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ActiveWin.com: Microsoft Optical Desktop with Fingerprint Reader - Review | |
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| Time: 02:27 EST/07:27 GMT | News Source: ActiveWin.com | Posted By: Robert Stein | ||
I have posted my review of Microsoft's new Optical Desktop with Fingerprint Reader. Here is an excerpt: One of the latest hardware combinations coming out of Redmond is all about simplicity and style while being on the cutting edge of technology. Microsoft has released the newest version of the Microsoft Optical Desktop (now with fingerprint reader) in its attempt to jazz up some of the hardware on your desktop. This product follows a long line of stylish devices Microsoft has released this season (and actually includes variations of some of these devices). Using patented Optical Technology and sporting a black/ dark silver and hip design, Microsoft is trying to set a groove with people who want something sleek and stylish, yet functional, on their desktop. In addition; Microsoft is attempting to set the bar with the debut of the new biometric fingerprint reader available with this keyboard. Does the mouse and keyboard combo live up to its promises? Read on to find out. | ||
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| #1 By 37 (24.183.41.60) at 1/13/2005 7:26:33 AM |
| Excellent review, and sounds very convenient. |
| #2 By 2960 (156.80.64.203) at 1/13/2005 10:10:03 AM |
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Where is it? I've been holding off on a replacement to get this, but I've not seen it for sale anywhere.
Isn't this thing like 3 months overdue ? TL |
| #3 By 2960 (156.80.64.203) at 1/13/2005 10:11:47 AM |
|
Halaluya!
They finally went back to the industry standard 4X4X4 layout of the function keys :) TL |
| #4 By 19992 (164.214.4.61) at 1/13/2005 10:41:00 AM |
| Nice review, but I've got a question. Does the fingerprint reader work with browsers other then IE 6.0+? |
| #6 By 2 (24.239.197.85) at 1/13/2005 12:14:34 PM |
| The system requirements say IE 6+ and MSN Explorer 8+ only. And I saw it at best buy, Larry. |
| #7 By 37 (67.37.29.142) at 1/13/2005 12:14:41 PM |
| Maybe you can use it on the ipod shuffle so you can TYPE in the songs you want :oP |
| #8 By 7754 (216.160.8.41) at 1/13/2005 12:57:19 PM |
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Anyone using biometric readers (not necessarily Microsoft's) for their company, incidentally?
I agree with you, Hal--the warning doesn't exactly inspire confidence in the whole product. Is it more of a liability concern, perhaps? I would be nervous if I had kids; if they were technically-inclined and wanted to install some junk on the computer that I would otherwise not allow, being able to defeat the reader would make it a big problem, not a convenience. |
| #9 By 37 (67.37.29.142) at 1/13/2005 1:40:01 PM |
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"Is it more of a liability concern, perhaps?"
I think you hit the nail on the head. |
| #10 By 2 (24.239.197.85) at 1/13/2005 2:07:58 PM |
| Your fingerprint does remain on the reader... I had some fun like in the movies. I sprayed it with some canned air and dusted it, made the fingerprint stand out. Then I took a glove and try to press it...didn't work out.. maybe I am not doing it right :) |
| #11 By 2960 (156.80.64.203) at 1/13/2005 2:44:35 PM |
|
Brian,
From Best Buys Web Site: " Store Availability Not Available " What a bunch of Friodiots. That would explain why I haven't seen it. Thanks! TL |
| #12 By 2960 (156.80.64.203) at 1/13/2005 2:45:49 PM |
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Cool. CompUSA by my house has it. Guess I'll be stopping by there today :)
TL |
| #13 By 2960 (156.80.64.203) at 1/13/2005 2:49:56 PM |
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#11,
I think it's kinda like Airbags. You've seen those little non-removeable tags on these 'safety devices' that state "Warning - Risk of serious injury or death' ! Or "Warning - This 4 Wheel Drive Vehicle has a higher center of gravity than normal passanger cars and therefore should not be driven by complete blithering idiots. Avoid any sudden application of make-up at speeds in excess of 10mph" :) TL |
| #14 By 2960 (156.80.64.203) at 1/13/2005 2:51:48 PM |
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#13,
I've never done it, but rumor has it you can defeat these with a simple, lowly little gummy bear. Now, holding the owner down and sticking his finger with the gummy bear is probably the hard part :) -Larry |
| #15 By 2960 (156.80.64.203) at 1/13/2005 2:53:45 PM |
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BTW... I kinda hope these things do NOT make it into my work-place. My users have a heard enough time remembering their damned passwords as it is without something like this taking that chore away.
Microsofts finest invention - The ability to disable the "Remember Password" option of Outlook in the Security Policy :) TL |
| #16 By 2960 (156.80.64.203) at 1/13/2005 2:55:03 PM |
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Question - Anyone know if this works in other non-MS logins, such as Novell, SecureClient, etc... ?
TL |
| #17 By 2459 (69.22.124.228) at 1/14/2005 8:51:29 AM |
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As has been stated above, I believe the warning about securing your data with the fingerprint reader is a standard disclaimer for limiting liability. I saw practically the same warning on a Lexar USB flashdrive while looking for one that had fingerprint access control. Smartcards are a better solution for corporate security.
http://www.lexar.com/jumpdrive/jd_touchguard.html (Bottom of the page) "You should be aware that there are inherent risks associated with any biometric sensor technology and security safeguard, including encryption technology, and that biometric sensors and security safeguards, by their nature, are capable of circumvention. We cannot, and do not, guarantee that your data will not be accessed by unauthorized persons. You should not use this product to protect sensitive data such as financial information or for accessing corporate networks." This post was edited by n4cer on Friday, January 14, 2005 at 08:53. |
| #18 By 2960 (68.101.39.180) at 1/14/2005 1:29:27 PM |
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#22,
Probably my favorite movie of all time. And it just came out in Ultimate version :) I doubt the video/sound will be as good as the SuperBit though. TL |
| #19 By 2960 (156.80.64.203) at 1/17/2005 11:58:36 AM |
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Yep. Seen Cherry 2000. What a bizarre movie :) Most post-apocolyptic type movies are though!
That scene you're talking about in T5E is also a hell of a surround test for an audio system when she jumps and the cop car spins around and floors it. Makes my Cat jump up and he's usually 3 rooms away on the bed :) TL |
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