The Windows Hello biometric authentication system, which is part of Windows 10, is designed to replace the traditional method of protecting user accounts. To access the OS Windows 10 , sites, services and applications are encouraged to use fingerprints instead of passwords. Or identify the face or iris with a 3D camera.
This solution provides certain advantages for the user. Often, it takes less time to scan a fingerprint than to enter a complex password. In addition, on its blog, Microsoft stated that the security of the new unlock method meets the requirements of government, financial institutions, etc.
However, Windows Hello is not in high demand. One of the reasons is that not every laptop is equipped with user identification devices, not to mention desktop PCs. In addition, few people will decide to buy a new laptop with a fingerprint scanner for the sake of one function. However, in the summer of 2016, Microsoft gave third-party developers access to the Windows Hello Companion Device Framework library. Therefore, in the near future we should expect the release of external devices for identification, compatible with Windows Hello.
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VeriMark Fingerprint Key
Among the first such devices is the VeriMark Fingerprint Key fingerprint scanner, presented by Kensington at CES 2017. The sensor is Synaptics Natural ID, with high speed and a recognition angle of up to 360 degrees. The sensor analyzes fingerprints using built-in artificial intelligence technology that distinguishes a real finger from fake overprints. The filling is placed in a case the size of a miniature WiFi or Bluetooth adapter. The device is equipped with a USB interface and comes with a cap with an eyelet.
The scanner is not limited by the ability to authorize a user in a Windows 10 account. Thanks to the FIDO certificate, the USB key is able to provide access to services using U2F two-factor authentication. Among them are Google, Dropbox, GitHub, Evernote, WordPress and others.
PQI My Lockey
A similar solution was announced by PQI in December 2016. My Lockey is equipped with a capacitive 360-degree sensor that accurately and quickly (0.15 sec) scans fingerprints. The manufacturer provides security with the help of AI that can distinguish biological identifiers from fakes. The scanner recognizes up to 10 prints, and supports accounts. Thanks to this, several people can use one computer, and each will have access to an individual working environment. The presence of FIDO certification allows you to use the device for online payments and access to sites without a password.
Connecting Fingerprint USB Scanners
You can connect VeriMark Fingerprint Key and PQI My Lockey both to a laptop and to a desktop, tablet - to any device running Windows 10. The difference is only in ease of use. Connected to the USB connector of a mini-computer or laptop, a fingerprint scanner of this format will always be at hand. If you place a USB scanner on the front panel of a desktop PC, you will have to lean towards it every time you need to identify the user.
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Briefly about how to enable the fingerprint scanner on a laptop and other devices running Windows 10. You will need to follow three simple steps:
- install compatible drivers from the sensor manufacturer;
- in the Settings section, find the Accounts subsection, select the Login Options item;
- set a PIN, and add fingerprints to the database.
What to do for those who do not use Windows 10
Scanners from VeriMark and PQI have been announced relatively recently and are not yet available for purchase. In addition, they are initially positioned as devices for adding Windows Hello capabilities to computers without built-in biometric authentication systems. But how to use the fingerprint scanner on a laptop or PC with an OS other than Windows 10? The way out is simple - look for early developments.
For example, the Chinese USB Fingerprint Reader is compatible with Windows 2000, XP, Vista, 7 and 8. It comes with a disk containing the software to operate the device. The program sets up identification using a fingerprint for access to the OS and personal files. Due to its dimensions and connection method (via USB cable), it is more suitable for desktops than for laptops. Sometimes it does not read the fingerprint the first time, however, this is a fully functional tool costing around 13 USD.
Scanners from BIO-Key are compatible with Windows XP, Vista, 7 and 8. With their help, only fingerprint login is possible: no online payments and access to Internet services. BIO-Key offers 3 types of options at once: EcoID with a USB cable, especially for a desktop PC, as well as SideTouch and SideSwipe - for laptop . SideTouch recognizes touch, and for SideSwipe to work, you need to swipe your finger across the scanner. Regardless of the version, the cost of each device is 40 USD.
Most scanners manufactured by Verifi support Windows 7, 8 and 10. They differ in the type and speed of scanning, as well as the price tag. Among them, it is worth highlighting the P4500 model, compatible with Windows CE, XP, Vista and 7 versions, costing 45 USD.
For the most “ancient” PCs, the DigitalPersona URU4000B sensor is useful. Comes with a CD containing device drivers for Windows 98, Me, NT4.0, 2000, XP, Vista, 7 (32 and 64 bit). The minimum price is 55 USD.
One-Stop Solution
Funded on Kickstarter, the versatile and stylish iTouch ID Scanner will be compatible with Windows, OS X and Android. The capabilities of the gadget are not limited to authorization in the operating system. With the help of the fingerprint, the user will be able to access websites under their own account, working closely with the LastPass and 1Password password managers.
If fingerprint scanners have long been the norm for smartphones, this phenomenon is relatively new in laptops. The mass introduction of such sensors began quite recently, it is inextricably linked with the development of the biometric authentication system in Windows, where now with just one touch you can unlock the device and log into accounts. The latest Macbooks from Apple, which also received scanners, have forced other manufacturers to noticeably accelerate with the introduction of similar technologies. Now on sale you can find a lot of laptops with fingerprint sensors. Let's note the 10 most interesting ones working on the Microsoft platform.
Lenovo IdeaPad 520s 14
This is one of the most affordable laptops with a fingerprint scanner. In the most popular configuration, it is equipped with a matte 14-inch FHD screen, a Core i3 processor, 4 GB of RAM and 1 TB of internal HDD. The case houses two full-size USB ports and a trendy USB Type-C. In terms of autonomy, it is stated up to 12 hours, which is very good. Also among the advantages should include the backlight of the keyboard and the weight of 1.7 kg. The price for all this is from 32,500 rubles.
This is a slightly more expensive model, which comes in modifications with a screen from 13.3” to 17.3”. The most compact is also the most inexpensive of all, you can buy it at a price of about 37,000 rubles. In this version, it is equipped with an Intel Core i5 processor, integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620, 4 GB of RAM and a 500 GB hard drive, and with a rotation speed of 7200 rpm. This model is perfect as an office solution.
A business laptop for connoisseurs of the classic ThinkPad line, inherited by Lenovo from IBM. In the minimum configuration, it has a 14-inch display with a resolution of 1366 × 768 pixels, a Core i3 processor, 4 GB of RAM and 500 GB of storage. The case of the device is quite thick by modern standards, but the battery is hidden in it impressive, for about 10-12 hours of operation without recharging. Price - from 40,000 rubles.
A relatively compact model with a 14-inch IPS screen and a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. It is perfect for working with heavy software, the filling is more than capable of this: a Core i3 Kaby Lake processor, 8 GB of RAM and a 128 GB SSD drive. There is a backlit keyboard and the entire basic set of connectors, including the trendy USB Type-C. The price of such a modification starts from 41,000 rubles. There are also versions with larger diagonal screens.
Lightweight and comfortable business laptop, which will be an excellent solution for business trips and long trips. In the presence of a screen with a diagonal of 13.3 "it weighs only 1.4 kg. The black metal case hides a fairly powerful dual-core Core i5, supplemented by 4 GB of RAM, if desired, you can install up to 16 GB. A 180 GB SSD drive is responsible for data storage. In terms of autonomy, 11 hours of operation on a single charge are declared. Modification price - from 48,000 rubles.
A laptop with a 15.6-inch display and very powerful hardware, making it a great choice for both professional software and gaming. Responsible for performance is a quad-core Core i5 processor and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 graphics card with 2 GB of GDDR5 memory. A 500 GB HDD and a 128 GB SSD are allotted for data. The amount of RAM is at least 8 GB. There is a backlit keyboard and a full range of main ports. The price of such a laptop is from 59,000 rubles.
Stylish Xiaomi laptops in the latest generation also received fingerprint scanners, which are neatly integrated into the touchpad under the keyboard. A 13.3-inch model equipped with a Core i5 processor, an NVIDIA GeForce MX150 graphics card, 8 GB of RAM and a 256 GB SSD drive will cost at least 55,000 rubles. A variant with a 15.6 ”display and similar filling will cost 68,000 rubles already.
Stylish, thin and light convertible that can be used not only as a laptop, but also as a tablet, bending the keyboard 360 degrees. With a 13.3” display, the device weighs only 1.3 kg and is 14.3 mm thick. The most affordable modification at a price of 65,000 rubles is equipped with a Core i5 processor, 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of memory on an SSD drive. Regardless of the equipment, the model also has a backlit keyboard.
Dell XPS 13 (2017)
A very interesting transformer, also capable of taking the form of a tablet and a console. Its 13.3-inch screen has a very high resolution for laptops, 3200x1800 pixels. Inside - Core i5 with integrated graphics Intel HD Graphics 615, 8 GB of RAM, 256 GB of SSD memory. Narrow bezels ensured overall very compact body dimensions: 304x199x13.7 mm. The weight is also small, 1.24 kg, but the price is impressive,
The issue of security worries many laptop users. It is especially acute for people who spend a lot of time traveling and at the same time store confidential information on their mobile computer. To increase the level of security, you can use a laptop with a fingerprint scanner.
The classic way to protect a laptop from unauthorized access to files stored in its memory is to set a password. However, the password must be invented and remembered, and if the owner forgets it, then you will have to spend time recovering it. In addition, strangers can guess the password, even if it is quite complex.
Laptops with a fingerprint lock do not have this drawback. Their owners do not need to think about inventing a complex password. It is enough to put a finger on the sensor located next to the screen or keyboard, and in a matter of seconds the owner will have access.
Models equipped with a fingerprint sensor are especially useful for those who store important business information in their memory.
Laptops with a fingerprint scanner: key features
The catalog of the online store "Eldorado" presents modern laptops with a fingerprint scanner, reliably protected from unauthorized access. You will find detailed information about each model on the website: descriptions, specifications, customer reviews will help you make a choice. A quick search system for the main parameters will save time:
- indicate what is especially important to you;
- mark the acceptable cost;
- the system will generate a list of laptops that match the query.
The other day, Samsung decided to update a series of ultraportable laptops. The new models of the Notebook 9 line have become even lighter than their predecessors, while not losing performance and gaining some new features.
The 13-inch version of the laptop weighs about 800 grams, while the 15-inch version weighs only 900 grams. These are really excellent indicators, because the older model is almost equal in weight to the more compact 12-inch Macbook.
But the appearance of new products can not be called unique. Previous models borrowed a lot of elements from the Macbook Air. Even the keyboard was made in black.
Now the company's designers have taken inspiration from the Macbook Pro with rounded edges, an aluminum chassis and smaller display bezels. Only the touchpad remained as small as before. By the way, the body is made using proprietary Micro Arc Oxidation technology, which provides increased resistance to external influences.
New laptops are equipped with mobile Intel Core i5 or i7 Kaby Lake generation. They support RAM expansion up to 16 GB, which is available in the top model. The volume, of course, is not a record, but positioning the device as an ultraportable solution fully justifies it.
The amount of built-in SSD storage will depend on the selected model (maximum 256 GB can be installed). But the screen resolution for all versions of the laptop will be the same - 1080p. The manufacturing technology of the applied matrix is currently unknown.
With a decrease in size, I had to sacrifice a little the size of the battery, but according to the company, the laptop will be able to work autonomously for up to seven hours. The total charging time of the built-in battery is 80 minutes.
In terms of connectivity, we have the following set: two regular USB 3.0, one USB Type-C port, HDM video output, 3.5 mm jack and a microSD slot. So no adapters that have become so popular in 2016 will be required.
Laptops are devoid of most useless chips in the form of touch screens or detachable keyboards. Models are equipped with only the most necessary plus a few pleasant little things. First, the display of the device can be tilted 180 degrees. This is convenient, for example, when working on a laptop on the couch. Secondly, the Notebook 9 line is equipped with a built-in fingerprint scanner, which will reliably protect everything given to the user.
A complete list of all the characteristics of the devices, as well as prices, is not yet available. All details should become known during the presentation at CES 2017.
Personally, I like the trend to make aluminum laptops as simple and concise as possible. The only pity is that the revival of the market for such devices occurs only after the next Apple presentation, which demonstrates new solutions. And if you do not pay attention to some secondary design of Notebook 9 models, then, according to first impressions, these are good and light laptops that will suit students or journalists. If their cost is not exorbitant.
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