SentrySafe PL048E Electronic Security Box, 0.5 Cubic Feet, Black
- Best used to secure laptops, cell phones, and other valuables
- Set your own combination for keyless convenience; secure safe to a stationary object with the tethering cable
- Portable safe is constructed with solid steel for reliable protection; Override key provided for backup access
SentrySafe X105 Security Safe with Digital Keypad, 0.9 Cubic Feet (Large)
- Security safe with digital keypad lock is an ideal solution for your valuables and electronics; This safe is not a fireproof or waterproof safe
- Safe features a set-your-own combination digital lock that uses a programmable 1-8 digit code
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Honeywell Safes & Door Locks - 6110 Large Fire Resistant Steel Security Safe Box with Digital Lock, 0.48-Cubic Feet, Black
- CASH MANAGEMENT - The Honeywell model 6110 fire resistant steel security box features a double steel wall construction with a fire resistant insulation.
- FEATURES - This steel box has a programmable digital lock with 2 emergency override access keys included.
Viking Security Safe VS-35BLX Biometric Safe Fingerprint Safe
- HIGHLY SECURE 8” x 17” x 14” BIOMETRIC FINGERPRINT SAFE - Unlocks Fast by Registered Fingerprint or PIN Code.
- FAST ACCESS PERSONAL SAFE FOR HOME & OFFICE DEFENCE AND PROTECTION – Upgraded 500 DPI Optical Sensor, Motorized 20mm deadbolt locking mechanism with 2 pry-resistant insertion slots, 5mm door, Seamless Laser Cut, Four Prong Backup Cross Key
Choosing the Best Laptop Safe/Lock Box for your Computer
It doesn’t matter what year it is; it happens to be 2020 now and it doesn’t matter where you are in the world. Whether you live in Russia or Austria, the United States or India – laptop theft is likely to be common wherever you are. If your laptop is stolen, it will most likely be a pretty nasty experience and may hurt you financially; especially if you are a student. Not to mention the precious documents or personal photos that could be taken away, forever.
Luckily, there is an efficient and affordable preventative measure to stop thieves from easily taking your laptop. The solution is simply, get yourself a laptop safe, lock box, safe box, or whatever you want to call it. Read the tips provided below to help you to pick the best laptop safe for your needs.
What is a Laptop Safe/Lock Box?
Most laptop safes are either tall and narrow or low and wide. These are the primary distinctive feature that separates them from the many other small safes on the market today. In general, as one might expect from the name, laptop safes are constructed in such a way that almost any laptop can be stored in them.
Of course, there are different size laptops and many of those also have accessories and so specific lock boxes will be best suited to a particular sized laptop.
The range of safes is very diverse. However, it’s not at all confusing when you sort them by size. So there are smaller lockboxes for laptops that have room for a 13” inch screen and then there are bigger units capable of containing notebooks with 17” inch screens and above.
Alongside your laptop computer, most safes have room for your mobile phone, wallet, documents, the charger or other accessories as well. You should be able to get a fair few accessories stored as well as your laptop. The best part is that these models are not that expensive either.
Are these safes different from regular safes in terms of how they work?
No, not at all. You open it to take out what’s inside, and you close it after putting things back in. It is not rocket science. Basically, it does what a normal safe is supposed to do, but its interior is more suited for laptop storage.
Depending on the safe’s lock type, unlocking the safe could require a key, a PIN number/combination or even biometric data – (your fingerprint scan).
It is worth noting that most laptop safes tend to be on the small-ish side. If you have additional larger items you wish to protect as well as your laptop then you may find the interior to have limited space for all that.
Storing a laptop and accessories will be fine, however storing a laptop with a whole array of other media equipment may be a tight squeeze. Just something to keep in mind.
At the end of the day these are still just regular safes that are best-suited for storing laptops, tablets, smartphones, similar gadgets or smaller tech equipment.
What to look for when buying a laptop safe?
When looking for any safe, establish one specific target in mind. In this case, you’re probably looking for the best safe for your laptop computer, tablet, etc at an affordable price. Again, if you are a college student living in a dorm room you are going to want the best laptop safe box at the lowest price.
Your lock box needs to be large enough for storing your laptop and possibly to have some spare room for other accessories. Another big factor is security. You will need a quality model; strong enough to protect your property from theft. It is always worth paying a little extra for a better quality made safe box.
So, begin by separating suitable options from incompatible units. Make sure your purchase meets constructional (e.g. – a fireproof safe, a safe with a biometric lock) and dimensional (e.g. – large enough for a 17” laptop), requirements you established.
There are three main factors that determine what a good safe is and separates it from the lower end models. These factors are: dimensions and constructional peculiarities lock type and insurance rating. Let’s dissect them one by one.
Dimensions & Constructional Peculiarities
If you go out looking to buy a safe for a laptop computer, the first thing to help identify the best product for you would be its dimensions. Safes that are too small won’t serve their purpose. On the other end, even though it’s quite good to buy a slightly larger unit than you might think is necessary, overspending is not the way you want to go either.
The best unit only has to be tall/wide and deep enough to store your laptop.
Find out the screen size of your computer. Pick either a vertical, (tall and narrow) or a horizontal, (low and wide) type of unit. Vertical layouts usually go well in dorms while horizontal is preferred in household environments, hotels, workspaces.
The right unit should have at least half an inch of ‘breathing room’ remaining after the laptop has been stored. So, for a 15” computer, the best laptop safe would have to be no less than either 15.5 inches tall or wide, (depending on the layout). Don’t forget to measure the depth as well.
In terms of constructional characteristics, you want a tough, heavy-duty metal frame, (likely it’s going to be steel) and have durable elements that could withstand tampering.
Any safe’s portability will always be limited. Still, most units in this category weigh under 40-45lbs, (<25kg), so transportation is possible. If portability is important to you then you may want to consider a lock safe that has a carry handle attached.
NOTE: Remember that for a thief, it is easier to steal the safe rather than to crack it open on the spot.
Laptop Safe Lock Type
The second feature, which is arguably the most important – is knowing what lock type the actual unit has. There are many different types of locks, but they fall into three main categories – mechanical, electronic and combined locks.
Electronic locks tend to be harder to crack, but they require occasional maintenance, (changing the batteries, etc.). Most of them are controlled through a keypad.
Mechanical locks are operated with the help of keys, twist & turn knobs and other barebones, time-tested mechanisms.
Moreover, modern electronic locks can utilise biometric triggers. The latter sound very modern and that’s because it is. Safes that have fingerprint readers allow seamless opening with much more added safety. Combined with a keypad, the biometric fingerprint scanner can be very protective because while the number combination can be cracked, your fingerprint is impossible to duplicate.
Finally, the combination locks are a mix of mechanical and electronic locks. These units are held in the highest regard because they are the hardest to crack and open for a thief.
Insurance Rating for a Laptop Safe Box
The final thing to look for is the insurance rating. If you are really concerned with the safety of your property, you might want to insure it. For that, you’ll need a safe that suits a particular insurance requirement. Before buying the best safe however, you’ll have to contact your insurance company to receive info on what safe to buy.
How much does a laptop safe cost?
It all depends on a variety of factors. The best laptop safe will likely not be the cheapest since you’ll always want the best quality and most safety. Actually, what’s the point of buying a safe which is not the best in your price range? You may regret it later down the road.
Expect to pay more for quality. The final price is bumped up by features like seamless finish, heavy-duty bolts, more accurate sensors or if it’s a thicker, more tamper-proof unit in general.
In terms of numbers, it’s hard to say precisely, but a basic laptop lock box can set you back $50. A bigger safe with a mechanical lock could be up to $150. A more sophisticated or larger unit with an electronic or combined lock can sell for up to 200 USD.
Noteworthy features and perks that some safes have
Money can buy more than just a fancy metal box. Most modern and high-end laptop safes come with a plethora of extra features that expand functionality and improve safety.
Amongst those features are: pry-resistance hinges, fingerprint scanners, fireproofing, AC ports (for charging), security cables, a loud alarm, etc. All are definitely worth paying a little extra for.
Carpeting is nice because it protects the exterior of your gadgets, but you can put some cushioning in the safe yourself. So, paying extra for it is not really justifiable.
A reliable lock is a must, while other features can be both useful or useless, as a lot depends on the buyer.
Summary
Let’s sum up all the details here, to understand what makes a safe box suitable for you and how to buy the right unit.
Firstly – settle on a budget, but be flexible. Moreover, never compromise when it comes to safety; it isn’t wise long-term, so only seek the best option available. Secondly – make sure you are getting a unit which is big enough for your belongings. It should be sturdy, heavy and not too complicated to open.
Moving on – the best lock type is a combo of mechanical and electronic locks. Insurance ratings matter if you wish to insure the most valuable items and store them in the safe. Finally – don’t overlook the vast array of additional features that could separate a good laptop safe from a great one! P.S. Always buy a slightly larger safe than you need right now because you’ll have more precious and valuable stuff to store soon. Trust us.
