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Review: Griffin Portable Security for Laptops
I’ve been reading way too many articles about laptop thieves in airports and especially coffee shops. The first step, of course, is to get a secure password and a secure encryption system (we like Macs for that reason), but the second, is to lock your machine down if you spend a lot of time working away from home.
We tried out the Griffin Portable Security Techsafe locking system, which was invented I would guess because computers, at least our Macs, no longer come with a security latch built in to their cases. Griffin had to figure out another way.
Their solution is pretty easy. The kit comes with tiny clamp that fits easily into the hinge of most laptops. It’s a slightly delicate maneuver and not one you want to force, but once you do it once and see how it fits, it’s very simple. (The one big fear would be closing the laptop before inserting the clamp all the way, which would probably break the screen.)
Once the clamp is in, part of it protrudes out the back of the laptop, making it easy to latch onto with the include combination lock. LIke any lock and cable system, this is clearly not meant to chain a laptop somewhere out of sight and will only act as a slight deterrent, but one sure enough to stop anyone in all but the meanest of Starbucks locations.
Pros:
Simple mechanism and combo lock so no extra keys to carry.
Cons:
Cable wouldn’t stop of a dedicated thief, but weaker length is the clamp, which is made of a thinner metal, which could be cut pretty fast with wire shears. This could have been made more difficult with a shorter clamp that was more covered by the locking mechanism. The lock is set on one combination for life, so don’t lose it!
All in all, a good laptop security solution from Griffin.
Techsafe Cable Locking System from Griffin Technology $24.54 on Amazon.
GreatDad.com Review Policy: The featured product for this review was provided to us, at no cost, by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. We do not accept monetary compensation for reviewing or writing about products. We only review products that we have personally tested and used in our own homes, and all opinions expressed are our own.
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GeoPalz pedometer gets kids walking
GeoPalz is a simple pedometer with a Manga-themed holder. The technology here isn’t too complicated, but it is a good mix of a simple idea, a little fashion, and some good game psychology to get kids walking.
I gave one GeoPalz to each of my two kids, 7 and 11, and they were jumping around within minutes to get their step count up. They immediately wanted to to to the GeoPalz site to add their steps so they could track their progress. Motivating too, was the fact that certain step totals win “valuable prizes.” Of course, “valuable” is in the eyes of the beholder, but the $5 iTunes gift card was certainly enough to get my 11-year old daughter motivated. My son started stepping immediately, but I think more because he wants to beat his sister, and likes the interaction on the GeoPalz website.
I’d recommend GeoPalz for anyone wanting to get their kids up and moving around. It’s not a cure-all, but it will get them moving a few more steps at a time.
GreatDad.com Review Policy: The featured product for this review was provided to us, at no cost, by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. We do not accept monetary compensation for reviewing or writing about products. We only review products that we have personally tested and used in our own homes, and all opinions expressed are our own.
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Lego Advent calendars go fast!
It’s probably really sacrilegious, but my kids adore these Lego Advent calendars. There are 24 little goodies in the typical Advent calendar packaging, but instead of chocolates, kids (or adults?) get little Lego characters, or tiny city objects to put together. I personally like the City series best, since the objects actually have something to do with the season, like little Christmas trees or Santas. Another calendar has pirates, but has nothing to do with the holiday. Do not expect to see any Nativity scenes among the Legos.
I learned the hard way that the supply of these dries up in late November, but so be advised. We just get one for about $35, and the kids get to have a fight every morning about whose turn it is and who opened it last time. And isn’t a lot childish bickering what the season is all about? And isn’t it great to kick it off every morning around the breakfast table?
Note also that every year is different, and for obvious reasons the boxes are not marked with the year. If you are giving these to anyone, make sure to check on line for the latest SKU numbers. The box for #2824, featured above, for example is for 2010. #7592 for
Lego Kingdoms is also for this year.
N.B. I have never received any compensation or sample product from Lego. I just have a six year old son who has let them become his world.
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On My Desk this week: My Father Knows the Names of Things
My Father Knows the Names of Things is a slim volume that tells in a little boy’s rhyme all the amazing things his father knows, like name of fish and bug and flowers. It’s a cute book and does communicate the wonder little kids must have about how much stuff their mommy and daddy know. However, I left the book feeling a bit defeated and underachieving. I know neither the name of all the fish nor all the plants, and not that many constellations. I couldn’t help comparing myself to the dad in the book and wondering if my son thinks I’m all that amazing. I’d have to venture to think that the writer, a woman in this case, may be trying to say that kids are always amazed at how much their dads know, even if it seems to us like so much is unknown, because little kids know so little that we always look wise in comparison. At least that rationalization helped me make it through the day without torturing myself with comparisons to the omniscient dad in the book.
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On my desk this week – Make Room for Daddy
Make Room For Daddy- We usually only review books written by dads, but here is a serious book on on the evolution of men in the childbirth process. The author, Judith Walzer Leavitt, traces how the role of men in the delivery room has evolved from the 1940′s to the present day when the words, “We are pregnant,” are often said by both soon-to-be parents. This extensively research book has some new insights on subtle factors that led to this change like the advent of private rooms in the 1960s where fathers for the first time could be present for the delivery. She also notes how the new presence of dads in the delivery room helped changed some “cruel” practices in maternity wards.
By her own admission, Ms. Walzer Leavitt’s own opinions on the importance of fathers in the process changed substantially while researching this book, and it should be read by anyone still doubting how important this change in men’s roles was during the second half of the 20th Century.
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