My new Dell XPS M1530 has a Biometric Fingerprint Reader. Initially I thought this was just a gimmick.

I did have a chuckle at the following part of the User Enrolment.

I decide to live dangerously and only enrol one of my digits (for the moment).

Initially it goes into training mode and you have to successfully swipe your finger four times in succession. Each time not going too fast and keeping your finger straight.

So I did finger base camp and then forgot about it. However over the course of the weekend every time I lifted the lid I successfully gained access to the system using the reader.

Then it clicked…This is way easier than typing in a password every time. Doh

Then it occurred to me how much easier it would be to use complex long passwords (always a good idea) but not have the inconvenience of having to type them in 20 times a day.

I think I am more impressed at how much more efficient it is to login, the added security is just a bonus.

Tip: For best results slowly and steadily drag your finger over the reader.

Interested in all things Biometric? Check out this Wikipedia Article:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biometric

Link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/page/item/b00c6sdc.shtml?src=ip_mp

The above link will only work for a few more days and only for people in the UK.

This recent interview aired only a few days ago and covers his career at Microsoft.