TheftCon

[astcell]

I saw a strange guy in my room area, in uniform, so when I walked by him I took his picture. That usually eliminates any possible troubles!

[big chopper]

Laptop Locks(?)

How does everyone feel about laptop locks? Do they just give a false sense of security?

I have name brand (expensive) bags because I travel a lot and don't like bags breaking when I'm on the road. So, I also try to loop the lock's cable through the handles of my bags. Sometimes its hard to find something to lock a laptop to. Often, I have resorted to locking it the toilet.

I've never felt easy with laptop locks, but I can't take my computer everywhere. What options are there when you need to leave you 'puter in your room?

[astcell]

Buy a backpack. Do not leave anything in your room you will cry over if you lose it. And if you leave it in your room you may wonder if you really need to bring it!

[jesse]

the howard johnson is really sketchy, but the maids certainly honored the DND sign... so much so we weren't able to get clean towels all con.

[jesse]

How does everyone feel about laptop locks? Do they just give a false sense of security?

http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=0...&tid=1&tid=218

apparently they're not worth a damn.

[big chopper]

Well there are times I don't want to have my laptop along (like at a beach or in a casino). This is especially true on longer business trips where I eventually need some separation from the computer.

Someone makes a net made from cables (looks like a basketball net) that you put your laptop into and lock to a water pipe or someting. That would be stronger than my Tumi bag and a DEFCON (ironic) lock. I don't need to keep it safe from a trained crook, only a sticky fingered maid.

Why can't someone build a laptop case with a decent integrated lock?

[ck3k]

I stayed with Kelvin, Kallahar and Tacitus for the con, and we decided to test and see if the maids where really paying attention. We where out and about, and returned to the room to see the housekeeper hanging out in there cleaning the bathroom, which was fairly dirty. Kelvin walked in, said Hi to the housekeeper and left with a laptop under his arm.....not exactly NSA level of security going on here, I am sure the AP doesnt care, but I think next year they should either 1. not clean rooms or 2. clean only when called 3. to close the door fully when cleaning a room.

[TheCotMan]

I stayed with Kelvin, Kallahar and Tacitus for the con, and we decided to test and see if the maids where really paying attention. We where out and about, and returned to the room to see the housekeeper hanging out in there cleaning the bathroom, which was fairly dirty. Kelvin walked in, said Hi to the housekeeper and left with a laptop under his arm.....not exactly NSA level of security going on here, I am sure the AP doesnt care, but I think next year they should either 1. not clean rooms or 2. clean only when called 3. to close the door fully when cleaning a room.

The AP respected our wishes on not cleaning util we left. We had enough people in our room on rotation (watching talks on the TV, or sleeping) throughout the day that we know they did not enter unless invited.

Reasons they have to have a maid in the room each day:
* Inspect rooms for damage to evict people early rather than let it get worse
* Clean incrementally so they is not a lot of work come sunday/monday morning

[DISINGENUOUS]

I think the word you're looking for is Porter.

They work with convention services and are the guys responcible for cleaning up all the lecture halls, setting up chairs, and cleaning up our messes.

OK, so we were sitting in the room and watching some of the talks when a guy from the hotel came around nocking on the doors and goes "House Keeping" I get up open the door and it was sa guy with a Trash Can, He had a key to all the rooms, I asked him what he was doing here and he said "I don't understand, no englis, etc". Well, I said what are you doing here you're not house keeping so what is the reason being? Well I called security and security said he was a "reporter" or some sort, and I told them you know it would be good if you hired people that did speak english becuase how do I know your guy is not going around the rooms stealing shit out of them. Well a few minutes later, while we continue to watch hte talks (this was sunday even) the security guard and the "head guy" for the "reporters" (I still have yet to know what a reporter is) Told me I didn't speak clear enough english to his worker, when I said. "What are you doing here, if you are not house keeping" I personally think that the Alexis Park should hire people who understands english. I was just concerned about other people's property in the other rooms especially while there is a guy going around claiming to be house keeping. As far as rent-a-car's are concerned, make sure your doors are locked. I don't re-call anyone getting their car stolen.

- tek

[batty1of3]

i lost my camera but i think i put it on a table in athena and turned my back on it so i guess its my own fault
:( ohh well
good excuse to get to get a new one

heh

[teklord]

Porter

I think the word you're looking for is Porter.

They work with convention services and are the guys responcible for cleaning up all the lecture halls, setting up chairs, and cleaning up our messes.

what was he doing going door to door when ppl were still checked in... heh

- tek

[astcell]

Aimskers lost her wedding ring in pool 2. When she told me about it, I told her I trust the folks there to turn it in over the folks at work! We checked with security. It had been turned in.

The odds of theft being an attendee are low, folks visit no doubt just to get a chance at a laptop.

[DJ Jackalope]

Yay this thread totally freaked me out, I'd never heard of cars being stolen at DC before. i'd heard of people getting jumped outside the AP and stuff, and i know wacky stuff totally goes on inside the rooms with the AP employees...but ugh!

astcell: the first thing i told Pen when i met her was that if your name is on something 80% of the time you will see it again. Hence, your faith in attendees vs the staff.

Kinda reminds me of DC8 when all my stuff got stolen out of my trunk at the NYNY.

lope :(

[BlackOrchid]

on a good note

I lost my camera bag which included a $50 bill, my credit card, pda, and mostly.. My drivers license. (I can't get on a plane without a license!) However, someone found it, turned it in and security hunted me down to return my bag. EVERYTHING was still in the bag-including the money!

I had a better experience with GOOD people than I did with those less desirable. (it's all about the positive energy!)

BO

[alklloyd]

I lost my camera bag which included a $50 bill, my credit card, pda, and mostly.. My drivers license. (I can't get on a plane without a license!) However, someone found it, turned it in and security hunted me down to return my bag. EVERYTHING was still in the bag-including the money!

I had a better experience with GOOD people than I did with those less desirable. (it's all about the positive energy!)

BO

Wow, that happens very seldom in real life. Good for you.

Al

PS: And nice meeting you