Microsoft Optical Desktop with Fingerprint Reader (BZ5-00002)

Rating:
Summary: Warning: Can not use Mozilla
Review: I was disappointed after trying to use the fingerprint reader with my Mozilla browser, apparently it only works under Internet Explorer. Not a good decision by Microsoft since most of the techno savvy people who purchase this product are not going to want to be forced into using Explorer.
I gave this product 4 stars, because it works wonderfully under the intended environment. Perhaps they will release an update that will allow the fingerprint reader to work under different browsers.

Rating:
Summary: Misleading
Review: Amazon has this keyboard listed with their wireless keyboards. It is NOT a wireless keyboard...I'm not sure if this is a good product or not - I gave it away as soon as I saw it was not wireless. The negative review is for Amazon's misleading advertising...

Rating:
Summary: Needs to be redone to log onto domain
Review: Does not let you logon to domain with your fingerprint. Thus is just a toy for home use.

Wait until they make a version that lets you log onto your domain with your fingerprint (oddly they act like somehow a "password" is more secure than your fingerprint, which as you know can't be copied or stolen). Product will be worthwhile once you can log onto domain. Otherwise, don't waste your time or money.

Mike Crowe


Rating:
Summary: AMAZINGLY CRISP N COMFY
Review: I am very satisfied buying this keyboard! It was defintely worth the money, even though I bought it when it was a little more expensvie than it is now. Anyways, the keyboard is sooo comfortable to use and wonderful. The mouse as welll is beautiful and wondeful on the wrist/hand. The fingerprint reader works amazingly!! It's a hottt item and I have had soooo many people compliment me on it everytime they come over to my room and see it! Defintely recommend it....worth every penny!

Rating:
Summary: Too many passwords - saves time
Review: I saw a prior review which said they couldn't install it and gave it only one star. I have enjoyed using this product since I got it a few weeks ago so I thought I'd add my two cents. I have a bunch of passwords and different username - maybe 15 or so. Basically with this keyboard, whenever you hit a logon you just press your finger flat on the red sensor - then, the first time it asks for your username/password, but after that it types them in for you for that website. Nothing earthshattering, but it does make life simpiler, and it wasn't any more expensive than any other keyboard/mouse setup. It installed quick and so far has worked everytime. I do have a few minor issues - first, there doesn't seem to be any way to backup the data. Second, I bought one for my computer at work but the fingerprint reader can't be used to log on to a domain (or unlock the screensaver when connected to a domain). This is unfortunate since I wanted to use it on my work PC too. Nonetheless I will give the product five stars - it isn't too often that Microsoft is an innovator - a few refinements are needed, but I think they are on to something. It is a cool product, and the fingerprint technology seems fast and accurate.

Rating:
Summary: Nice setup but Microsoft only :(
Review: I test drove one of these rigs at a local computer store and came really close to buying a couple for my home computers, that is, until I found out that the fingerprint reader only works with Internet Explorer.

Glad I held off and did the research first. IE is only allowed for Windows Updates at my house and Firefox is the browser of choice.

The keyboard and mouse are really nice, stylish and well constructed and if your willing to take your chances with IE, it's a buy. Otherwise, it's unfortunate that Microsoft, in their usual arrogance, neglected to provide support for third party browsers.

They lost a sale because of this.

Rating:
Summary: Nearly Perfect
Review: I've had this keyboard for a few days now and couldn't be more pleased. The fingerprint reader works great and is definitely an attention getter in the dorm. The keyboard itself is very comfortable and well designed. The same goes for the wireless mouse. I would definitely recommend this one.

Rating:
Summary: Not a gimmick - Very useful but some drawbacks
Review: Pros:
1) software for fingerprint works flawlessly and VERY robust
2) the keyboard is a STANDARD layout unlike many previous ms keyboards
Cons:
1) the fingerprint pad needs to cleaned (towel + water) REGULARLY or it wont sense your fingerprint anymore
2) very poor design in that it takes TWO valuable USB ports when they could have designed it to use one and have the wireless receiver integrated into the keyboard.
3) the mouse (Wireless Optical Mouse 2.0) tapers out at the bottom which pushes the pinky finger outwards which makes for a very unergonomical hold on the mouse (at least for me) My old Logitech Click! felt so much better being it tapered in at the bottom.


Rating:
Summary: Easy and Accurate
Review: The fingerprint reader on this thing is worth every penny. I was sceptical on how accurate this would be but it has lived up to all it can be!!
FYI: Only the mouse is wireless, not the keyboard

Rating:
Summary: Keyboard is amazing, mouse not so much...
Review: The keyboard is great. Good feel, tons of customizable buttons, and the finger print reader is amazing. It works so well, never falses, and so far I have not been able to trick it.

It does get smudged easily, but even though it looks foggy it still tends to read the print through all that. It does require a quick wipe down (they say to use tape to lift the print marks off) every now and then.

The mouse is okay...wireless is cool, but it lacks the thumb buttons I was used to (for forward and back in IE). It has a tilt wheel but unless you are an Excel guru you probably won't use it much. The mouse does feel good and fits in the hand really well...if it just had those thumb buttons it would be great.

Setup is easy but requires software from two CD's where they should have made it one setup program. Training the fingerprint thing only takes seconds. Not sure how I lived without the finger print reader.

Yea..and why does MS make you agree to their disclaimer about the reader not being secure and all that...although I am sure this thing is not the worlds most secure finger print reader it surely is more secure than keeping a list of passwords on your PC or on paper next to your PC. I'd say as long as you aren't heading up shuttle missions it is more than enough security.