Have you ever been worried about leaving your laptop computer out on a desk where someone could walk-off with it? You would lose a very expensive piece of equipment and, more importantly, all the confidential data on the hard drive. Targus has a product to give you a little peace of mind.

The Targus Defcon MDP is a PC Card that can be inserted into the PC Card Slot of any laptop computer. Once the software is installed and configured, the MDP gives you three basic features:

*Preventing unauthorized access to the operating system
*Providing secure password and encryption keys
*Sounding a very loud audible alarm if the laptop is moved

The MDP contains a motion-sensing systems that sounds a high (110 dB) or low (85 dB) alarm if the laptop is moved and not quickly returned to its original position or is carried beyond a distance specified by the owner. The card is rechargeable from the laptop so its protection system is active even when the laptop is off. A full charge will last up to 3 weeks. The MDP includes encryption software to prevent unauthorized users from accessing your data. You can configure the security perimeter alarm and motion settings.

Designed to be used while your laptop is stationary, you cannot use it while traveling or the alarm will sound every time you move the laptop carrying case. Once an alarm is activated, you must turn on the laptop, boot the OS, and enter your password. The MDP requires a Type II PC Card Slot, 25MB of storage space, and Windows 98 SE, 2000, ME, or XP. Of course, it still does not prevent someone from grabbing your laptop and running away, but it would be obvious that they were stealing your laptop while the alarm is sounding as they run. A smart thief could always eject the MDP card and throw it out a window, but no theft protection system is perfect. The main objective is always to protect your confidential data and the data would be encrypted without the MDP and password.

All theft protection systems have faults, but any effort you take will just make it easier for a thief to move on to someone else’s laptop. For the best protection, insure your laptop, backup the data, encrypt the hard drive, and use the MDP with a Notebook Cable Lock.

Pros
Easy to use
Low cost

Cons
Easy to eject and leave the MDP
If MDP is lost, you will not be able to decrypt your data

Rating: 6 out of 10 Stars.

Harvey Lee
Technology Editor

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Product: Targus Defcon MDP – Motion Data Protection
Manufacturer: Targus Inc.
Web Site: www.targus.com
Category: Laptop / Hardware
Price: $99.99