Is it true that new laptops have a GPS chip in them for theft recovery purposes?

Question

They used that little tidbit on the CBS show Numb3rs.

Since they use a mixture of truth and fiction, I was just wondering if you might know if that is true or not.

Answer 1

no, they don't. but they can often still be tracked down.

computers have identifying information which they broadcast on the internet (sometimes). the simplest example of this is when someone starts up aol instant messenger and signs in as you. aol can then tell you where the person connected from, roughly.

there is often other software on the computer which reports back to the manufacturer; in case the computer crashes the manufacturer might be able to tell you why.

anti-virus is another way to locate a lost computer; when it connects to get the latest virus definitions it will report your computer's id to the anti-virus company.

there are other ways too, but no gps. gps is expensive and doesn't really help out most people. no one would pay an extra $100 for a laptop with gps, since laptops aren't stolen often enough to justify the cost.

Answer 2

I have a brand new Toshiba, no GPS, no option to get either. But, I didn't ask .

Answer 3

Only if you request it for extra $'s.