Safety, protection, value, insurance.... Just some of the things that come to mind when we purchase that expensive product. A TV, DVD Player, notebook computer.... We don't want these to be picked up by people we don't know, when we aren't looking. Most lockdown devices are just that: a big lock, that needs to attach to your new investment. This can, in many cases, void warranty. So, there is an alternative product, that can do much more than scare off people, it can give them a heart attack. Kryptonite (the manufacturer of those giant bike locks we see so often) has come up with the Portable Motion Sensor Alarm.

A small, portable device, that looks almost like a stun gun when you first see it. This small lock/alarm packs a punch. When activated, the 110dB alarm will definitely grab any attention. The speakers play through both side of the device, so you get that "surround sound" effect. With multiple settings, this protection device can be set for different situations.

The contents of the Kryptonite box.

When you spill the contents out of the box, you will find many items. First of all, the alarm/lock. A 9V battery is included, so you're all set to go when you purchase the alarm. A set of two screws are in there for the "docking" port, which allows you to mount the alarm in any location you please. If you don't want to, or can't use screws, 3M adhesive is also on the docking station, allowing you to attach the docking station to anything. Of course, you can't have a portable alarm, without being able to use the "lock port" on may of today's notebook PCs. A small "Computer Slot Attachment Adapter" is included, this allows for attaching the alarm to notebook PCs. Kryptonite provides a cleaning pad to make sure the surface you attach the adhesive to is clean.

Kryptonite's motion sensor alarm has a 3 foot retracting vinyl coated 2.5mm steel cable. This is how you will protect your investments. And a 3x10 combination lock makes sure that your alarm can't be deactivated (just remember to set a combination when you get it!).

The Kryptonite MSA attached to a Cappuccino PC.

A small little device, but capable of many things. The alarm is initialized after the "circuit" is complete. This involves the retracting cable. After you have attached it to what you need, you plug it back in to the Kryptonite alarm unit. This will begin a countdown delay. Within this time, you can set the modes. The default mode sets the alarm to activate after 2 seconds of shaking and/or cable tampering. Hitting the mode button will change it to wait for 8 seconds of shaking and/or cable tampering. And the last one will set it to check only for cable tampering.

By itself (not using the notebook slot adapter), this little protection device is great to have around. Especially for the traveler. Place this around your bag, in mode 1 or 2 (the 2 second or 8 second movement-based alarm) and you'll be notified if someone tries to "move" your bags without your say so. In mode 1 and 2, the alarm chirps when the motion sensor detects activity, so, prior to the alarm going off, you will know if your secured items are going somewhere without you.

The notebook slot adapter adds another level of protection that this Kryptonite lock can offer. A simple, heavy, solid, round lock that seems like it belongs on an expensive import car. Place the "feet" in the device, and spin the "ribbed knob." This causes the feet to rotate outwards, preventing removal once you pass the cable from the alarm unit through it. We did have some issues during testing with the actual slot adapter, but we worked out things in the end. If you ever have any issues, there is a 1-800 number you can call to receive support.

The Tests:

We decided to run a few tests to verify its operation was as advertised.

First test up was our "drop test." This test challenges the physical properties of the products we review. Considering that this device will be used to protect something valuable, it should be able to withstand some simple impacts that it may encounter from an unruly person, or through an accident.

All of the drop tests were conducted by dropping the lock/alarm from a height of two feet.

Continuation of the drop tests, using a different surface:

Final drop test surface tests:

We were happy that the lock could withstand the drop test. It was very difficult to do as the products casing appears to be a fragile thing. One of the team members could not even conduct the tests, and had to have someone else do it. He witnessed the testing, and was shocked. Do not be fooled by its appearance, it is a very strong product.

**There was a slight issue that would recur during our testing. When the lock is dropped with the cable side (same side with combination) facing the floor, the impact causes the cable (if still inside the "dock") to embed itself in the device. To set the combination, you must push the cable in, but the drop tests caused it to go even more in. We had to pry the cable out with a screwdriver. This minor issue does not affect the final rating since the impacts would most likely occur after the cable has been locked.

As this product appears easy to use, we handed it to anyone we saw, and told them what it was, and asked if they could arm it. We never mentioned how to release the cable, but, everyone was able to figure it out in under one minute. To test its functionality in a real world situation, we decided to leave a bag with the Kryptonite lock enabled, at a street corner. A few people saw it there, and tried to move it - but were instantly scared away. Eventually, one of the MostlyCreativeWorkshop crew went to pick it up, in a sneaky manner. The alarm was tripped, and he was stopped by some concerned people. The alarm was disabled, and he explained it belonged to him.

Kryptonite's Motion Sensor Alarm can also be used with notebooks/laptops/other products with a "slot lock" option. So, we attached the lock to one of our notebooks, and left it in a hotel lobby. Of course, we were close by in case anything would happen, but, just as the previous real world situation, those that attempted to move the notebook were running scared. And this was just with the trigger notification (the loud chirp that announces the motion sensor has detected motion). After the second person, no one bothered to touch the notebook at all. Someone even warned us when we were retrieving it, how thoughtful.

Finale:

When security is a concern, Kryptonite's products have always been there keeping our valuable items from escaping. Some members have had great experiences in the past with Kryptonite's other locking devices, and were enthused about a product such as this. Because of its design, this is an extremely versatile unit. Almost anything can be protected with it, and we know this is going to go with us anytime we travel. The locking mechanism and alarm performed better than expected, and we were shocked by what it was capable of. In the future, we are sure Kryptonite will be there to keep our items safe from dishonest people.

FINAL RATING: EXCELLENT!!! 10 / 10