[ewoodh2o]

This really sucks. I had something similar happen last December, except the laptop was stolen out of a locked hotel room. Not a shady place either...skyrise elevator-access place downtown in a big US city.

Hotel was of little help, and police don't do much except write down the S/N and alert the local pawn shops not to buy the machine.

Best bet is homeowner's or renter's insurance. Most policies will cover something like this. If you're in school, your (his) parents' coverage usually extends to cover your belongings. I have the basic $15/mo type coverage from State Farm - the kind that reduces your car insurance payment by more than $15/mo under their multi-policy discount - and they replaced my 3 year old MBP no-questions-asked.