Waterloo, Web & Whimsy

I spend a lot of time a lot of time in coffee shops, and one of the things that always frustrates me is having to either pack up my laptop to go to the washroom or get a coffee, or pull out the extensive laptop locking strap and feal with the worries of someone tripping over the cable (sending my laptop crashing to the floor).

So I propose a different type of theft-prevention device. The concept is rather than a lock and cable, let's use a loud, obnoxious alarm. Here are the ingredients necessary:

• Accelerometer ($2.38)
• < 256 USB Memory Stick ($5)
• Battery
• Speaker
• A bit of hardware and software development

Mix the dry ingredients together, beat on medium and bake for 30 mins at 350 degrees, and you have a USB-powered alarm, that you can plug into your laptop, and walk away. If anyone removes the key or moves your laptop, the alarm is triggered. To work with the device, an auto-run app is loaded that gives you a login to use to disable the key, and the app can be configured to perhaps also lock-down the laptop in the event that either the key is removed or the laptop is moved without authorization.

I'd make this as a key, rather than as an internal card and application because by having it visibly displayed, it also acts as a deterrent to the theft attempt (like the sticker security firms put on your house).

 If someone makes this, I promise to buy two and to tell all my friends about it ;)