Most of us have never had our desktop computers stolen. Almost as many have never experienced the loss of a laptop to theft either. However, having a tablet or a smart phone stolen is an unfortunate heartache many have suffered...or will in the future. Losing a $100 tablet is an annoyance and a frustration, but having a $600+ tablet stolen can be devastating.
One of the very cool features of Microsoft's Surface tablets is the handy-dandy kickstand they all feature. Once you use a Surface, you wonder why every tablet doesn't have one of these. In addition to adding all kinds of convenience/practicality to the Surface, the kickstand also provides an opportunity to add a touch of security as well. I decided to drill a hole on the bottom corner of one side of the kickstand. The thought is that, in a setting where a bit of security may be needed, the Surface could be locked to something stationary via a cable and small lock, similar to the laptop cable locks that are still on the market. At the coffee shop, in the university library, or maybe even the classroom, we've all had those moments where you need to turn away or get up and do something nearby, but you don't feel safe turning your back to your device.
1. Open the kickstand to its fully-extended position. Lay the kickstand on a workbench (tablet facing you) and drill a small hole near the bottom corner. If you don't trust the steadiness of your drilling skills, you may want to cover that area of the kickstand with making tape to prevent any scratches from a slipped drill bit.)
2. Then use a 1/2" bit to widen the hole to where it needs to be. The edges of the hole might be kind of sharp/jagged, so some light filing or sanding may be needed.
3. You can buy a cable, or you can make your own and save some cash. I picked up a few feet of 3/32" plastic covered wire rope at Home Depot's cut-what-you-need section for just over a dollar. A package of two swage sleeves was $1.37, so for around three bucks I had my security cable.
4. Loop the ends of the cable into the sleeves, making sure the holes created are big enough for each end of the cable to fit through. Then, crimp tightly, and it should be secure.
Grab an inexpensive luggage combination lock, and you are set to secure. Obviously, this is not intended as an all the time accessory to your Surface. There's even a bit of a hazard to having your tablet hooked to a cable, but for those moments where an extra step of security may be needed by some, this is a cheap, easy, fix.
-JT
(As with any modification you make to any under-warranty product, check with the manufacturer first to see if what you do affects the warranty in any way.)