Brando Workshop USB Wireless Security Lock

Gadgeteer Hands On Review by Judie Hughes

August 03, 2004

Product Requirements:
A Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP desktop or laptop computer with a USB port

We all like to think that our computer files will not be disturbed when we walk away from them, but depending on who you work or live with, this might be the impossible dream. Whether you require protection from a snooping co-worker or from a meddlesome room mate, password protection may be the best way for you to take a break from your computer while enjoying peace of mind. Brando Workshop offers a USB Wireless Security Lock that is supposed to put your computer into Lock Mode when you step away - without the trouble of logging off. I have to admit that this is not necessarily a product that I have a genuine use for, but I was game to give it a try.

Included in the package was a mini-CD driver disk, a USB male/female adapter extension cord, the USB Security lock wireless signal receiver, a wireless transmitter fob, the cable to attach to the fob/keys, and a battery.

The wireless fob is supposed to transmit a signal with an effective range of up to 6.5 feet (2 meters). After installing the battery in the fob, it is necessary to run the software on the mini-CD. The following screen will appear...

Hitting OK will install the software. Once completed, you will be prompted to enter a password. The Software portion of set-up is now complete.

Now let's take a look at the hardware. The Wireless PC Lock's USB receiver measures 2 5/8" long x 0.75" wide x 0.25" thick. The receiver's exterior is composed of  translucent blue plastic  with a green wireless indicator light.  The receiver is powered by the computer's USB port.

The transmitter's circular case is also composed of blue translucent plastic with a large green plastic button in the center. The battery in the transmitter is supposed to last for up to 2000 hours.

If nothing else, I like the colors of the hardware

The key fob loops through the two holes on the back of the transmitter...

...and the USB receiver simply plugs into a free USB port. If there isn't a front port available, then you can use the included male/female USB extension cord to access a rear port.

Once all of the software and hardware are in place, you can test the locking system...

When the USB receiver is plugged in and the green center button on the key fob is pressed, a green light will blink in both the fob and the USB receiver showing that the wireless connection is made and the computer is unlocked. The following icon will be displayed in the system tray...

This means that everything is operational, unlocked, and there is no password required

If you would like to quickly lock the computer while you are within range, then you can double left click on the wireless icon. This will immediately pull up the password entry screen requiring the correct input before anything further can be done on the computer. If you enter the password, you won't be able to access this quick feature again in the same manner as the computer is now unlocked through password entry. You can however relock the computer by right clicking on the wireless icon and selecting Password Locking.

At any time, if the wrong password is entered, then the entry screen will just stay the same - neither confirming nor denying the improper entry, but blocking access all the same. If the correct password is entered, you will be returned to the last viewed screen, however within a couple of seconds you will be required to re-enter the correct password again.

When the USB receiver is in place, but the wireless transmitter is not in the area (or is not turned on) and the computer has been unlocked via an entered password, then the following icon will be displayed...

Note how there is no wireless signal being represented in the icon

If the USB portion of the security lock is pulled from the port, then the following "locked" icon will show...

I had expected the software to automatically lock the computer when the receiver was pulled, but it did not. You have to right click on the icon and manually set the lock. If the receiver is plugged back into the USB port and the transmitter is not turned on, then the computer will remain unlocked. Briefly turning the wireless transmitter on then off will cause the password screen to appear. If the computer is reset, either with or without the USB receiver installed, then the password screen will appear. No further computer access will be allowed without the correct entry.

Well, to wrap it all up, the USB Wireless Security Lock is more than a bit gimmicky. Seeing as you can password protect any Windows computer, and invoking the protection is as easy as hitting Start/Log Off/Switch User, this isn't really a necessary item. However, if you happen to collect USB gizmos, then this flashy toy may satisfy your inner magpie.

Price: $27

Pros:
USB gadget collectors will like its gimmicky appeal

Cons:
Expensive, unnecessary gimmicky item

Discussion (1 comment)

Steven Dove
07/01/08
11:03 AM

I can make locking a password protected Windows computer even easier - just press the Windows Key + L. Go ahead, try it.

[Edited at July 01, 2008 11:04:04 AM.]