Locking/Securing the new MacPro

[richtate]

The new MacPros are gorgeous, tiny and lightweight. However, they don't come with an integrated lock and are super easy to steal. We can't afford to have these sitting unprotected on show site. Our crack R&D minds came up with a strong, simple and somehow elegant solution to the problem. They modified existing hardware and found the perfect spot to mount it thus creating a custom locking ring that we will use to securely lock the computers during shows. We will be using steel cables with loops on both ends and padlocks to attach them to fixed objects.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.697213510312752.1073741851.143113972389378&type=1

 

[CrazyNurse]

Yeah, the new MPs are beautiful and small.

But thieves are gonna make a killing hauling these things off. The last gen MP not so much.

I get a workout getting mine up on a bench to crack it open...built like a tank and weighs as such.

Maybe Krypnonite New York can come up with a solution if yours doesn't work.

 

[richtate]

Yes our last gen MacPros are not going anywhere! So far this solution seems to be working. Of course, if someone wanted them bad enough they could get them but the casual, opportunistic electronics their will be stopped in their tracks with this setup. It's way stronger than it looks. The machined aluminum bottom vents are thicker than they look and the 3/16" rivet is in there so solidly that we can pick up the MacPro by the ring. I'll post a report after they've been on a show.

 

[brand]

Doesn't look like it would stop a hard yanking motion. Have you tested for that. I doubt a thief would apply slow gradual pressure when pulling. Instead they are going to grab, yank, and run.

 

[richtate]

No solution is perfect or foolproof but this is a thousand times better than no security at all. Plus, it's surprisingly strong. If you haven't taken apart one of the new MacPros you'll be shocked at how solid the bottom vents are. Of course, if someone wanted to yank on it long enough the rivet will fail but that's not what we are stopping. This will stop the casual or opportunistic thief and will give us peace of mind that they can't just be picked up and carried away. They are that small and light and most people won't realize it's a computer. People can steal anything if they try hard enough. This is just a solution for people that want to add some significant security to these new MacPro's without totally marring the look and possibly the function of the computer.

 

[airdrop]

Just put some used tissues, empty can, and banana skin on top, it will be looks like .... THE BIN this will be even better than locking this thing.

Mine is scheduled on March, end have the same concerns as you ...

 

[richtate]

airdrop - Right??? We think it's a trash can or bin, a subwoofer for a cheap desktop speaker system, an air purifier or maybe a lamp but not a MacPro. It's amazing. I think the tissues and banana will affect the conductive cooling.

 

[golf1410]

This and a little effort.

 

[ScottishCaptain]

Who would wanna steal that hunk of junk?

*ducks*

-SC

 

[theSeb]

Who would wanna steal that hunk of junk?

*ducks*

-SC

Don't you get tired of posting this sort of stuff?

 

[DanielCoffey]

I was wondering if some sort of 6" ring clamp around the entire case would be better than drilling?

I am thinking of an oversized version of the worm clamps that you use in water-cooling fittings with a non-scratch strip on the inside. You could unwind the worm, slip it over the nMP when you set up your display stand, tighten it till it grips good but not enough to crush the case and then attach your security cable to a ring on the clamp.

It should be robust enough to deter the casual, could be sprayed to match the case, may cause less damage than a drilled rivet if yanked and would not void any warranties for modifying the casing.

 

[richtate]

Who said we drilled? we just used the vent holes. No damage yet strong enough to hold the weight of the MBP. The ring idea is very interesting. Will it work even with the fact that the entire outer shell slides off?

 

[Jeff3f]

enough to deter casual opportunistic theft, and if it causes damage to remove, then it maybe makes it harder to fence. just like a locked iOS device however, a damaged nMP can still be stripped for parts.

could also run a cable thru the middle of the triangular HS ha ha.

This is a thing with Apple though--their stuff used to have kensington lock slots, and don't any more. again, easily foiled but cuts down on theft from folks walking by...

 

[richtate]

Lol! We could bolt them to the tables. Ours won't be out in high crime areas so this solution should be more than enough. It will keep them safe for short periods being unattended. Some third party will come up with an elegant solution like a replacement bottom with some kind of built in tab. We don't have time to wait for that. Ours are going on shows right away. At least our crews can take a meal break without having to take them along.