Dell Preinstalling LoJack on Laptops

Nice move, Dell! When you configure a new Inspiron with Dell's CompleteCare Accidental Damage Service, you get Computrace LoJack for Laptops included for no additional charge. All the details can be found on the Dell website. (Existing Dell owners can get the service separately from Dell as well.)

I've noted previously that laptop theft is the industry's most common computer crime: You're much more likely to lose your PC to a thief than to experience damage or data loss from a virus or other malware.  How does LoJack for Laptops work? A lot like the way it works for cars: Whenever your PC is connected to the internet, the LoJack software checks in with the company periodically. If you tell LoJack the machine has been stolen, it is kicked into a high-alert mode and relays its location to the company every 15 minutes. LoJack then passes the location information onto law enforcement so the cops can recover the machine and arrest the perp.The company claims it recovers three out of four stolen computers, an amazingly good record.

The catch of course is that LoJack is software that relies on a net connection, so if a thief installs Linux on the machine or simply disables the networking connection on the laptop, it won't be able to report back to the mothership. That's unlikely, of course, but bear in mind that LoJack for Laptops isn't perfect.

Given that Dell's Accidental Damage Service costs $99 to $139 (depending on the length of the contract) and LoJack itself costs $50 to $100, that's a pretty good deal. That the warranty also covers damage from power surges and accidental drops is almost beside the point.

(Note that if you decide to opt for this service in a new Dell, the Dell website is currently not doing a great job of noting which machines are eligible for the LoJack service, so you might want to call before you order a new PC.)