The Inquirer is running an opinion piece regarding the benefits of adding GSM network access to laptops. The ubiquity of the GSM standard would make access available most anywhere in the world. Fernando Cassia argues that it’s time to replace the dial up modem with wireless connectivity. The cost would be minimal and laptop theft would decrease.
Mobile devices are assigned a unique IMEI code, installed in a laptop they would do the same. Much more than a barcode, the IMEI code can be transmitted and received, so that a mobile phone operator can remotely shut down unauthorized phones.
Notebooks are easy to steal and harder to trace. Having reported laptops shutting down would certainly dissuade some from purchasing suspect laptops. By using GSM localization, the laptop could even be tracked.
Between inoperable laptops and track-ability, the article makes a compelling argument. At the very least it would save a call for those 10,000 (it bears repeating) people who manage to lose their laptops every week at U.S. airports. “Oh, hello Mr. Jones. Yes you’re laptop is at the airport. Again.”
So how about it? Do we need to know where are laptops are? Would it even work?
I don’t know who’s worse – the 10,000 people who lose their laptop each week, or the professional writers who don’t know the difference between your and you’re.
Dah – its not my fault, I swears it’s.
Reading back, that came off sounding quite a bit more harsh than I meant it to – sorry for being an ass.
Lose and had stolen are likely categorized together, I actually watched a bit on how some “professionals” would steal stuff from the airport. It was interesting. I do know one thing. Grammar Nazis are the worst people on Earth, seconded by the people who don’t even try to use proper English at all(i.e. ur a jerkoff rofl).
IMEI numbers are easily manipulated, it is called tumbling. Laptop theft would not decrease, thieves would adapt. Mobile phones are stolen just the same as laptops, their IMEI changed and sold. Also note that the airport theft stats quoted was from a study that was sponsored by Dell as propaganda to scare people into buying their theft recovery service.
There is software like GadgetTrak, LoJack etc that helps with theft recovery and as a deterrent, but I don’t think technology can replace common sense…and maybe learning a little Judo wouldn’t hurt.