Hardware Lock ?

[Razorback1]

Is buying a hardware lock a good idea, Is it something I should have or is it just an option for users. I didn't buy one when I bought CA X7, And have been trying to search what it exactly does. But to no avail.

 

 

[TheKitchenAbode]

Not aware of any need unless you are in a region where you are frequently without WIFI. If I know this will occur I activate Chief on my laptop before heading out or just tether to my cell phone for internet activation.

 

Graham 

[joey_martin]

Older versions had to have the lock in order to run....now there is a software lock. If you have a reliable internet connection, and don't travel away from the internet world much, you don't need it. I have not had one since version X1 (I think X1 is when they ended).

[Razorback1]

OK, Thanks, 

No need to spend $$ (I like that)

[lbuttery]

my partner and I always buy the hardware lock

 

when going to a clients I hated to do the activation dance

 

and then repeat when I got home

 

having the hardware lock also gives total independence for Chief

 

CA could disappear and you can still run chief

 

CA has done it yet, but I worry that someday they will shutoff the software locks for older versions

 

if you lose the hardware lock - it is the same as losing $2500 cash

if you break it or it is stolen CA may replace it for a small fee

but the older locks may be out of stock after awhile

 

call your insurance agent and get a named item business policy

 

so pro's and con's for both software and hardware lock

 

we chose hardware lock

 

Lew

[Alaskan_Son]

...when going to a clients I hated to do the activation dance

 

and then repeat when I got home...

 

 

This is really a non-issue if you're just quickly visiting a job site where you have no internet access.  I don't remember the exact time period, but using the software lock, you have something like a week to make an internet connection and sign in before the software is actually disabled.  I personally go without wi-fi fairly regularly and I haven't had any problems to date with any "activation dance".  When I finally DO have internet access, it takes all of about 15 seconds to sign onto my account and go through the deactivate and activate process.  Really not a big deal. 

[lbuttery]

Michael:

 

when I was doing it back when the software locks came out with X2

 

it was a multi-step PITA before leaving for the client and then reverse when getting home

 

maybe it has improved since then  ???

 

but that is only one reason for our preference for the hardware lock

 

being retired I don't go to client sites anymore

 

Lew