advantages/disadvantages to fingerprint scanner

About to buy an s7020D- is the fingerprint scanner worth considering? I am a little confused as to its set-up/function/use/scrolling feature- so any and all info. would be appreciated- THANKS!!!

 

I have the fingerprint scanner on my T42. It is convienent for logging on because I try and have a long password with numbers and letters. That is really the only thing I use it for. If I didn't have it I don't think I'd miss it much. I know some others around here uses it for storing passwords of websites and stuff, but I never use it for that. As for the setup, you install the software. You register your fingerprint(s) and password on the scanner/software. When you boot up, you swipe you finger over it and it logs you in. I know on some other forums like thinkpads.com others have had trouble getting it work. Good Luck.






I was robbed by a sweet little old lady on a motorized cart and I didn't even see it coming.

-Lloyd Christmas


Thinkpad T42:
* 1.8Ghz Pentium M * 1.5GB Memory * 60GB Hitachi 7200RPM * 15" SXGA+ Flexview * NEC ND-6500A * Win 2k *

 

Being a person who designs biometric recognition systems (facial, fingerprint, palms, eyes, etc) as research, I'm definitely obliged to say something here. I personally don't advocate the existing scanners in laptops due to their sensitivity. Depending on the make, the scanners can be highly sensitive to even the slightest of changes including small amounts of sweat or just a change in humidity.

Current systems are far from ideal which is why you don't see them implemented everywhere. Really accurate systems take too much time to do the job, while fast systems are really prone to error. Regardless there is still a lot of error with respect to letting unauthorized people have access.

Also, unless you're leaving your machine unattended in a public place regularly or are that paranoid, how necessary is a fingerprint scanner? It's really just a gimmick right now and is only even partially useful to people who travel a lot, have sensitive information, and can expect to have their machines targeted for theft or hacking (i.e. people in the defense industry, I should know I work for such a company).

Well that was entirely too long, but what can I say? I'm passionate about my work.

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"Everyday, in every way, I'm getting better and better."

Dell Inspiron 700 M: 2.0Ghz PM, 1024MB DDR SDRAM, 60GB 5400RPM, Dual Layer 8x CD/DVD+/-RW

IBM G41: 3.06Ghz P4M with HT, 1.5GB DDR SDRAM, 80GB 5400RPM, 8x CD/DVD+/-RW

 

Thanks- that's kinda what I thought- but since it was so hyped, I wanted to make sure it wasn't a mistake not to include it as an option.

 

I wouldn't think it would be a mistake to have the fp sensor. I didn't plan on needing it on my P7010 when I bought it but it is good to have it in case down the road you sell the thing.

Do I think it's a good idea to have the scanner? Now that I've used my P for about 3 weeks now I personally wish it had a scroll button like on my Acer. Using the sensor to scroll is trying at times, when I want the page to move a bit it may decide to move half way down the page. Sometimes it gets on my nerves. A proper 4 way scroll button would have been better.

I've even tried to put in my fingerprint into the omni key program, I thought it had registered my print but when I try to log in it doesn't seem to recognize my print. Basically I disabled the omni print program, went into bios and put in passwords on my P. So now when I wake it up, restart, or boot from cold I type in my password before it loads up windows.

Tony

T. Chan

Self built PC, P4 3.2Ghz HT

Acer 1681WLMi

Fujitsu P7010

 

For me personally, i love the fp scanner. I use it for IE, most of the remote program i have, and also, windows logon. For scrolling i use the most right pad of the touchpad, you can configure it. it's much better than using a scroll button, and FP always brings ooo and ahhhs in the airport or anywhere when u log in



I didn't know that FP scanner can be used for bios passwd, can it? if it can, can some one tell me how to do it?
Thanx//

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S7011 - *1.6mHZ*, *512MB DDR 333*, *Hitachi Travelstar 60G 7200RPM*, *Toshiba CDRW Combo Drive*, *14.1' SuperFine*, *Fingerprint Scanner*, *Intel Pro 2200 B/G*, *Logitec Black Optical Mouse*

 

I like it too for managing passwords and login. Sure it's not perfect, but for the cost, I see the benefit. Not for everyone tough, as already noted.

Brian

www.BargainPDA.com | www.DigitalCameraReview.com | www.NotebookReview.com | www.SpotStop.com | www.TabletPCReviewSpot.com

 

After taking a look at how much adding a fingerprint scanner costs, it's not a complete waste of money relative to cost of the entire laptop. I'm of course biased since I don't really accept anything but perfect when it comes to these systems.

Bottom line, if you think you'll be using it a lot, go for it. However, if you're just getting it because you think it'll be cool. then I think that's a waste of money.

-------------------------
"Everyday, in every way, I'm getting better and better."

Dell Inspiron 700 M: 2.0Ghz PM, 1024MB DDR SDRAM, 60GB 5400RPM, Dual Layer 8x CD/DVD+/-RW

IBM G41: 3.06Ghz P4M with HT, 1.5GB DDR SDRAM, 80GB 5400RPM, 8x CD/DVD+/-RW

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by sutheep

 

IT can, but you have to buy the full version of the software. The Fujitsu version is a little limited.

Brian

www.BargainPDA.com | www.DigitalCameraReview.com | www.NotebookReview.com | www.SpotStop.com | www.TabletPCReviewSpot.com