You are no match for the force, Elmo!
Developed by Phoenix Technologies, implemented by Lenovo, reported by Engadget, and designed by Darth Vader, Lenovo’s “Constant Secure Remote Disable” feature allows users the utmost in laptop security. Thinkpad users, beginning in Q1 2009, will have the equivalent of a “Red Button” kill switch for the protection of their data. Users are able to send a command over SMS to their WWAN enabled Thinkpads if the laptop has been stolen. The Thinkpad is then capable to respond via SMS as a confirmation that it’s accepted the command. If the laptop has been shut off, the command is held in cue and the next time it turns on and WWAN is enabled, the command will activate.
The question remains, what if the thief is actually smart and doesn’t turn on the mobile broadband? I suppose that the SMS message can be fed through multiple means so that any online connectivity will result in the death of the Thinkpad. It is a bit vindictive in its implementation but it’s not much different from engine kill switches on cars. But if technology in the 21st century has taught us anything, if there’s a will, there’s a way. I can see this feature being a good deterrent against theft and could probably help in company insurance claims since that’s the majority of Thinkpad user base. At least the feature will be included for free and seems easy enough to use. I would like to see this include an embedded GPS tracking unit and a seeing eye dog just to round out the package.
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Amos Ngai is the Editor in Chief of GamerWok and host of The GamerWok Hour and Across The Pond podcasts. 
