IpodLock
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Elecom busts out bicycle-style locks for iPods
You can add Japan's prolific Elecom to the growing number of companies providing varying levels of protection for the countless theft-attracting iPods being toted about, with the company bringing some familiar security measures to bear on the problem. Available for both 5G iPods and 1st and 2nd gen iPod nanos, and in your choice of black or white, the locks will add a bit of heft to your otherwise portable device but should keep any would-be thieves from running off with it, not to mention yourself when you forget the combination. Those of you with better memories than us, however, can sang either model now for 5,040 Yen, or just over forty bucks. [Via Crave]
The Lockdown: an interview with Al Giazzon of Targus
Noted security expert Marc Weber Tobias contributes The Lockdown, exposing the shoddy security you may depend on.On Friday, September 22, 2006, I interviewed Al Giazzon, the U.S. marketing manager for Targus. We talked about the company's philosophy regarding the security of their products and specifically about the Engadget report on the Defcon CL armored cable lock and the iPod mobile security lock.The interview lasted for one hour and is available here to listen to in its entirety [WMA]. For those of you that would like to review the critical points that were touched upon during our conversation, I have summarized them for a bit quicker of a read. Regarding their view of security and of their products:"We are not in the business of providing [a high] level of security against a well thought out, planned theft. We're really about providing a level of security for an affordable amount to protect against that more opportunistic theft. And for all of our corporate accounts that we sell these products to, they know that anyone who really wants it is gonna take it. And if it's the case where [the laptop is] that valuable, they take other precautions as well."
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 iPodThis 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.
Secure-It's Pod Safe keeps your iPod locked down
We don't know whether we should laugh or cry (or both) at the apparently booming market for keeping iPod-swipers at bay. Sure, some last-resort options for protecting your iPod while strolling are a bit comical, but the folks at Secure-It obviously think that guarding your iPod is a rather serious affair. Not to be confused with the oh-so-closely named PodSafe or the numerous alternative lock-down solutions out there, the Pod Safe attempts to be a "stylish" portable locking security case for your nano, video, or fourth-generation iPod. Composed from "high impact PolyCarbon strengthened ABS material" (i.e. can be easy demolished with a hammer -- along with the iPod it contains), the Safe sports a four-digit user-changeable passcode to keep thieves guessing. A steel cable loop is there to latch your precious media player to your desk, briefcase, bicycle, or possibly your wrist, should you so desire. This lock doesn't hinder any playback functionality of the iPod, so even stolen units would operate, but the fun wouldn't last long for thieves considering the sole charging port is under lock and keycode. We see this unit more as a theft deterrent system than an all-out personal security guard for your 'Pod, but if your neck of the woods is seeming a little sketch, you can apprehend a Pod Safe for $39.95.[Via Popgadget]
