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Microsoft Optical Desktop with Fingerprint Reader
Conclusion
It would appear that Microsoft hasn't given up the input device battle just yet. The Optical Desktop with Fingerprint Reader is functional and feature-rich. The included wireless optical mouse is lag free and comfortable to use while the keyboard melds nicely with many Microsoft software products. The preprogrammed and user definable keys offer near limitless options. The fingerprint reader is an innovative, if not slightly Orwellian, addition to a fantastic keyboard. It certainly saves typing time while logging into Windows XP or checking webmail. However, the "cool gadget" factor may not be enough to sell this product to the average consumer. The fact that the fingerprint reader can't be used to log onto a domain limits this product to tech savvy home users and smaller businesses rather than huge, multi-user corporations. The reader is very well suited to multiple users of a single XP machine!plus it glows a pretty red color. I did like the feel of this keyboard. Comfortable and quiet, it is a good choice for the ever-typing internet junkie or Microsoft Office products user. Again, the fingerprint reader is way cool, but not a necessity. If you are truly in need of a fingerprint reader, Microsoft does sell a single standalone unit as well as a version integrated into a wireless mouse receiver base. Finally, fingerprints aren't just for legal prosecution anymore. Thanks Microsoft! Pros: Cool technology that works! Comfortable and useful keyboard Quality wireless mouse Well integrated with Windows XP Cons: Not compatible with earlier Windows versions or Mac OS No domain logon using fingerprint reader
Page 1: Introduction & First Looks
Page 2: Testing: Keyboard Page 3: Testing: Fingerprint Reader Page 4: Testing: Mouse Page 5: Conclusion 
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Add Comment
10 User Comments 1 - Posted by
Dyrewolph
on November 7, 2005 - 8:58 pm teehehee nice review "bradford"!!! ;-) I didn't read it at all... I just felt like commenting :-D 2 - Posted by
Kurtis
on November 8, 2005 - 12:07 am *cough* /waves the ban stick in a circular motion and then pokes you with it. :poke: 3 - Posted by
blackjet
on November 8, 2005 - 3:38 am Nice review! The little scanner is cool! What happens if your finger print changes though, say you cut your finger? Can you over ride the fingerprint log in and enter a password instead to reset it to a different finger? 4 - Posted by
Kurtis
on November 8, 2005 - 11:25 am The way it works I believe is that you just need to know the actual PASSWORD to be able to set the fingerprint or change the fingerprint
5 - Posted by
handrail
on November 9, 2005 - 6:48 am actually, you can register all ten of your fingerprints at the start. plus, you can always log in the old fashioned way with the keyboard if you need to. once you are logged in as a user with a registered fingerprint, you can adjust your fingerprint scanner settings at any time. it just requires that you use an actual XP log on PW to keep your settings safe...not just set the PW to blank or something easy. brad. 6 - Posted by
blackjet
on November 9, 2005 - 7:48 am makes sense, its a nifty wee piece of kit. Not exactly essential, but fun none the less! :-)
7 - Posted by
IronSight
on November 9, 2005 - 5:51 pm It's a neat little thing, but I would think in someway it would eventually impair you from your computer :P Somehow...
8 - Posted by
Load
on February 16, 2006 - 1:28 pm There is no support for non-IE browsers, right?
9 - Posted by
handrail
on February 16, 2006 - 2:38 pm well, it will work with non-IE browsers just fine. you can set the various pre-programmed buttons to work with mozilla at least. when i tested it i got it to work with mozilla just fine. pretty much all of the buttons are programmable. hope that helps brad. 10 - Posted by
Rich
on March 7, 2006 - 10:00 am http://www.pcworld.com/resource/article/0,aid,1249... This is their standalone model. But it speaks volumes about Microsoft though. Add Comment To add a comment without being a member, you may omit the password field, but you must enter your name (or nickname) along with your comment. * Denotes required fields. |
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