note

[piranha]

security torx != torx. *grump*. and i went all the way to radio shack (oh sorry, "the source by circuit city") to get electronics torx bits. alas i failed to notice the tiny centre pin in the miniature screws.

Comments

[vanbeast.livejournal.com]

security bits/screws are the biggest freakin' scam in history. I don't know if this is still the case, but about 5 years ago, you could pick up a standard T-10 (for instance) for about $3, but the security T-10 was $20 or more.

What the hell is that about? Oh yes, it's secure because it costs more! What, do they think that people who are likely to steal equipment out of racks or whatever have qualms about pocketing a screwdriver? Cripe.

[pir-anha.livejournal.com]

it's incredibly annoying -- these are two screws on the bottom of my laptop! all the others are phillips. WTF is the point?

[mayaknife.livejournal.com]

I'm betting that the CPU is under those screws, since it's the most valuable single element in the laptop. Still, you have to wonder just how effective the security torx are in deterring CPU theft/swaps.

[pir-anha.livejournal.com]

especially in a laptop. *rolls eyes*. like, if i wanted to steal one, i'd be swapping the CPU? heck, i'd put the whole thing under my trenchcoat and walk out with it. or however one steals laptops, maybe a briefcase would be more appropriate, *snicker*.

[huashan.livejournal.com]

Could you buy a security torx, two normal screws of the same size, remove the security torx screws, replace them with normal screws, and take the security torx tool back and get your money back?

Or buy the normal screws, take the laptop somewhere that sells a security torx "so you can make sure it's the right one" take them out in the store and replace them with the normal screws and then not buy a security torx?

I've never had to deal with those before, I don't really know how they work.

[pir-anha.livejournal.com]

they're not actually quite as hideously expensive as vanbeast says. :) i was just annoyed that they're a) there at all and b) that i didn't notice they were different, and c) that i have to order the bit online (which means wait longer to tackle the laptop, never a good proposition when my oomph is in short supply), and it costs extra for shipping (though i could probably find some other cool tool that i Must Have to bring that down).

i could call a couple computer stores and see whether they have a set and then go in and remove those two screws. just that i don't like to impose on people. alternatively i could try to grind the centre pin down with my dremel, and then use a regular torx bit. :) i think i'll probably do that, if i have a diamond bit small enough -- those are tiny screws.