laptop & safety?

[grad_dis_nut]

Hi there,

I know this probably has been asked/addressed before, but as a new laptop-owner it was never a concern until now, so please bear with me!

I would love to take my laptop on our family vacation to upload digital photos and be able to see them right away. My concern is safety in the room all day. I know it won't fit in the little safes. I thought about maybe storing it in a locked suitcase.

Any thoughts/suggestions/experiences would be appreciated!

Thanks in advance

 

[#1hockeymom]

At the Swan I just left my computer hooked up on the desk for our entire trip. It was always out in the open. On a different but relevant note, I had to call the front desk since the room safe wasn't working properly. When the man came to fix the safe, he explained that the room key lock also held information. Anyone coming into our room had to have a key *housekeeping/mini bar/etc*. Those room key codes were kept in the door information. Had we, or anyone else, had a problem with a room being entered illigally at the Swan they can easily find out who has been in the room. I thought that very interesting information, and it made it easier to leave my laptop out all the time!

Have a great vacation!
Debbie

 

[Muffy]

I'm bringing my new laptop to the Dolphin in Dec. I'm going to plug it in and set it up and leave it set up for everyday use while there. I honestly don't think you have anything to worry about. Have a great time!

 

[rkrivas]

Computer/Office supply stores also carry locks for laptops (they kind of look like bicycle locks).

On the back or side of your laptop, there should be a slot where the lock goes and then you wrap the cord around an unmoveable piece of furniture (like the leg of a table).

We use them in our office to make sure that the laptops don't walk away!

 

[DebbieB]

I use a cable lock as rkrivas described. It just gives me peace of mind knowing it would be difficult to grab quick. I got it at Best Buy, just make sure your laptop has a lock slot on the side, it's very small.

 

[helenm29]

When we went last time the hubby bought a Lap-Top locking mech. that you could put around the bottom of say...the sink pipe or something non-moveable. it worked very well and we were quite comfortable leaving it in the room. I'm sure you can find something in any computer store or even Walmart or Target. Good Luck!

 

[Richyams]

I set up a little network between two laptops and share out the internet connection between them. This way two of us can surf at the same time. I leave this set up all day right on the coffee table in the living room at OKW.

 

[sherry8253]

We take our laptop to Disney every year so that we can download our pics while we are there. We have never had a problem. We often just leave it out and no one has ever touched it. I think it should be very safe especially if you stick it in a suitcase and put it in the closet. Have a magical trip.

 

[safetymom]

I use a lock and recommend you use one also. If the laptop is taken and they ask what you did to prevent it from being stolen you can mention the lock.

Just because it is taken from your room does not mean that insurance or the hotel will take care of it. You have to show that you did what you could to prevent it from being stolen.

 

[Disney-Kim]

I am a new laptop owner too and I think I will get the lock too. being able to download our pictures while on vacation is awesome.

 

[>>^..^<<]

I drag my lap top everywhere.. I have never had a problem, I leave it in plain view... it could just as easily be taken from your home or office... don;t worry about it, have a great trip!

>>^..^<<

 

[onecoolmama]

I don't have a brand new laptop, but I would not hestiate to leave mine out. Then again, we all have our own laptops...the newest my DH brought one home for our DS2! He is a computer whiz and loves toplay his games and loves the Nick Jr and Disney websites..so he got his own. I think we will take his on the airplane and to the hotel, that way he can watch DVD's on the airplane and play on the computer on down time. If you are really worried about it though..there are really inexpensive laptops on ebay that you could proabably take with you on trips as to not have your "new" laptop. Just a thought!

 

[grad_dis_nut]

I appreciate your replies. The lock thing sounds interesting (and nto just for WDW....I often take it to the library and wonder if it's okay to leave it briefly to get a drink or use the restroom). However, I don't see a place for a lock on mine. It's a Dell 5100...maybe I don' t know what I'm looking for

In any case, it sounds like I am probably okay to leave it in the room in my suitcase. I just always wonder, when mousekeeping is working and you see doors propped open while they're around cleaning rooms. It seems too easy for someone to walk in. I would like to think Disney is a magical place where nothing like that happens, but I spend too much time in the real world to take chances, I guess

Thanks again!

 

[safetymom]

There is a slot in the case of your laptop that the laptop lock goes into. It also looks like a USB slot.

You should lock it down no matter where you go. Insurance companies are getting strict with laptop loss.

 

[DebbieB]

Originally posted by grad_dis_nut
IHowever, I don't see a place for a lock on mine. It's a Dell 5100...maybe I don' t know what I'm looking for

It's a very small slot, mine is on the left side next to the disk drive. The lock has a prong on it that will slide into the slot.

 

[keith-atl]

I had my laptop out last year during our stay at the allstar sports, just for that reason, my wife wanted to download the photos from the digital camera and look at them.

I dont think you will have a problem, if you are worried just put it a suitcase or use a room safe.

 

[BethC1952]

I leave mine out on the table in the room too. When it was new, I thought about locking it down, but never did. Now it's old and battered and held together with duct tape (honest!) so I don't think anyone would want it!

Beth

 

[Disneymoon04]

Since we usually empty our luggage into the drawers, I take the lock off our luggage and put it on our laptop case during the trip.