i leave mine outside all day everyday with a really fancy wheelset. i usually throw a NY chain/lock around the seat tube and rear wheel and a mini on the frame/front wheel OR a NY3000 U around the seat tube and rear wheel and the chain thru the frame and front wheel.
i wouldn't just use a mini if yr not gonna be around the bike for a while. i also wouldn't use a cable--unless it's just for the front wheel and the wheel's not likely to get jacked.
edit: however... i leave the chain locked at my lockup spot every night, so i only lug around the 3000
(which i also sometimes leave locked up) and/or the mini.