Filed under: iPod Family, Reviews, Security
Targus iPod Lock sacrifices real security for aesthetics
Security expert Marc Weber Tobias has a column over at Engadget called The Lockdown. His most recent column is all about the Targus iPod Lock, which you may recall us mentioning here a few months ago. Turns out that the Targus mobile security lock is not only toothless, but could cause significant damage to your iPod's dock connector if you're not really careful. But wait - as far as Targus is concerned, the iPod damage potential is a feature, not a bug. Marc's analysis - complete with pictures and video demonstration - along with Targus' own responses to his evaluation is well worth the read. The bottom line, however, can be summarized with this statement: "...the key phrase is 'a modicum of security.' For those readers that are not familiar with this term, the definition for modicum includes small amount, little, bit, scrap, or ounce. This would be an accurate definition of the protection afforded by this product."
What's worse is that Targus doesn't seem to actually care that their $30 product isn't such a great investment and is counting specifically on the average consumer being gullible enough to think this lock will genuinely protect them from the casual thief. Sad. Very sad.
If any TUAW readers have used the Targus iPod lock, let us know what you think.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
S said 11:37AM on 10-06-2006
This is kind of a ridiculous article. I'm going to let everyone in on a secret here... one that any urban bicyclist knows already: cable locks are there for show. In fact, any lock is just a slight impediment for a determined thief.
In less than three minutes, I've hacksawed through a $100 Kryptonite U-bar. I've also easily sheared through a few heavy-duty cables, too. The whole point of a bike lock is to make your bike less easy to steal. There is no way to make it impossible, or even all that difficult. Likewise, this iPod cable is going to prevent 99% of your normal iPod thefts, those resulting from people seeing an unattended one and just pocketing it.
I really don't see how this guy could be considered a security "expert" if he's really fooled by the gimmicks that other security lock companies advertise. Just sounds like he wants to shit on somebody's product so he seems "critical."
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Carl Trimble said 11:36AM on 10-06-2006
Sweet product... Gotta love meaningless iPod accessories.
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stainboy said 12:32PM on 10-06-2006
i still think this product would be useful for "casual theft," as in someone walking by and grabbing it when you're not looking. i wouldn't expect many iPod solutions to provide serious theft protection.
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Edsel said 1:49PM on 10-06-2006
"In less than three minutes, I've hacksawed through a $100 Kryptonite U-bar. I've also easily sheared through a few heavy-duty cables, too."
So, Mr S(#2), what kind of business are you in? :-0
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Ed said 10:49PM on 10-06-2006
Well the difference between this and bikes is that having a (weak) disincentive to theft is better than nothing as then the thief will just steal an easier to steal bike. There are more bikes than iPods and people do tend to leave bikes together (in bike racks), iPods are rather more solitary, as such offering a tiny bit of security is pointless really. Might prevent grabbing and running but nothing more.
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Russdogg said 12:43PM on 10-07-2006
I agree with the guy who wrote the article. Targus is saying the average person would believe it is secure and is not a security expert. But a lot of people who steal are a bit more versed on security than the average person. So to me, it seems like targus is only trying to fool the purchasing public. Its like selling an "Elephant Whistle" to keep killer elephants away. It must work, since evertime I use it I don't see any elephants, right?
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