LoJack, Protect Your MacBook From Thieves–Sort of

The worst thing imaginable happens, your poor MacBook is stolen and is in the hands of a dirty thief. Sometimes insurance will cover the costs for a new laptop, and sometimes you’re just out $1,000+.

But if you installed LoJack before the theft, you may be in luck. LoJack is a software application that runs silently on your Mac. If your laptop is stolen, you call a number and the next time your computer finds a network–it phones home.

Then, the company behind LoJack performs some voodoo to determine where your computer is and calls local law enforcement to retrieve your lost goods. At least that’s the theory.

The best cast scenario is law enforcement is able to recover your laptop and have it back in your hands without a scratch.

Worst case scenario? Well, there’s a few of those.

Thief Wipes Hard-drive Immediately

If the thief formats the hard-drive before connecting to a network, your S.O.L. Some laptops have LoJack installed in their firmware to prevent this, but I don’t believe this is available for the Mac.

Network is Firewalled

Not positive on this one, but logic should prevail here. If the network is firewalled, your Macbook will have trouble calling home. Again, your baby will be lost forever.

ISP Says Buzz Off

If dial-up is used, LoJack is able to determine the phone number and trace the address.

If broadband is being used, the IP will be retrieved and it’s up to the ISP whether they want to give out their customers information. Good luck there.

Law Enforcement Cooperation

The last piece of the puzzle is the cooperation of law enforcement. From what I’ve researched, they seem to be pretty helpful recovering stolen laptops, but this can vary from area to area.

The Ideal Solution

Obviously, the ideal solution would be not having your MacBook stolen in the first place. If you’re in the dorms, lock it down.

It’s still possible to cut through computer locks, but harder for someone to simply walk away with your laptop.

If your in a public place such as a library or cafe–keep your eyes on your laptop. It may seem like a good idea to leave it while you run to the bathroom, but it could end up being the most expensive bathroom visit you’ve ever made.

Also, make sure you backup your data. Your laptop is replaceable. Your data is much harder to replace. Corrupted hard disks aren’t your only enemy, sticky fingers are just as devastating.

Piece of Mind or Snake Oil?

I’ve read some cases where LoJack works exactly as advertised. However, I’ve also read you have a better chance of finding your MacBook going door to door and asking nicely.

Perhaps LoJack should offer an alternative method of blowing up the computer, then scan the hospitals for new burn victims. Find the guy with the Apple branded on his forehead and sue, sue, sue.

On a more serious note, has anyone actually had to use LoJack before? What was your experience?

Also, you could always install TheftSensor (video here) to have an alarm go off if someone moves your laptop.