Laptop safety options

[LPZ_Stitch!]

Hi,

Counting down to our trip next week -- seven days to go!

This year I plan to take my laptop so I can dump all of my SD cards each night and burn DVDs so all of my pictures will stay safe.

I know that lots of you have taken a laptop to Disney, before. What have you done with your laptop while staying there?

Just leave it in the room?

Anyone ever have a problem?

BTW, we're staying at Pop....

 

[Master Mason]

I have always left it in the room with no problem. they do make locking cables if you feel you need it

 

[Alacrity]

I've not had any problems in a number of hotels, not just Disney. I would put it somewhere out of sight when not in the room, however. Mine goes back in the backpack or in to a drawer. No problems so far!

 

[webshark3]

Step 1, a security cable. This will defer any maid/maintenance person who "might" have a thought cross their mind. That being said, I never had an issue at Disney, even with my laptop unsecured in open view.

Step 2) If you're concerned about the photos, pull out your hard drive and store it in the room's safe. Then just tuck your laptop shell out of view.

 

[LPZ_Stitch!]

I've never had *anything* taken from my room at Disney (not even spare change sitting out in the open), so I'm not overly concerned.

However, it's actually my employers' laptop. They don't have any problems with employees using the equipment for personal stuff (photos, MP3s, etc.), but I'd hate to have it stolen!

Probably not a big deal at Disney....

I think I'll just look into one of those security cables, or just bury it at the bottom of the closet under the rest of the suitcases....

And, thanks, webshark, storing just the HD in the safe is a good idea as that's the most important thing to me ... not losing my images!

 

[webshark3]

Employer laptops are the best. No worries for me. LOL

 

[bostran1]

I leave mine in the room. I usually put it in a drawer though.

 

[AndrewWG]

Stick it in a bag of your dirty laundry. Nobody wants your dirty laundry! Heck it's not your laptop so if it smells a bit, just give it back to your employer and ask for a new one!

Seriously though, I just put mine in my suitcase with my clothes. That is because I can't remember a trip where I've actually unpacked a suitcase and used the drawers in a hotel. I just can't be bothered. Never had a problem with a dishonest mousekeeper. Don't think I will either.

Andy

 

[Groucho]

If your employer is concerned about laptop safety, have them pony up for a cablelock for it.

FWIW, I left my work laptop sitting up and running (complete with screen saver slideshow, mostly WDW shots) at DL Hotel pretty much all three days, if I was there or not, with no problem. (It'd take a pretty brazen cleaner to steal a running laptop right off the desk!) But a cablelock might not be a bad idea, just for peace of mind if nothing else.

 

[majimikate]

When we stayed at POP last year I locked mine in the in room safe...it fit!! If you're concerned give it a try. I have a Toshiba, I think about a 15-16 inch screen. Have a great trip!!!

 

[boBQuincy]

The smaller notebook computers will fit in the room safe. We have an older Sony SRX-87 that fits, some of the newer models are about the same size.

A Pac-Safe is probably the next solution. After that I suppose hiding it and securing it with a cable is next best.

 

[KimAshton]

I have never had it stolen yet. Knocks on wood. I would buy a little lock for your suitcase and lock it in there. they cannot get in and they aren't going to steal your whole suitcase unless they are really shaddy.

 

[Snurk71]

GET A CABLE LOCK!!!

Cable locks only cost $30 ($15 last week at Circuit City on a special). The cost for that extra assurance is practically nothing vs. the cost of losing your memories (not even comparing it to the cost of the equipment - equipment can always be replaced). Sure a thief can probably get through a cable lock if they were really determined. But a thief is going to go for the easy score, not one that takes effort.

 

[Mike©]

Hi,

Counting down to our trip next week -- seven days to go!

This year I plan to take my laptop so I can dump all of my SD cards each night and burn DVDs so all of my pictures will stay safe.

I know that lots of you have taken a laptop to Disney, before. What have you done with your laptop while staying there?

Just leave it in the room?

Anyone ever have a problem?

BTW, we're staying at Pop....

Never had a problem with the laptop at Disney, but if some one is going to take it, then it's going to be gone. Best way to cover yourself is here....

http://www.lojackforlaptops.com/default.asp

 

[JediTim]

The last couple of times I was there I left my laptop on the table (running with my wireless aircard on) for the entire ten days. I did have it facing away from the window with the shades drawn to avoid attention from the outside. I have never had a problem at WDW and don't expect to.

Funny though that I do hide any camera equipment if I don't take it with me.

 

[safetymom]

Get a cable lock!!! If you lose it insurance companies will ask what you did to prevent the theft. If you say you just had it sitting out you may have a hard time being reimbursed.

Also have you backed everything up in case it is stolen? Most business people can't be without the information on their computers.