Microsoft Fingerprint Reader ( DG2-00002 )

Rating:
Summary: Poor software support
Review: Although the reader itself works very quickly and does not fall for attempts to trick it using tape and silly putty, the software support for it is meager. Those of us using Firefox are out of luck as Microsoft surely has no plans on providing support for non MS browsers. Also, as other people have mentioned there is a bug with the logon functionality. You can use the reader to log onto your computer when you first turn it on, but not to regain access after a password protected screensaver locks you out.

As for making this a truly useful device, a built in password manager that just plain stores passwords would be a helpful add-on. Encryption/decryption as a shell extension (right clicking in Explorer) would be invaluable.

I have a reasonable expectation that since this was rushed to take advantage of the Christmas season and the software is only on version 1.0, the third party contracted to provide the software will improve its functionality. Otherwise I refuse to entrust IE for anything when Firefox is so much more efficient and productive.

It's worth the low price it's at now, but mostly due to the hope of better future support. If you are among the great unwashed IE users it's great for you. I plan on implementing this for PCs with multiple users since it does a reasonably good job of switching users on the fly.

Rating:
Summary: Makes my life easier!
Review: Excellent product. Just installed it in my office. Setup was a breeze! Some days I check the bank account, VISA, AmEx, cellular bill, 401k, stocks, etc. Those days are easier now! Only drawback so far: can't use it to log into a domain. I highly recommend this product to anyone who finds him or herself typing tons of passwords everyday.

Rating:
Summary: Useless Device
Review: I am very disappointed with this device. It is just piece of junk. It will not let to see your finger print. I want to analyze different finger prints, but no option. If you buy a printer, it should able to print, but this junk device not gives you any option. The cost of the sdk is about $1000, but I want to develop myself. I wish there was -1 star on this web site.

Rating:
Summary: Cute, but not really necessary
Review: I bought the Microsoft Fingerprint Reader (MFR) a few days ago and returned it today for a refund.

The device is easy to set up, and the included software is fairly simple to use and understand.

This product scans your fingerprint and automatically types in user ID's and passwords at websites you designate. However, I returned the MFR because it wasn't accurate enough to suit me. Too sporatic. Sometimes it worked flawlessly at various websites; other times I kept getting the error beep, which meant the reader didn't recognize my fingerprint.

For this to work at all, you have to place your finger on the device EXACTLY the same way each time, and even then it sometimes doesn't work on the first try. I frequently had to let MFR scan my finger 2-3 times before it was accepted and the stored info automatically typed in. Frankly, it was more efficient the old way: typing in my passwords manually.

After experiencing these frustrations, I looked for a solution. I made sure the sensor screen was clean, and I even updated the fingerprint software by downloading a newer version from Microsoft. Didn't help. Fingerprint scanning still sporatic.

Another downside to the MFR is that Microsoft makes it clear this device should not be used to store the passwords/user ID's of websites that deal with your financial information. Apparently, MFR doesn't have enough security or encryption technology to protect your sensitive info from hackers.


Rating:
Summary: Nice idea...software a little week
Review: I just bought this and it is a very nice idea. Didn't realize it until I got home and installed it that it would lead to a bit of work. Before installing this thing, my wife and I simply shared a single account on our computer. After installing I discovered the Fingerprint Reader would only reconize my prints. The fix was to create another user account on the computer before we could register my wife's prints and she could get to her stuff. Even when I tried the "add" feature for multiple accounts on the same web site it would use the person logged-in access info regardless of the "different" fingerprint. They designed this Reader where the person who is logged on in Windows has too much influence over the functionality and behavior of the program. I wanted something to manage our passwords and not make a system's administrator out me. It would have been nice to be able to manage this thing from within the program itself by being able to select the current user by name or fingerprints. In other words my fingerprints my web-sites...her fingerprints her web-sites without having to switch between accounts in Windows. (Some software packages allow this without having to have multiple accounts in Windows by basically acting as a password vault). For those of you who do not share a computer this device will probably do okay, though there is a bit of a problem with it letting you set up a log-on and then not being able to log-on again later. This could be the web-site itself causing the problem, but this weak software that drives the Fingerprint Reader won't even let you just delete the poor working log-on, at least I haven't found a way. I'll keep it and hope they improve the software.

Rating:
Summary: WARNING ---> ONLY works with Windows XP !!
Review: I read all the reviews I could find and no one mentioned that it only works with Windows XP. Found out the hard (and depressing) way when I went to install the software on my Windows 2000 PC. Can't say how it works and I don't plan on moving to XP just for this.

Rating:
Summary: takes time to recognise
Review: i really liked this device, easy install and good performance but i don't know why it takes a minute to act after using the device for some hours and i need restart to get the normal situation!!!

Rating:
Summary: Only works with Micrsoft Internet Explorer
Review: If you use a browser other than MSIE (as many of us do for security & feature reasons) the fingerprint reader will NOT let you log into ANY websites. Thus, unless you're a 100% Microsoft fan, the fingerprint reader is of limited value. Also had to use a specific USB port because it said the one built into my Dell keyboard wasn't supplying enough power! This is the first & only USB device that complained about my USB port.

Rating:
Summary: Not a gimmick - Very useful
Review: Pros:
software for fingerprint works flawlessly and VERY robust
Cons:
the fingerprint pad needs to cleaned (towel + water) REGULARLY or it wont sense your fingerprint anymore


Rating:
Summary: A must have gadget
Review: This little device is great, it saves me time you can't imagine.
Not only the software recognize any password field on the web but also with any application on your computer. Microsoft Persona rocks! on top of that it looks cool on your desk, and a nice conversation piece with your co-workers.