Can laptops be traced?

**SurferJoe46** · 06-01-2008, 07:24 PM

Retinal recognition hardware anyone?

There is a Lo-Jac device for flaptops here in the US...calls directly to the police when or if the thing is reported missing or stolen.

It uses GPS to find it, but waits quietly until the "new user" signs on and sends an e-mail or some other incriminating evidence first.

**qazwsxokmijn** · 06-01-2008, 08:24 PM

Originally Posted by tutaenui

How cheap? It could be legit. Last year I bought a year old working 2nd hand lappie in mint condition for under $300 at auction in a deceased estate sale.

$400 for a $1200 laptop. Granted, he has no clue about computers, let alone their value. Don't know about his dad though.

**tutaenui** · 06-01-2008, 09:05 PM

That could be OK My $300 one retailed for about $1800. Are there any file on the computer, or have they been wiped? If they are still there it could give you a clue about the previous owner and a few discrete enquiries could establish its ownership.
I was actually quite shocked to find when I bought mine as the Public trust hadn't bothered to wipe the old files and I could find all sorts of information about the late owner right down to internet banking details and passwords.

**Lurking** · 06-01-2008, 10:31 PM

Hi Billy T, yes ZTree took over XTGold in part and I have the orignal paid for edition, you now have to pay for the upgrades and there has beden a few.

Don't think they have the full editing function, as this would now allow Hackers' an advantage!.

Regards,

Lurks.

**beeswax34** · 06-01-2008, 11:21 PM

You could always call up the Police and ask them if someone had reported a laptop being stolen with that serial/ID no. and see what they said.

**pctek** · 07-01-2008, 09:30 AM

Originally Posted by beeswax34

You could always call up the Police and ask them if someone had reported a laptop being stolen with that serial/ID no. and see what they said.

Yep.
And be charged with receiving.

**beeswax34** · 07-01-2008, 11:21 AM

Originally Posted by pctek

Yep.
And be charged with receiving.

I think that there would also be a bit of explaining before simply handing over the ID no,

**qazwsxokmijn** · 07-01-2008, 11:45 AM

It's out of my hands, now. The laptop is no longer in my possession and I will not ask the police if they have had any reports. I do not want to dub my friend in, or his father, if the father actually did steal the laptop.

Out of sight, out of mind.

**pctek** · 07-01-2008, 02:17 PM

Hmmm, interesting.

As a hypothetical question, why not? Would you if you knew they were for certain? Would you if the crime was assault rather than theft or receiving?

**qazwsxokmijn** · 07-01-2008, 03:34 PM

Why not? Because he's my friend, and even if I dub his father in, I'll lose this friend. If I knew he stole it? Don't know, we're not there.

If the crime was assault? Can't tell, as I haven't been in that position yet.