Is Prey worth running or is the iCloud equivalent good enough?

frankspin's pick

I've been running Prey on my MacBook for a while now, and I will continue to run it for two reasons.
Redundancy. I like having a back up plan.
People that steal my MacBook would think to disable iCloud, where as prey is very well hidden. Harder it is for the thief to find, the better chance you have to get it back.
I also love how much info I get with prey.

As for system resources I have noticed any problems, and because its open source expect it to be secure (anyone can look over the code. This is really better in the end. Although it might cause some security flaws it also allows anyone to submit a fix.)

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frankspin 2012-03-21 09:34:03

Thanks, that was super helpful. Did you stick with the free plan or did you upgrade to premium?

Macbooklover91 2012-03-21 11:12:59

Free. I rarely pay for services like this because I never know when a new/better one will come out for less. The free is just fine. Gives you all the info you would need. I love the web cam feature and screen capture. I like to be able to take a picture of the person with my computer and catch them. A general tip for security. I have Guest log in on my MacBook turned on. The reason is because when someone steals/finds my computer I want them using it. They aren't going to be able to (easily) get into my user name. If I have any chance at getting the computer back I need them on wifi surfing Facebook, Not wiping the drive.

Macbooklover91 2012-03-21 11:23:07

The only exception to having more for the free plan is the more objects. I see you have a couple phones and many windows machines as well. One option is to use multiple log ins (can get confusing but then at least its still free). The plans are expensive but I find it hard to justify when I only have one laptop and I use Find My iPhone for my iPhone and iPad (this is one instance when I opt for Find My iPhone and not prey because it is easy for someone to just delete the app)

frankspin 2012-03-25 20:38:07

Thanks! The only device(s) I'd use it on would be the MBP since I am already using Lookout Mobile on my phones.

gdgt

Is Prey worth running or is the iCloud equivalent good enough?

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