Fingerprint Feature on Laptops, Do you use them?
January 26, 2010 by mhisham · 8 Comments
I posted this question on Twitter & Facebook recently. More out of boredom than anything substantial. However, the response I received were rather interesting. I mean, the comments that comes with the response of Yes or No.
For me, the fingerprint function was something I was testing out after doing a fresh install of Windows 7. As usual, Windows 7 did not disappoint me by automatically having a function and a software to enable me to use the fingerprint device (it was initially not enabled as user has not explored the function!).
The whole process of initiating my fingers, which is called the enrolling process, is very easy. My past experiences with fingerprint devices is that, a casual swipe sometimes trigger un-called for operations within the computer. However, with this set, it is clear that either my laptop or Windows 7, gets it. Random or casual swipes does not suddenly switch my application view from what I wanted. It was what fingerprint was designed for. A simple way to login using one or all of your fingers. Updating the drivers from windows, I had to re-do the enrolling process. Even then, the advanced panel of doing it is easy and it still does not inherit the problems reported the last time this was used on Windows XP.
Enough said that my own personal experience using the fingerprint device on my laptop makes logging in a breeze. Now, let’s get on to the quick survey I did and take a look at the responses. Thank you all who responded to the quick survey.
So we are tied at 50-50. The responses for this are as varied too.
- @ameliachen: Yes I use my fingerprints to login on my laptop. I like the convenience
- @smithankyou: nope ! too troublesome.
- @david_shen: Nah, accidental brushes made it more annoying than useful.
- @groovygenie : Mine does have fingerprint recognition (Toshiba) but gave up trying to set it up, so not using
- @jst79 : yes I do. It’s so convenient.
- Bernard Lee on fb : ALL THE TIME!
- Chris Hansen on FB: When I had one I did. Much easier than logging in.
- @dumbellz: nope! My friend ask me not to use…
Oops I didn’t see your survey. Anyway I started using it when I first got my Fujitsu Lifebook and it’s been a great time saver! What I did was enroll 2 fingers on each hand, 1 finger for my normal account and 1 finger for admin account. That way I can login and allow UAC elevation with either hand. Very useful!
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mhisham reply on January 26th, 2010 9:33 am:
@Samuel, oh wait! i can do that?! oh wait, my account is already admin. but THAT would be a lifesaver in terms of time saved!
haha thanks for the tip Samuel!
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Samuel reply on January 26th, 2010 9:44 am:
@mhisham, yeah… it’s convenient because my fingerprint scanner is positioned between the two buttons on the touchpad and can easily be reached by either hand (it doubles up as a scrollwheel when not in use as a fingerprint sensor).
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Missed your tweet. Anyway, I will definitely use it if my laptop has the feature. My old T43 has a fingerprint reader and I’ve been using it ever since. It’s much easier to login.
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mhisham reply on January 26th, 2010 12:11 pm:
@DK, yeah i thought so. so you don’t have issues with accidental swipes on on the t43 fingerprint reader?
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I don’t know what accidental swipe. The fingerprint reader is only used during login and is located at a corner. You really need to swipe your finger across the fingerprint reader for it to recognize. Don’t think there will be any accident swipe.
And I must say that the fingerprint scanner is pretty accurate. Almost 95% correct. But entering password also can have typo. Just re-swipe again if they fail to recognize your finger.
There is no need to worry about unauthorized access. So far I’ve never seen a case when an unapproved finger managed to gain access.
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i see my IT director use it all the time. makes sense when u’ve got a lot of sensitive data like P&L spreadsheets and employee HR matters on ur computer.
i’m wondering when and if Mac will be implementing a fingerprint scanner thing-a-magic
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mhisham reply on February 22nd, 2010 10:42 am:
@Jermyn Toh, you can always use a usb attachment right?
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