GadgetTrak unveils MacTrak anti-theft service for Mac
updated 08:15 pm EST, Wed November 12, 2008
MacTrak AntiTheft service
GadgetTrak has unveiled its latest security product, the MacTrak anti-theft service for Mac. After installing the software on a computer, a user can log onto their MacTrack.me account to activate the tracking if the device is lost or stolen. WiFi positioning, available in some areas, is claimed to identify the location of the computer, with a resolution of 10-20 meters in some circumstances. The police can use the WiFi location, along with the IP address or other network information, to help find the thief and recover the device.
The program also integrates the built-in iSight camera and Flickr to take pictures of the Mac user every 30 minutes, which is then tagged with the location or network information. The images are set to "private" by default, but can be made public to aide recovery. Users are updated with e-mails and pictures sent to their Flickr account.
Unlike similar products from other companies, GadgetTrak does not charge any annual or subscription fees. MacTrak requires Mac OS X 10.5, and is now available for $60.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 2003
Review
I can’t seem to find any comparative reviews of stolen Mac recovery services. It looks to me like these are the options:
http://adeona.cs.washington.edu/
http://www.gadgettrak.com/products/mac/
http://www.lojackforlaptops.com/
http://www.orbicule.com/undercover/
I found Adeona to be less then professional (especially with recent OpenDHT problems). I wish someone would “test and compare” these programs to determine what really is the best option.
CVB