Cellophane tape, for example: Tape a slip of paper with your name and identifying information (e-mail address, cell phone number) in an inconspicuous place on the device -- inside the battery cover or the backside of the battery itself. Then mark it conspicuously as well -- for example, if you can bring yourself to do it, stick your next few "Hi! My name is..." badges to the lid of your laptop. If it says it's yours, it's a lot less likely to wind up in somebody else's hands by mistake.

If it does get away from you, all may not yet be lost.

Computrace LoJack for Laptops

Computrace LoJack for Laptops maker Absolute Software Corp. claims that it recovers three out of four stolen computers that are loaded with its software. Once you install the application, the laptop silently contacts the company's monitoring center whenever it's online.

If you report the laptop stolen, the company's recovery team begins tracking the computer, using information the laptop provides to identify its location. It then gives law enforcement the tracking information and documentation needed for search warrants. At $49.99 for a year of coverage, or three years for $99.99, it's inexpensive for peace of mind.

LoJack for Laptops is available for Windows XP, Vista and Mac OS X 10.3 and up, and you can order it online. (Both Safari and Firefox for Mac work with the Web site. On a PC, you need Internet Explorer 6.0 or later.)

GadgetTrak

If you don't like the idea of a monitoring center tracking your computer's movements, WestinTech Ltd.'s GadgetTrak works similarly to LoJack for Laptops but sends the information it collects directly to you via e-mail. If your system is stolen, you can contact police with the location information gathered by the software.

The Windows version (for NT/2000/2003/XP/Vista) costs $39.95 for a one-year subscription, or $69.95 for three years. The Mac version (requires OS X 10.4 or higher) uses the computer's built-in iSight camera to capture video of whoever has your computer; it comes with a one-time price tag of $39.95.

GadgetTrak also offers theft-recovery services for GSM cell phones for a one-time fee of $24.95 per device. It supports BlackBerry, Windows Mobile and Symbian users. There's also a GadgetTrak service for USB-connected media devices such as MP3 players, digital cameras and flash drives. Prices range from $12.95 per year for a single device to $64.95 for 20 devices.

(Another good option for tracking your removable media devices is the new ihound service from ihound Software LLC. During its alpha/beta phase, users can track up to three USB-connected devices for free, but the software currently works only with PCs running Windows 2000, XP or Vista.)