GadgetTrak - Laptop AntiTheft Software

ironclaw

Hi Folks,

Recently got some new kit such as a Laptop and iPhone. As such, and given the size of the investment its going to be put on the house insurance. I was looking however at installing this software:

http://www.gadgettrak.com/

Its got some very good reviews and its from a fairly trust worthy source. In addition the price seems just right. Anyone have any experience with it? I know the Wifi positioning aspect might not be great in Ireland, but is it worth the €45 for 3 years?

Regards,

ironclaw.

Jonathan

Tbh if I was to steal a laptop, I'd format the HD first which would render this software useless anyway.

Lisheo

Have to agree with Jonathan. First thing I'd do when stealing a laptop would be cold-boot it into another OS and format the whole thing, rendering that kind of software useless.
Mind you, I've no idea if the average laptop-thief is gonna do that kind of thing, so it might well be worth your while. I doubt it, though, myself.

Martyr

ironclaw, computrace is run from the BIOS so even if the drive is formatted, the thief will still have to flash the BIOS

Lisheo

Martyr wrote: »

ironclaw, computrace is run from the BIOS so even if the drive is formatted, the thief will still have to flash the BIOS

"GadgetTrak integrates with the Windows security framework requiring admin priviliges to remove and modify its configuration."
That doesn't sound all that difficult to remove, to me.

Jonathan

Computrace is a totally different piece of software.

Capt'n Midnight

would €45 cover the increase in premium to cover a stolen laptop ?
don't forget that €45 does not guarantee recovery or accidental damage or fire like insurance would

if paranoid about files then use hard drive encryption software and backup data frequently


computrace is very different indeed as it's factory installed in the BIOS

http://www.absolute.com/partners/bios-compatibility - if yours is listed here

JohnDigital

Main concern that I have with it is that according to this page http://www.gadgettrak.com/products/pc/location/ if the mapping is right then it is only really usable in city centre locations that have a high penetration of WIFI access points.

Capt'n Midnight

JohnDigital wrote: »

Main concern that I have with it is that according to this page http://www.gadgettrak.com/products/pc/location/ if the mapping is right then it is only really usable in city centre locations that have a high penetration of WIFI access points.

or they could turn off wi-fi and use bluetooth

ttp://www.gadgettrak.com/products/pc/

Privacy Safe & Tamper Proof
PC-Trak utilizes privacy-safe tracking technology. All images, location and network data are never sent to us, only to your email and Flickr account . GadgetTrak integrates with the Windows security framework requiring admin priviliges to remove and modify its configuration.

admin rights on windows ?
all you need are opposable thumbs and google

it sounds like a "me too" product compared to computrace
gimmicks really


http://www.gadgettrak.com/products/mac/privacy/

At GadgetTrak tinfoil hats are part of our dress code.

ironclaw

Hi folks,

Thanks for the input. To clarify its an actually a MacBook, which I think has a lock availible at a BIOS level i.e. No HD format or BIOS changes etc Its in the blurb. And also, most laptop thieves wouldn't know about changing an OS let alone cracking the passwords.

I'm going to insure it anyway. That's for sure. But I want the advantage of the iSight Camera etc taking photos. I know the Wifi positioning wouldn't be the best, but imagine getting an approx address, walk around with a mug shot in the approx area and €200 cash.. "Just give us a name" sort of thing? :pac: