new security tech idea!!!! (better than garmin lock... i think)

And would this in some way reduce the chance of my window getting smashed and my GPS taken? Would it in some way increase the chance of my GPS being returned to me after being stolen?

Garmin's lock is weak, although even with only 4 digits I found it more trouble than it was worth to use, too many false inputs. But if they improved the lock (perhaps making the touch points cover more area, add a couple of more digits, and add a long delay after a few failed attempts so someone can't reasonably try all patterns), then your "feature" would be unneeded if the thief can't get into the device (which still doesn't get you your GPS back or your car window repaired). If the thief can get into the GPS then popping up a challenge as much as 6 months later hardly seems like much of a security plan to me.

It would make no difference. A thief sees some easily taken electronic gadget, they have no way of knowing if it's locked, or how. They'll grab it, and figure it out later. Then they either sell it (unlocked) or throw it in the trash (locked). Either way, you're out a GPS. I can't picture some crackhead going through 500 combinations (on average) to unlock a GPS, it would be quicker for them to just steal another.

What you're proposing would just be a major inconvience for a legitimate owner to use. A security question is no different than a longer password. I certainly wouldn't want my GPS to turn off in the middle of a vacation which I took to get away from email and the Internet. And if it's every 6 months, then a thief would have 3 months (on average) to sell what appears to be a working GPS to some sucker.

I think we can take certain precautions to secure our belongings, and then that which is beyond our control kicks in, good or bad.

If you hide your GPS out of plain sight, lock it in the trunk and disable the trunk release, and it is still stolen, so be it. That is with the assumption that you're protecting it while being transported in the car. If you mean while on your person, or you lose it, then maybe a code would work.

I think an ounce of prevention and common sense prevails...

i thought such a device would make it less easier or encouraging with thieves. if it could some home maybe give him a hard time with finding who he wants to rob next then maybe my idea isnt that bad.

Interesting idea...

I think it's better to not give chance to somebody to steal it. Just take it with you not leave it in your car. It was said by many on this forum: if it gets stolen there is small chance to get it back. Thief is not stealing for himself (usually) but to sell it and is checking if device will work after he steals it.
So just take care of gps. Or we get to the point of absurd with security: after all it will be even more secure if we gonna need to call garmin every time we want to power up and use gps. And before they let us we may have to provide license number, ss#, password and so on.

Very interesting idea. I would sign on for that

Ideas like this are nice until they get in the way. Imagine the first time that you are late to a business meeting in an unfamiliar city and your GPS device refuses to turn on until you check your email and retrieve a security code.

It would be better if Garmin were able to use MSN Direct, Traffic signals, even GPS signals to disable stolen devices after confirming with certainty that the rightful owner has declared her GPS lost or stolen.

Better yet, take a picture and record the voice of the theif and report it during next update; this assumes a camera and microphone on new units.

Jen

How bout Garmin using its satellites to track your GPS since it is a GPS and give you a location of your stolen GPS? how many times can I say GPS?

However, as has been said many, many times here, the best prevention is to take it with you. Do you leave your lap top sitting on the seat, or your wallet or purse? Probably not. The GPS is a fairly good investment so why not just do the obvious? Take it with you. No matter where! I’ve had laughs on a long trip, while in the men’s room it speaks! Lost satellite connection! Embarrassing? Not hardly. I’ve still got my GPS. All the prevention suggestions are great. And, sadly, none will work. Taking it with you will work every time. Absolutely! 100% of the time.

i agree then again. my unit was stolen from a friend's vehicle whom i lent it to.

These seems like a Cool Idea.

Just take it with you, or it will be taken from you!