass strips. The device still worked, but it may not have docked properly for charging or downloading.
Believe it or not, when Targus tried to remove the connector by rocking it from left to right, they said they were unable to do so. They stated that they were afraid to apply too much pressure for fear they would break something. Yet, they place a warning tag close to the connector, knowing that it can be forcibly removed?
In my view, this product provides a false sense of security at a price tag of around $25-30. So why is it being marketed as a mobile security lock and solution to protect your iPod? Well, other than for the obvious, Targus believes that they are saving iPods from theft by presenting an appearance of security that is sufficient to scare off the casual thief. They say that is really all they can hope to accomplish. Maybe, but read on to understand how they reached this conclusion and their philosophy with regard to security.
A Modicum of Security: It is all a matter of context and common sense
Targus believes that security cable locks and other devices at the current price point of under $70 cannot be expected to protect portable electronic equipment against a determined attack.
Notebook computers and iPods cannot really be secured from planned thefts; they say these locks are only effective in stopping the theft of opportunity or as I prefer, the walk-by or casual theft. Targus thinks that anything can be compromised by a determined thief and that their mission is not to stop that miscreant (the "real" thief), but only the person that has a momentary irresistible impulse (as we say in the law) to own an iPod or a notebook computer. It is the non-determined, casual, "I just had the idea to steal this but am not really determined to steal it" thief that they are targeting.
Their goal, then, is to make it appear that the lock provides so much security that to attempt a theft would be pointless, too much trouble, present too much risk, and would damage the device that is being protected. Under these conditions, Targus believes that the thief will move on to the next available device that is not so secured. As I pointed out to Al, this is somewhat akin to the bank that installs a number of empty boxes with phony lenses that are made to look like real video cameras. It is the same principle. "If it looks secure, it must be so." Do you really want to get caught testing that security out?
So it would appear that we are talking about the honest person versus the knowledgeable dishonest person. Of course, honest people do not steal each other's iPods -- or anything else (although the occasional little girl has been known to lose such a device every now and again). Everyone knows that, because it would violate the very definition of honesty. But just about every thief began as an honest person. What if the notebook or the iPod is the first thing they ever try to steal and do not know that the security device doesn't actually work? Or what if they are smart enough to figure out that the device does not provide any measure of security at all? Worst yet, what if they read on the Internet that the locking device does not protect against anything?
Targus kept reminding me that I am a security expert and thus have the ability to look at a product such as the iPod lock and immediately determine that it is not secure. They said that the public does not have such expertise, so they will normally believe that the product is safe to use. Now, if that were true for everyone, then this theory would work, but it is not true, and so in my view, does not work at all. Basically, Targus is making a product that they hope will fool everyone into believing it is secure enough to discourage the casual thief.
They are only aiming to provide what they call "a modicum of security." That means, as the definition implies, almost no security at all. It is only an illusion and offers slightly more than nothing in the way of protection.
So here is what all of this comes down to: Targus has made a lock that they know is not in fact secure, but they think that everyone will be fooled by its appearance into thinking that it will protect its intended victim by the "non-determined, doesn't really want to steal it but will if he easily can" thief. At the end of the day, they hang their hat on the fact that damage to the iPod will be the ultimate deterrent. Maybe, but the damage is not guaranteed and depends on many factors and which iPod model we are talking about. At the very least, I suggested to them that they make the warning tag larger, so it is very prominent.
In my view, we are back to the same problem of educating the consumer about the vulnerability of a product, be it a cylinder lock for their house or business, or a device to protect their iPod. Why not place appropriate warnings on the packaging that state "the security of this product may be easily bypassed in seconds by thieves" and then use my 3T2R evaluation system to assign an index rating of security. That is, how much time, training and tools are required, and what is the reliability and repeatability of the process. In this case, no tools, no time, and no training is required to separate the owner from their iPod.
There are two questions that you may wish to consider, first: if such a warning were prominently placed on the packaging of the mobile security lock, would you buy it, or save your money and maybe your iPod. Second: Do you believe that possible damage to the iPod would be a significant deterrent?
I -- and I am sure Targus -- would be interested in your opinion on these questions.
In my world, knowledge is security.
Marc Weber Tobias is an investigative attorney and security specialist living in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He represents and consults with lock manufacturers, government agencies and corporations in the U.S. and overseas regarding the design and bypass of locks and security systems. He has authored five police textbooks, including Locks, Safes, and Security, which is recognized as the primary reference for law enforcement and security professionals worldwide. The second edition, a 1400 page two-volume work, is utilized by criminal investigators, crime labs, locksmiths and those responsible for physical security. A ten-volume multimedia edition of his book is also available online. His website is security.org, and he welcomes reader comments and email.
The Mobile Security Lock for the iPod
This is a small (2.75-ounce) device that consists of a docking connector that is secured with a three-digit combination lock. It is connected to a retractable 2.5-foot wire that terminates in a lightweight carrying case. Functionally, the idea is that the dock will be inserted into the iPod connector and the cable extended and wrapped around something that is immobile. Two release buttons, one on each side of the locking mechanism, must be simultaneously depressed in order to retract the two metal pins that project into the base of the internal iPod connector. Once the combination wheels are spun and locked, the side buttons cannot be depressed, thus making it impossible to easily withdraw the dock. The design is similar to a notebook lock; the iPod is tied to something that cannot be carried away.
Because there is no dedicated security slot as with a notebook computer, the docking port is the only method to link a tether to the iPod. This is the most critical design problem with the Targus "solution" and in my view, not only is it almost totally ineffective but can result in damage to the device if the cable is removed improperly, either by the owner or a would-be thief.
Utilizing the connector as the method to secure the cable required the least amount of engineering on the part of Targus, was the most obvious, and unfortunately also the least secure. There are other means to protect these handheld devices but would require additional components.
From an esthetic approach, I believe that Targus was correct in their design but at the expense of security. According to Targus, they do not really engineer their products with regard to security; their off-shore manufacturing partner deals with those issues. Whether their vendors are competent to do so is an open question in view of the analysis of the Defcon CL and this lock.
The function of this latest device, as described in the Targus literature, "is to be used as a mobile solution for your backpack, notebook bag, purse or stationary object. It provides an affordable way to secure their iPod while at work or on the go." If the word "secure" means stopping someone from easily stealing your iPod, it does not, which I believe is readily apparent. Targus says the product provides a "modicum of security" and must be considered in the context of the devices they are protecting, cost of the lock to the consumer, and common sense.
More on how Targus sees security for the consumer later in this article. Remember, the key phrase is "a modicum of security." For those readers that are not familiar with this term, the definition for modicum includes small amount, little, bit, scrap, or ounce. This would be an accurate definition of the protection afforded by this product.
Locking Hardware
I analyzed the mobile security lock from the perspective of the functionality of its three primary components: the cable, the lock, and the interface. I also discussed the design of each of these with Al Giazzon.
The Cable
According to Al, the cable is a trade-off between weight and security. The plastic-covered wire that they are using to protect the iPod is 0.065-inch in diameter, well less than a tenth of an inch. It is simple to cut with a pair of diagonal cutters. Targus agrees, stating that the cable is not particularly relevant in terms of security but obviously is needed to tether the device to a desk or backpack or other solid item. So the cable is not one of those items that will really stop your iPod from being stolen; it is just required as part of the overall package.
A three-digit combination lock with 999 different user-programmable possibilities appears to keep the "mobile security lock" from being removed from the iPod other than by the owner. Not quite. The mechanism of this "lock" essentially replicates the old Defcon combination lock design, allowing very rapid decoding of the gate position of each wheel, then subtracting two digits for the actual combination. Decoding can be accomplished with a piece of paper or thin plastic as described in our security alert in 2004, and is easily accomplished.
You would think that the combination lock would be integral to the security of this device, but it is not. So what is left to keep your iPod safe? Only one thing: the locking interface at the end of the cable.
The Interface
The good: Targus believes it is a deterrent to thieves, especially young thieves, because they will not steal an iPod if they know it may be damaged by forced removal. Whether it really is a deterrent in such a circumstance is open to question, but Al told me his teenage kids picked up on this issue right away when he brought home a sample of the lock.
The bad: The iPod owner may also do damage if he is not careful in the way he removes the insert, and more importantly a co-worker or someone who just wants to be malicious can easily do damage by removing and inserting the connector.
Believe it or not, when Targus tried to remove the connector by rocking it from left to right, they said they were unable to do so. They stated that they were afraid to apply too much pressure for fear they would break something. Yet, they place a warning tag close to the connector, knowing that it can be forcibly removed?
A Modicum of Security: It is all a matter of context and common sense
Targus believes that security cable locks and other devices at the current price point of under $70 cannot be expected to protect portable electronic equipment against a determined attack.
Notebook computers and iPods cannot really be secured from planned thefts; they say these locks are only effective in stopping the theft of opportunity or as I prefer, the walk-by or casual theft. Targus thinks that anything can be compromised by a determined thief and that their mission is not to stop that miscreant (the "real" thief), but only the person that has a momentary irresistible impulse (as we say in the law) to own an iPod or a notebook computer. It is the non-determined, casual, "I just had the idea to steal this but am not really determined to steal it" thief that they are targeting.
Their goal, then, is to make it appear that the lock provides so much security that to attempt a theft would be pointless, too much trouble, present too much risk, and would damage the device that is being protected. Under these conditions, Targus believes that the thief will move on to the next available device that is not so secured. As I pointed out to Al, this is somewhat akin to the bank that installs a number of empty boxes with phony lenses that are made to look like real video cameras. It is the same principle. "If it looks secure, it must be so." Do you really want to get caught testing that security out?
So it would appear that we are talking about the honest person versus the knowledgeable dishonest person. Of course, honest people do not steal each other's iPods -- or anything else (although the occasional little girl has been known to lose such a device every now and again). Everyone knows that, because it would violate the very definition of honesty. But just about every thief began as an honest person. What if the notebook or the iPod is the first thing they ever try to steal and do not know that the security device doesn't actually work? Or what if they are smart enough to figure out that the device does not provide any measure of security at all? Worst yet, what if they read on the Internet that the locking device does not protect against anything?
Targus kept reminding me that I am a security expert and thus have the ability to look at a product such as the iPod lock and immediately determine that it is not secure. They said that the public does not have such expertise, so they will normally believe that the product is safe to use. Now, if that were true for everyone, then this theory would work, but it is not true, and so in my view, does not work at all. Basically, Targus is making a product that they hope will fool everyone into believing it is secure enough to discourage the casual thief.
They are only aiming to provide what they call "a modicum of security." That means, as the definition implies, almost no security at all. It is only an illusion and offers slightly more than nothing in the way of protection.
So here is what all of this comes down to: Targus has made a lock that they know is not in fact secure, but they think that everyone will be fooled by its appearance into thinking that it will protect its intended victim by the "non-determined, doesn't really want to steal it but will if he easily can" thief. At the end of the day, they hang their hat on the fact that damage to the iPod will be the ultimate deterrent. Maybe, but the damage is not guaranteed and depends on many factors and which iPod model we are talking about. At the very least, I suggested to them that they make the warning tag larger, so it is very prominent.
In my view, we are back to the same problem of educating the consumer about the vulnerability of a product, be it a cylinder lock for their house or business, or a device to protect their iPod. Why not place appropriate warnings on the packaging that state "the security of this product may be easily bypassed in seconds by thieves" and then use my 3T2R evaluation system to assign an index rating of security. That is, how much time, training and tools are required, and what is the reliability and repeatability of the process. In this case, no tools, no time, and no training is required to separate the owner from their iPod.
There are two questions that you may wish to consider, first: if such a warning were prominently placed on the packaging of the mobile security lock, would you buy it, or save your money and maybe your iPod. Second: Do you believe that possible damage to the iPod would be a significant deterrent?
I -- and I am sure Targus -- would be interested in your opinion on these questions.
In my world, knowledge is security.
Marc Weber Tobias is an investigative attorney and security specialist living in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He represents and consults with lock manufacturers, government agencies and corporations in the U.S. and overseas regarding the design and bypass of locks and security systems. He has authored five police textbooks, including Locks, Safes, and Security, which is recognized as the primary reference for law enforcement and security professionals worldwide. The second edition, a 1400 page two-volume work, is utilized by criminal investigators, crime labs, locksmiths and those responsible for physical security. A ten-volume multimedia edition of his book is also available online. His website is security.org, and he welcomes reader comments and email.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Gegejaja @ Oct 5th 2006 4:13PM
stuff from targus is $$$, and this sounds like a ripoff more than anything else.
Wonderboy @ Oct 5th 2006 4:14PM
I love these articles... very informative.
As for me, I've discovered the ultimate protection for my iPod... I don't keep it anywhere that people may be whom I don't trust (in layman's terms, I hide it from view). The way I see it, the "if they don't know it exists, they can't take it" approach is fail-safe.
Of course, I've patented this security approach, so if anyone else tries to do the same... I'll hire the "the iPod girl's" lawyer to sue you.
VBAjedi @ Oct 5th 2006 7:54PM
Not to split hairs here, but "won't" would be a better choice than "can't". The fact that if someone DOES discover your hidden gadget there's nothing stopping them from walking with it means that it's not the ultimate solution. Some people aren't comfortable with "won't" and try for "can't", which is where misguided efforts like this Targus lock come in.
Since the only places we leave our gadgets tend to be places where we at least trust SOME of the people (like work), I think a middle-ground solution would work well: hidden stick-on RFID tag (inside battery compartment, etc), with a little matching base station that you can lock securely to something OR just hide on your desk. That tag moves more than a couple feet from the base station while the base is "armed", and a loud alarm in the base goes off.
This could be used with any gadget, shouldn't damage anything, and coupled with the "keep the thing out of sight to begin with" approach should do the trick for most people.
Miguel @ Oct 5th 2006 4:20PM
Maybe I'm crazy, but I keep my iPod in my pocket. Seeing as no one has tried a reach-around to get it, it seems fairly safe.
disciple83 @ Oct 5th 2006 4:25PM
I particularly can't see why putting your iPod IN YOUR POCKET is a bad thing. There is, of course, the compaint that you may not have pockets. In which case, for the amount of money you are going to spend on a Targus product, for any reason at all, you can buy a case that not only suits your personal style but also includes some way to tether it to your body, (ie, a belt clip, arm band, or lanyard in case of the old shuffle, the new one already has a belt clip).
The only way for a would-be-thief to get it then is to assault you physically. While that may not be quite agreeable, it would be than make you aware of the fact that your pmp is missing, there are no surprises, and you may actually have a chance at getting it back since you probably saw the thief's face as he or she ripped the device from your person, rather than sneaked off quietly with your warez while you were careless enough to leave it wrapped to a lamp post or park bench as you went for a latte'.
kelly Denison-Cole @ Oct 5th 2006 4:30PM
It sure is an excuse for someone who cant take your ipod to smash it.
Ty @ Oct 5th 2006 4:31PM
If you actually need one of these perhaps you aren't smart enough to own an ipod or anything else.
John @ Oct 5th 2006 4:33PM
Where are your pictures of your damaged Nano? It would lend more credibility to your testing vs. the appearance that you simply inserted the lock at an angle to give the illusion of it being partially removed. Did you REALLY ruin your Nano in the name of journalistic investigation? ;-)
Eli Hodapp @ Oct 5th 2006 4:40PM
Simple solution: Add electronics like this to your renters/homeowners insurance. As I recall, it cost me less than $20 to add my iPod Photo for a year. My car got broken in to a few months ago, and one of the things that was stolen was my iPod. I faxed my insurance company a police report and the receipt for the iPod I bought to replace it and had a check in hand in less than a week.
You can get insurance riders for all kinds of stuff you might not have ever thought were able to be insured, talk to your agent. Personally, I'd rather throw out a extra few bucks a year to know that IF my stuff gets stolen I'll just get it replaced... rather than spending endless amounts of money on stupid cable locks that can be cut with simple wire/bolt cutters in a fraction of a second.
The biggest problem with a lock anyway is that all it does it keep honest people honest. If a thief wants to steal your iPod, this isn't going to stop them- Just like if a thief wants to steal your car stereo, a window isn't going to stop them.
disciple83 @ Oct 5th 2006 4:42PM
why do you think htere are so many iPods floating around now? Why do you think DRM is a problem? Because the majority of people aren't smart enough to own a portable media device. They market it and create a GUI and software kit for it so that the biggest retard, I mean, special needs person is capable of feeling hip and cool because they can now have the opportunity to move beyond carrying CD's around in your car. People don't know better. They are so naive to think that it's there iPod and everything is so peachy in the cool, pop, flourescent silhouette world they live that because Apple claims macs are invulnerable to viral attack that their iPod will be invulnerable to attack as well. Case in point, that stupid bitch and her mother who are suing because she had hers stolen. The judge was right to throw the case out and the lawyer should be barred for thinking they could actually go forward with this. If you are gonna sue anyone, sue Jobs for exploiting the fact you are a complete moron.
Eli Hodapp @ Oct 5th 2006 4:54PM
disciple83, it seems like the iPod makes you awfully angry. :(
JonAtkins @ Oct 5th 2006 4:42PM
Awesome article, I personally have never considered any of Targus' products to be of great value or functionality... the name brand implies cheap knock-off to me... regardless, bravo to Targus for making another item dimwitted consumers will purchase and bravo to Mr. Tobias for alerting us of its ineffectiveness.
liquid @ Oct 5th 2006 4:43PM
nice article, very helpful.
I dont think i will be buying anything from Targus in the future based on there attitude. There needs to be truth in advertising. And just like so many other companies (esp in the US) they are only concerned with the quick buck.
websuperman @ Oct 5th 2006 4:59PM
In an effort to make sure no one else posts a response. I have locked the comments (targus style) for this article. Any attempt to post a comment may severly damage the site and your computer.
disciple83 @ Oct 5th 2006 5:07PM
it did make me angry, it makes me very angry. It started out cool. "Oh snap! I don't have to carry cd's around anymore!" Now it's all about why no one can listen to their music on a different machine and why do I have problems ripping my cd's and why is it everyone hates everything that isn't made by Apple, and why does everyone have to sue over things like a GUI that has been copied and ripped off for years without so whisper? Now everyone has an iPod but they don't know why other than they weren't aware of anything else, because they are stupid, or a fanboy.
Before it was taboo to have anything but iPod,I had an iPod, two actually, (one was purchased at Best Buy but already had someone else's name engraved on it, and I knew the guy, (shipped to the wrong adress and never RMA'd by Best Buy, go figure), and the iPod locked up when I tried to import music. The other was a freak of nature that can be closest described as the battery exploded, we still aren't sure what happened.) Between the lousy support I got with the one that exploded and the runaround I got from both Apple and Best Buy after I tried to return it so they could ship it to the rightful owner, I gave up. All they care about it flooding the market with their restrictive, albeit well-designed, product. iPod makes me angry, but they didn't used to.
I have a ZVM now. The battery goes 12-16 hours continuously. I rip my own CDs, that I buy, to a wonderful 192kbps. Life is good again...now if I can only get past HDCP...
Bill Hancock @ Oct 5th 2006 5:56PM
There are 1000 possible combinations to the lock...000=a combination
Very good article...its nice to see an engadget article that has some depth and content
cjrenaud @ Oct 5th 2006 8:02PM
999 practical ones...the lock always has to show one combination that would be in the locked position.
VBAjedi @ Oct 5th 2006 7:57PM
Oops - thought replies "nested" under original comments. That comment was in reply to "Wonderboy"'s #2 post.
soopergooman @ Oct 5th 2006 9:38PM
How Incredibly easy this is to break. If you now take readily available "wart Remover" the freezing kind. You can use that on any cable lock made to break through with 10 minutes. Don't ask how I know, but I've seen it on Heavey Duty Bike Cable Locks. Yes the 1.5inch kind.
Keaton @ Oct 6th 2006 12:18AM
Why doesn't targus just simply integrate an alarm that goes off if the cable is cut or the connector is forced.... A 90 something decibel alarm going off would for sure deter me and any other would be thief... Its a super simple solution if you ask me.... heck it could draw power off the ipod... right?
http://www.soggycowdesigns.com
Keaton @ Oct 6th 2006 12:18AM
Why doesn't targus just simply integrate an alarm that goes off if the cable is cut or the connector is forced.... A 90 something decibel alarm going off would for sure deter me and any other would be thief... Its a super simple solution if you ask me.... heck it could draw power off the ipod... right?
http://www.soggycowdesigns.com
Necrosis @ Oct 6th 2006 1:59AM
I actually have one of these things, (don't worry I didn't pay for it, it was given to me as a promotional gift) and I have to say it sucks. The "lock" that goes into the dock connector could be ripped out by a two year old with little to NO damage to the ipod. It is a worthless piece of junk and EXTREMELY bulky compared to an ipods size. Overall, it sucks.
Jon @ Oct 6th 2006 4:07AM
Why not just make a small nylon canvas zipper bag with a lock on the zipper and a cable sewn around the bag (or put through a loop of the lock. obviously it's not going to stop someone who has the time and balls to just cut/rip/saw. but it seems simplier, easier to pack and carry with you (you could turn the soft pack into a sort of case so you have less junk to lug around with you). They is plastic netting that you can sew into objects to make them really difficult to cut open, or just use a steel mesh.
This whole connector gizmo seems pretty iffy to me. a better solution would have been for Apple to put a K-slot on the iPod like they do with all laptops.
I bet a howto on making your own iPod lock (either my bag idea, or something else) would make a great MAKE article.
John Stracke @ Oct 5th 2006 6:27PM
"Why not just make a small nylon canvas zipper bag" -- that'd be too easy to cut through. Better would be a hard case--maybe aluminum. It could have a hole for the headphone jack, but nothing else; then a thief could listen, but not touch the controls, or recharge, or add more songs.
Jon @ Oct 6th 2006 4:07AM
I did mention you can secure the bag with a tough mesh that makes it hard to cut through. If you use steel mesh it's inexpensive and you won't be cutting through it with anything but tin snips.
They use "soft armor" bags for pistols after all. I think lugging around a big bulky alumnium jacket kind of sucks, plus it's not something you could make yourself.
Now if you sold the alumnium/plastic/etc case as a combination shock-protector/anti-theif I think it would sell pretty well. just put a hole or integrated lock on it. (I prefer a hole so I can use my own locks, I have a set of 8 small strong padlocks with matching keys so i only have to carry one key for my laptop, computer, motorcycle helmet and gun)
Mike @ Oct 6th 2006 10:38AM
I had someone steal my office stereo (actually coming back for the remote, which they had forgotten to steal as well). Ever since then, anything electronic (including my new stereo) goes in a locked drawer, including my DAP when I'm not in my office.
ZenPod @ Oct 30th 2006 4:25PM
Too bad x-Pod makers don't supply a security slot like a notebook. Wouldn't that make things nice and easy? But the next best thing would be a hard aluminum case (leaving controls exposed) with secure hinges and a security slot so that when the security fob is inserted with a cable through it the case will not open. Why hasn't anyone thought of that?
Like others writing here, I prefer to carry my player in my pocket, or else to just keep it in sight (e.g., on top of the elliptical machine at the gym) when in use. However, my girlfriend likes to take her player to her art classes and play music through powered speakers for her students as they do their drawing and other exercises. Since she is in and out of the classroom, it would be nice to have a way of locking the player to a table. The kind of case I am describing would be perfect for that purpose. Too bad no one has made one yet (at least for her Zen Vision:M player).
I am not religious regarding the iPod vs. other-Pod debate, but the main reason that both she and I have the Zen Vision:M is its support for subscription services. For a single subscription of $15/month (virgindigital.com or about five other companies) we have access on both our players and both our PCs to over 2 million tracks. The Zen fits about 7,500 good quality WMA song files at a time (the 15,000 quoted in their ads is for some rather low-quality level of compression). Plus, I can record TV shows on my PC and convert them (using the free program AutoGK) for viewing (about 200 MB per hour of video), and the video quality is great. But the main thing is the subscription service support, which I don't believe iPod/iTunes offers. I have about 7,000 tracks and 2.5 hours of video on my player right now, and putting it on random play is like having a radio station that only plays stuff that you like (or new stuff that you haven't heard before - whatever you have selected). On the down side, setup was a hassle, while iTunes is probably a bit easier to use, but you pay a high price for that, and, well, I'm an early adopter, so I'm willing to go through a bit of trouble setting it up to gain access to nearly every popular recording ever made for what I would spend buying 15 new tracks a month on iTunes.
Paula @ Nov 6th 2006 5:50PM
Nice article. So what are the alternatives for someone who needs to have an iPod running in a public area for up to 12 hours? No one has seemed to mention that you can't charge the iPod or run it off the charger when the Targus lock is attached.
Does anyone know of a solution that locks down an iPod but allows access to the charger and audio out connectors?
nick @ Jun 21st 2007 2:33AM
If Targus were simply trying to create the illusion of security, why not make a better illusion? The warning tag should say something like "Alarm will sound if device is removed improperly" or something along those lines. This is a very poorly designed product and seems to me like it's just as guilty of stealing as the thief is by making consumers believe they are spending their money on a useful product.