Stolen laptop returned courtesy Back to My Mac information and police work

The reason that it took so long is because when I was using the screen sharing function, they were giving an address that wasn't actually where they were living. So the police did go to the address, but no one was there. On top of that, they didn't actually commit a crime. They were just in possession of stolen property.

They had my laptop for a while, but the lethargic nature of the Apopka, Florida police department is ridiculous. Finally I told my wife to go get the laptop, because the investigations department is only open till 5pm or whatever.

I ended up finding out somehow their current location. It might have been while i was browsing the laptop when they werent home, but they left the laptop on. I dunno. If anyone has any questions, I would be happy to answer them.

I looked at the various products out there and chose Lojack because they dont just send you the ip address, pics, etc., they actually have a team of people who work with the police to recover the laptop. This sets them apart from the rest, because just as "Jim" experienced, the police are resistant to search for a stolen laptop for an individual or if they do take the case, it doesnt get priority. The version I bought also comes with a $1000 guarantee if they dont recover my mac in 60 days.

in case anyone is wondering, I bought Lojack on apple.com. Its also in the Apple stores.

I've heard good things about Undercover (http://www.orbicule.com/undercover/mac). And it's a one-time purchase, unlike Lojack's yearly subscription.

Lojack is wiped when the hard drive is reinstalled or replaced. So it's money wasted if that happens - no different really with the blab Jordan was spewing about if the password was on and they had to wipe the drive using the backtomymac method, which is not a core service it's supposed to provide. At least those who pay for the mobileme services uses the back to my mac for what it's intended for, and this location story is just icing on the cake. Buy INSURANCE, that's the biggest payoff you'll get if it's stolen. And don't send me excuses about your valuable data, if its valuable, its being backed up off-site at least daily and encrypted.

Back To My Mac isn't technically a 'rescue app', it was just used as one in this case.