Got my laptop stolen :(

HiImBrian · 10-18-2008

Well we threw a killer party last night and just my luck, some dick stole my laptop. We had a ton of people just packed in our basement and had a separate room where my buddy was dj-ing with my laptop and his turn tables. Well, somehow during the night somebody managed to steal my laptop w/o us realizing the music stopped or changed. Now I'm out $1500 and a $275 minor/noise violation.

I know it's my fault and all that stuff, but I was wondering if there is anything I can do to pursue getting my laptop back or recovered. I thought I heard once about macs having a sort of gps built in so they could be tracked down, but I called and talked to a guy that told me otherwise (he sounded sorta dumb though). Anyways, any help or advice would be great.

Matt D. · 10-18-2008

You're screwed.

For future reference: www.lojackforlaptops.com

**cmspaz** · 10-18-2008

Matt is likely right.

And laptop lojack FTW. I know Dell has a service built into their BIOS.

Got insurance?

turbotalon1g · 10-18-2008

Shitty.

HiImBrian · 10-18-2008

I'll check that site out when I'm sober. Right now I'm just drinking my sorrows away. I just found a post on craigslist for a macbook fs so I told him im very interested and if we meet up in person I'll check if its mine. Cross your fingers for me.

Shotgun! · 10-21-2008

Good luck on finding it and the beat down that follows.

HiImBrian · 10-21-2008

No beat down necessary. If I got it back I'd just be happy to have it. It's tough right now looking at every person on campus and thinking they stole my computer. Plus I hate having to borrow my roommates' laptops all the time.

Would? · 10-21-2008

#1 reason I don't have parties at my house.

clean2g · 10-21-2008

You have the serial number? Did you have apple care on the laptop?

HiImBrian · 10-22-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by clean2g

You have the serial number? Did you have apple care on the laptop?

yes and yes

I've filed a report with the cops. Apple can't track it down or anything, but they put it into there system that my laptop is stolen, but they weren't super nice or helpful about it. The protection plan doesn't cover anything, but I can get a refund and get some money back on just the protection plan.

Basically, I'm screwed and I doubt I'ma ever see my laptop again

C3L1CA · 10-22-2008

That sucks Brian, but at least you can get a little money back on it.

Wolf0573 · 10-22-2008

That sucks dude... you gotta keep that shit locked up...

.

SnoEclipse · 10-22-2008

Can AppleCare tell you the MAC address of the laptops internal network adapter?

If so, take that info along with a copy of the police report to school. Ask their network admins to put a search on their net for the MAC address. Don't block it, just find it. Once you find it, it's a simple matter to ID the jack they are plugged into and, well, grab the lappie back. Assuming of course that the douche that took your machine also goes to your school.

If you had a wireless adapter in the machine get the MAC address for that too.

The MAC address info might be on the system build sheet if Apple sent you one.

twack · 10-22-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by SnoEclipse

Can AppleCare tell you the MAC address of the laptops internal network adapter?

If so, take that info along with a copy of the police report to school. Ask their network admins to put a search on their net for the MAC address. Don't block it, just find it. Once you find it, it's a simple matter to ID the jack they are plugged into and, well, grab the lappie back. Assuming of course that the douche that took your machine also goes to your school.

If you had a wireless adapter in the machine get the MAC address for that too.

The MAC address info might be on the system build sheet if Apple sent you one.

i love technology

HiImBrian · 10-22-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by C3L1CA

That sucks Brian, but at least you can get a little money back on it.

Yea like mayyyyybe $100 haha. That's nothin when you spent $1300 on the laptop lol. Anyways, shucks I'm over it. Just gotta move on. I'd be nice to find it, but there's no use in staying mad.

HiImBrian · 10-22-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolf0573

That sucks dude... you gotta keep that shit locked up...

.

Door was locked, somebody broke in.

HiImBrian · 10-22-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by SnoEclipse

Can AppleCare tell you the MAC address of the laptops internal network adapter?

If so, take that info along with a copy of the police report to school. Ask their network admins to put a search on their net for the MAC address. Don't block it, just find it. Once you find it, it's a simple matter to ID the jack they are plugged into and, well, grab the lappie back. Assuming of course that the douche that took your machine also goes to your school.

If you had a wireless adapter in the machine get the MAC address for that too.

The MAC address info might be on the system build sheet if Apple sent you one.

pm sent

SnoEclipse · 10-22-2008

PM answered...

And yes, this tactic will only work on the networks where you can plead your case with the network admins to do some sleuthing for you. Hint: ALL Network Admins like to do unofficial sleuthing; it breaks up their day/week, lets them use a different skill set from the usual drudge, and potentially brings them a little prestiege. Play on that.

I'd start at school and then maybe follow up with other nearby networks where the perp might be stoopid enough to sign in. I have no idea if Starbucks or Caribou headquarters has the ability to help you out but a few phone calls can't hurt.

If you have some rough idea of who the perp is, find out all you can about him/her including school details. Every little bit helps.