RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesGo to the 9to5Mac home page Switch site 9to5Toys 9to5Google Logo 9to5Google Electrek Drone DJ Logo DroneDJ Space Explored About Privacy Toggle social menu Toggle dark mode Search for: Submit Toggle search form Forums Store Podcasts Apple@Work Happy Hour 9to5Mac Daily Overtime iPhone iPhone Mac Mac MacBook Pro MacBook Air iMac Mac mini Mac Studio Mac Pro iPad iPad Pro iPad Air iPad mini iPad iPadOS Watch Apple Watch Apple Watch Ultra Apple Health Apple Watch SE Vision Vision Pro visionOS Music and TV Apple Music AirPods HomePod Apple TV Guides Reviews How Tos AAPL Apple Store Apple Arcade Apple Card Apple Silicon Apple One Apple Fitness+ CarPlay Siri HomeKit Toggle dark mode MacBook Pro MacBook Air MacBook Neo MacBook Lock aims to keep your laptop safe in coffee shops Ben Lovejoy | Aug 25 2026 - 4:37 am PT 0 Comments Years ago, MacBooks incorporated a slot for using a cable lock to secure the device to a table leg or similar. They were most useful in coffee shops when you wanted to return to the counter to order another drink without having to carry your laptop with you.
Those slots are long gone, but you can now buy adapters to secure your MacBook Neo , MacBook Air or MacBook Pro …
You have to have been a relatively long-term MacBook user to remember the security slots embedded into the sides of the machines. These were designed for T-shaped attachments that were inserted through the slot, turned 90 degrees, and then locked into place. The most common design was a cable loop which could be passed around a table leg in a coffee shop or library.
CompuLock has now revived the idea with adapters that can be attached to the corner or edge of your MacBook in order to allow cable locks to be attached. They have a two-part construction with screws that enable the adapter to clamp to your MacBook.
The company has now added a MacBook Neo version to the existing models for the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro .
It should be stressed that these locks have only ever been very low-security devices, intended only to prevent someone quickly grabbing your MacBook and walking off with it in the space of a few seconds. I was happy enough to use one in smaller coffee shops, where I could still see my table while going to the counter for another cup of tea, but would never rely on one to let my MacBook out of my sight.
The adapters aren't cheap at $70, given that you will still need to buy the lock itself, but if you have one laying around in a drawer, then you might consider it worth dusting off.
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Ben Lovejoy is a British technology writer and EU Editor for 9to5Mac. He's known for his op-eds and diary pieces, exploring his experience of Apple products over time, for a more rounded review. He also writes fiction, with two technothriller novels, a couple of SF shorts and a rom-com!
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