"Only 33% of laptops lost and found in airports are reclaimed"

Having had 3 laptops stolen over the last 15 years - two in cars which were recovered within a few hours minus the laptops, and one from a hotel lobby, I say hurray to Dell's asset tracking and data protection services.

But I get wary when I read Dell sponsored research which says 2/3rd of folks who happen to walk off their airport security checks without their laptops do not bother to reclaim them. I may be tough on TSA on other matters, but this article fairly summarizes the effort they go to to help customers recover laptops (things like clothing or even mobile phones do not get any where near that attention)

Here are major reasons why people should be scrambling to get their laptops back:

a) given all the publicity around lost data, losing your laptop is in many cases equal to losing your job 

b) with airline delays and cutbacks in service on flights, your laptop is likely your entertainment lifeline once you clear security for the next umpteen hours

c) the thought of getting a replacement laptop with Vista installed :)

Comments

[Hugh]

Some recommend taping your business card to your laptop: http://mikeschaffner.typepad.com/michael_schaffner/2008/07/quick-tip-how-t.html

For items too small to attach a business card to them, you can obtain tiny individualized stick-on labels from StuffBak.com When someone finds your item, they call the 800-number shown for StuffBak, and StuffBak will take their contact information, offer them any reward you have pre-authorized, and call you so you can arrange to get the item from the finder.