I suspect there will be a small side-business in folks willing to apply a Dremel with an able hand. :)

Wow, that seems like a serious omission to me. I've use my cable lock on many machines over the years (it's the only way to go to the restroom in a coffee shop and feel comfortable my MacBook Pro won't 'walk away'). And including the security slot shouldn't cost anything, add any complexity, or certainly any weight! Bad call, Apple.

Then what's the slot on the front-right of the keyboard? It's clearly visible on the Apple site.

Apple doesn't use the locking port in their Apple stores anyway. They use USB, eithernet, or phone jack alarms (they cable has a small led on the head), if it is unplugged from the computer an alarm sounds.

what about using one of these Belkin locks
http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-F5L013-Laptop-Security-Alarm/dp/B000RPVHDC

As a college student, I am always afraid of my Powerbook gaining legs as I study in the library (and sometimes doze off). A Kensington security cable has eased my fears. The portability of the MacBook Air means that we will have to carry into bathrooms at the coffee shop! LOL... I can see why this omission causes some concern for the Mac faithful.

Given how easy it is to crack the Kensington lock, the omission of the slot is nothing...

The Apple Store will probably just use the same thing they use to secure iPods. The pressure sensitive adhesive device. http://farm1.static.flickr.com/210/515651280_d5d2177703.jpg

Quote> The Kensington lock is similar to those used on motorcycle cable locks. There was a campaign in the UK in 2006 because it was discovered that the locks could be picked with a ballpoint pen! /Quote

This misses the point, as their are a number of different locks that work with the kensington standard. For instance, Targus makes one, and Kensington make about 4 different kinds (so you can avoid that ill-fated key one).

By removing this feature, it gives people limited to no convenient way to lock a machine for a short period of time (as we all know these locks arnt great for a committed thief with time). Of course, this probably wont make any difference as the only people who would want a lock feature our people who will be esspecially mobile and out and about and the macbook air doesnt target these... oh. EPIC FAIL Apple.

I predict that with all the drawbacks people will not purchase these computers. Simply put switchers are going to hear "no cd drive" and then the explanation on how to install from a CD and they will immediately have a headache. Traditional Mac users are going to say "no firewire? no optical? high price?... eh i dont need it" and the target audience, the bloggers, the mobiles, the travelers are going to say "no battery access and no security, no thanks." To the battery point, esspecially since their have been A LOT of problems with apple batteries lately. I recommend not letting them drain to 0% for long, they break easily, especially in cold weather. another EPIC fail.

You could try iAlertU

http://www.ialertu.com/

Michael

The Air is designed for mobility, what the heck do you need to lock in down for. If you are in a neighborhood where they swipe things then it's your fault for showing off. No Firewire, seriously, what do use Firewire for, editing video or external storage. If your editing video with this thing you need a new job. External storage is available via USB 2.

How has it "disappeared" if it was never there? A wee bit too sensational, IMHO. I stopped using Kensington locks when we all discovered you could defeat them with a BIC pen. And to the naysayers who think no one will buy the MacBook Air: 3 lbs! 3 lbs! That matters way more than extra USB ports, CD drives, or Firewire.