Portables Without Cameras?

crankyspice writes "I work routinely in environments where a camera cannot physically be present (e.g., federal court), which really limits what I can carry with me. For instance, I'm a Mac guy, but there's no way to order a MacBook without a built-in webcam (which I've never used on the machines I've owned that have had one). Ditto the iPhone. I'm left with a BlackBerry 8830 and the bottom rung of the [W|L]Intel portables. Even then, when I ordered a Dell Mini 9, I had to wait more than a month because I specified no webcam when I placed the order. This is a relatively common (government, law, sensitive corporate environments) requirement; what have other Slashdotters done? Disabling the camera with a script or somesuch won't convince the $12/hour security guard that there's no camera. How can one easily find portable devices without a built-in camera?"

Comments

These places should do what others do

[ggendel]

Many high security establishments, both government and commercial, realize that they can't stop technology without serious concessions. What some do are to put a special tamper-proof tag over the camera. Then they just inspect the tag when you exit and, if tampered, confiscate the device until it can be validated.

Re:Sounds like you've covered it pretty well

[Anonymous Coward]

If it has a camera, it will often have to be removed by the IT/Security organization, so it can be properly "signed off." This doesn't happen often, as it often involves a lot of paperwork. Removing it yourself won't work, since it can't be "certified." Also, if the factory spec for the network shows a camera, then it has a camera - unless it's removed and documented by the appropriate people (see above). At least for cellphones, I know the business offerings from ATT have CURRENT cellphones with and without cameras. You won't see the no-camera offerings unless you're looking at their business offerings.

Re:dude..

[(H)elix1]

A sticker over the lens will usually keep the casual inspector at bay...

but there's no way to order a MacBook without

[Anonymous Coward]

http://images.apple.com/server/macosx/docs/Leopard_Security_Config_2nd_Ed.pdf Page 47: You can also have an Apple Authorized Technician remove the built-in video camera hardware from your Apple computer.

military solution

[v1]

The US govt bought some macbooks without cameras. I don't know if Apple removed them before selling to them, or if they had a 3rd party doing the removal process. What I DO know is they were manufactured with the cameras in them, and removed after production and packaging.

Re:military solution

[paxswill]

You can get Apple to remove the camera. I remember reading in a security document about disabling the camera. An option listed is to have it removed by an Apple service center (an Apple Store might do it, but unlikely), and they'll make a note of it in the Applecare database. You get a warranty, no camera, and access to secured areas.

Get an OQO

[clam666]

Get an OQO. Fits in a pocket, full windows xp/vista. Mobile broadband built right in. Extended batteries for hours of use.

http://www.oqo.com/

Re:Sounds like you've covered it pretty well

[SectoidRandom]

I don't know what both you and the original question asker are talking about.

I just went onto Dell's website and looked at the first range of laptops that I would ever consider for myself and NONE of the models have webcams? Why?

Because I selected 'Enterprise / Corporate' on the first page and not 'Home - give-me-all-your-crap-that-only-the-children-would-use'. :)

Come to think of it, I've only ever owned one laptop with a webcam, that that was back in the day (>5 years ago) when the only way to get a decent 3d card in a laptop was to go for the home models, since then none of my laptops have them simply because when I buy a laptop I want one designed to work, not look good, etc.

See:
Dell Examples

HP Examples

BTW, pretty much any business model laptop will include a model without webcam, for the exact reason raised by the original questioner.

I work in the Court system

[pacergh]

This includes Federal court and state court.

Each court is different. You have to know your court.

First, if you are an attorney, or go to court regularly as a non-court employee (attorney's assistant, expert witness, etc), then you should have at least one non-camera phone. If you can, try getting a phone you can just pop a SIM chip into and out of easily. (Dunno how well that works in the US -- my US carrier was always Verizon, no SIMs.) Or just go Blackberry (that's what I have, and for that reason).

Second, if you have a reason for needing your laptop this should not be a problem. The prohibition against camera's is not a universal and absolute prohibition.

If you're an attorney, speak with the judge for your case. Using a Macbook/MBP as part of your trial is fine. Explain to him your situation, explain to him any added measures you will take to cover the camera (such as tape), and he will let you take it through. (If he does not, well, you're an attorney -- I shouldn't have to tell you how to fix it.)

If you're not an attorney, but are working for/helping one, then speak with the attorney who is your main contact. Explain the situation and offer multiple ways in which the court may be appeased (such as tape over the camera).

If the judge knows who has the cameras and something then gets out, there will be no problem. The full wrath of the court can be directed at you for breaching the court's trust.

If you truly think you NEED the laptop while in court for something other than the case, why? Either you work there, and then you simply need to ask your supervisor/employer for permission, or you don't and there's no reason for you to be chilling in the courthouse browsing the internets and Twittering with Ashton. (And if you're media -- seriously? No excuse for that, either.)

As for other non-judicial sensitive areas, you're on your own. If I ran a security team at a secure business location, I'd likely not even allow in mobiles to begin with. Regardless, your rights are much more limited in private situations.

Of course, you could always use the advice of some Slashdotters here. First, since Windows is a pain, either get an Apple service center to remove the camera (or get a Linux machine with no camera). Second, go Windows with no camera.

Oh, and as for the Dell Mini 9 -- if you are truly an Apple guy, and you get one of these, you better Hackintosh it. I did mine, and it's fantastic.

Good luck, and have fun.

- Pacer

Let an Apple tech physically disable the camera

[chongo]

You can have the camera/microphone removed from your Apple MacBook. To quote from the Mac OS X Security Configuration for Version 10.5 Leopard Second Edition, Chapter 3 pages 50-51:

''If your environment does not permit the use of the following hardware components, you must physically disable them ...

Only an Apple Certified technician can physically disable these components without voiding the warranty on your computer. A limited number of Apple Certified technicians can remove preapproved components.

After an Apple Certified technician removes the component the technician logs a special note with Apple Care, indicating that the computer has had a component properly removed. Most components removed by Apple technicians can be reinstalled, if needed.

To locate a Certified Apple technician go to: www.apple.com/buy.

Also, see your local Apple representative for more information.

Note: If you are in a government organization and need a letter of volatility for Apple products, send your request to AppleFederal@apple.com.''

FYI: A similar action can be taken for hand held devices such as an Apple iPhone.

BTW: You can still use an external camera/microphone for services such as iChat on a MacBook where the built in devices have been removed. When permitted, plugging in an external camera/microphone will temporarily restore such capability. Moreover, by physically removing such external devices when they are not in use, you can better control them. :-)

So buy your MacBook, have a Apple Certified technician remove the offending components, and if needed get a letter of volatility. Q.E.D.