Steve Hoefer's secret knock detector is little more than a piezo speaker, a tiny gear reduction motor, an Arduino and some PVC pipe—basically a bunch of stuff he had lying around the lab. It works by keeping track of the time between a pattern of successive knocks. It's probably not the most secure way to lock a door, but Hoefer notes that there is a lot of room for improvement on this design. Besides making it small enough to actually fit in a doorknob, you could program it to accept a variety of knock patterns, including different knocks at different times of the day. Hit the link for instructions on how to build one yourself. [Grathio via Make]

The locks allow remote status checks and changes, so anywhere you've got a secure internet connection, you can lock and unlock the door at will. It's also got a ton of extra features, like turning on customized lighting when you enter the door or notifying you via email of anyone going in and out of your house. This is all done by Kwikset's marginally paranoid Connect4 system, and it's likely to cost a pretty penny. But I'd definitely pay a premium to be able to know for sure whether I locked the door. [Kwikset via Engadget]

As you can see in the video, Tobias and another security expert by the name of Tobias Bluzmanis were able to take out several high-security Medeco3 locks without so much as breaking a sweat. Impressive for sure, but the real problem is that Tobias makes the how-to of his lock-breaking public—all under the pretense that his work "makes shit better." That may be true, but there is no doubt that he takes a joy in the work that is...well damn near criminal. Check out Wired for the full story. [Wired]

Keyhole Surgery is Operation reinvented for lockpick enthusiasts. You view a 3D schematic of the lock on the computer, then try to guide the key through the maze of tumblers without striking the walls. He who has the least mistakes wins. He who has the most mistakes will require a good lawyer.

A concept for now, if you really like the device, we're sure some perceptive, agile manufacturer will come around to borrow the idea soon enough. [Moritz Waldemeyer via bbGadgets]

The researchers took a photograph of a Medeco key, printed the image onto a label and used the label as a cut-out guide for reshaping the plastic of the credit card. Voila; State secrets here we come! Any credit card plastic could be used to create a simulated key, they said.

The Medeco M3 key does have an extra feature that is supposed to add security – a step protrusion on one side of the key that helps moves the Medeco lock's slider. But the same crew that created this easy hack proved last year that all you needed to do was insert the end of a bent paper clip into lock, pushing back the slider and rendering the feature toothless. Considering Medeco locks are three to four times more expensive than conventional ones, maybe the company should jump on this problem stat. [Wired - Photo Credit: Dave Bullock]

Product Page [Via SCI FI]

Travle Security Gizmo for Laptops [BIOS]

I am an admin at a small college and I am going to deploy some Mac Minis in an unattended lab. What is the best way people have found to tie the minis down so they don't get legs and walk off?

This is my first experience with a notebook lock and maybe I just don't have enough experience with these, because it took me a while to figure out how to set the combination, but that is my lone complaint about this device. It required a coin to twist an extremely difficult-to-turn notch to set the combination. After I got the combination down it was time for a true durability test.

The sharp object test was in favor of Kensington. Both scissors and a small knife were not able to cut through the metal cable. Unfortunately with a sharp enough of a weapon or enough time, any kind of metal cable will be able to be severed. The only durability conflict that may occur is breaking the lock out of the Mac mini. The plastic back paneling of the mini would break before these durable cables snap from forceful pulling.

Kensington also has this lock available with the key-locks rather than combination. It just depends on the preference of the user. For a lab environment such as the one George is putting together it would be a tossup. If more than one admin knows the combination, there could be security concerns and key locks may be the better way to go. But for individual uses, the combination lock should be sufficient. Kensington has a variety of locks available with prices beginning at $40 each, maybe less with a bulk purchase, George.

For other security concerns, George, we suggest tying together the cables coming out of the Mac mini to help prevent any kind of peripheral theft. Zip tie all of the cables together immediately coming out of the mini. Now this isn't a full-proof 100-percent theft prevention method, it will at least help and not allow someone to easily unplug the mouse or keyboard and take it for their own.

Hope we were able to help, George. And good luck with your new Mac mini lab. – Travis Hudson

Kensington Lock Product Page [Kensington]

First up to the plate are four MicroSaver locks that have improved locking mechanisms. There are four different models available in keypad or combination lock-style. They will retail from $40 to $70.

Also Kensington introduced nine Contour laptop cases. These cases are endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association. They will be available this month and will retail for $30 to $100.

The lone product introduced by Kensington day that perks my ears a little is the Notebook Expansion Dock with Video. It is similar to the traditional laptop docks but rather than being model-specific, this dock will work with any laptop and only utilize one USB port on the actual laptop. It will allow for USB peripherals, speakers, mice, keyboard, VGA display and more. The wedge design also allows the laptop to be elevated, therefore improving airflow. The Notebook Expansion Dock retails for $180.

Kensington is introducing quite a few peripherals. The Ci60 and Ci20 Wireless Optical Mice have rubberized grips, five programmable buttons and DiamondEye optical technology. The Si300 Lase Mouse has laser tracking and a 4-way tilt scroll wheel. They have also released the Wireless Presenter and Wireless Presenter with Laser Pointer. These two presenters use 2.4GHz wireless technology in a palm-sized device to control presentations up to 50 feet away from the USB receiver. Prices for these peripherals begin at $25.

Lastly, here it is, the one you have been waiting for: the 4-in-1 Car Charger for iPod! This device will powers the iPod, charges the iPod, acts as an FM transmitter acts as a passthrough for FM Transmitters, and can charge other USB devices. – Travis Hudson

Thanks to Ben for the update.

Press Release [Via Gadgetell]

Compatible with all iPods that have a dock connector.

Just kidding about the bullying. Our readers are uber cool dudes who don't ever wet the bed!

Targus Desktop Security Lock for iPod® [Targus via The Gadget Blog]

But wait, there's a hidden number pad to enter your PIN code if you don't happen to have that passcard on you. The Doorcap Smart also functions as an alarm if somebody breaks in, and it re-locks itself if you unlock it and then for some reason don't open the door.

We're thinking that the keypad/PIN would be enough, but maybe the RFID card adds an extra layer of security. So perhaps there is a good use for this RFID stuff after all. Doorcap Smart is available now for $249.

Product page [via Red Ferret]

They currently have some installed in Geneva. Anyone else seen any?

Project Page [Bike-Tree via Random Good Stuff]

Ever seen a movie where some guy has to be cool and break into a room/building/closet with a padlock on it, so he goes and shoots it with his handgun, lock goes flying off, and in he goes? Of course you have. Well some old guy who kicks ass decided to hang up 5 tough padlocks in a field and tried shooting them off with a whole arsenal of weapons. Handguns (yes, even a .44) had no effect and rifles smashed through the locks, but they still held. So what finally did the trick? A shotgun. As Doom has shown us over the years in video games, if you need to get the job done, use a shotgun.

The Locks O' Truth [The Box O Truth via BoingBoing]