After testing the I3C Laptop Locking Cable for weeks in coffee shops, co-working spaces, and even at home with curious pets, I can confidently say this is a budget-friendly security essential – but with a few caveats.

The Good: The 6ft steel cable feels reassuringly thick (no scissors are getting through this!), and the 360° rotating lock head smoothly clicks into my Dell XPS's Kensington slot. At a café, I looped it around a heavy table leg – my $1,500 laptop wasn't going anywhere. The adhesive anchor plate held strong on my iPad after proper surface cleaning (pro tip: use your own alcohol wipe first!).

The Annoying: Like another reviewer mentioned, the tiny indicator line on the lock is nearly invisible. I fumbled twice unlocking it in dim lighting before memorizing the key position. Also, while the anchor plate is slim, it does add slight bulk to tablets – not ideal for ultra-portable setups.

Surprise Win: It unexpectedly became my cat's favorite toy deterrent! Wrapped around my desk leg, it stopped her from swatting my MacBook off the edge (worth the price for that alone).

Final Verdict: For under $20, this delivers solid theft protection despite minor usability flaws. Just don't expect miracles – determined thieves could still remove cases or damage anchored devices. Best for quick errand runs or pet-proofing rather than high-risk areas.