Reviews – Tensor T4230 – PCMCIA Sub-Dermal Fingerprint Scanner

Reviews - Tensor T4230 - PCMCIA Sub-Dermal Fingerprint Scanner

"Bringing biometric security to mobile computing; the place where it is most needed.

The Tensor scanner combines ease of use with excellent security features"

I'm not going to tell you how the computer has revolutionised the world that we live in; after all you're reading this article on a computer… you will probably then buy the product online, and get it shipped to you door. Oh its lazy world that we live in; but that's nothing to be ashamed of. Lazy is good as long as it's secure, for example: bungee jumping in an armchair is fine if you make sure you're properly strapped in.

Well, okay, that may be a little difficult to envisage, but the same principle can be applied to a variety of situations: Imagine the data stored on your beloved computer needs to be held pretty securely. You don't want any unauthorised Tom-Dick-or-Harry logging onto your computer and opening some of your more 'private' documents and files. So you password protect your computer and that problem is pretty much sorted. However the lazy factor still needs to be applied: What you need is something to protect your computer that doesn't require you to a) type in a lengthy password with complicated alphanumeric combinations and b) remember the password in the first place.

Like the proverbial bungee-jumping armchair our calls are answered with the T4230 sub dermal fingerprint scanner from Tensor Plc. Okay its name isn't as catchy as the airborne piece of living room furniture, but I assure you, it's a lot more useful.

The T4230 is a PCMCIA fingerprint scanner that slots into the side of your laptop and allows you to quickly replace the Windows logon password with a simple touch of your finger. Okay, now were talking. In the world that's oh-so dependant on the computer, the notebook is always prone to being lost or stolen, and that's what makes Tensors scanner even more relevant to your computing needs.

We loved its simplicity and ease of use. For once, a quick-start booklet that guides you through the setup process, and takes into account the ever-so annoying Windows XP 'Found new hardware' dialogue is included.

Once the scanner was installed, the enrolment procedure needs to be completed. This is a process whereby you register your finger/s with the scanner by placing them on the surface of the scanner 3 or 4 times. A virtual image of your fingerprint is then saved, thus allowing you entry to the system. Once enrolment is complete, your system is secured and you never have to type in a password again… unless you want to…

Tensors scanner allows you to specify what combination of fingerprint/password security you want. The default logon setting is for fingerprint OR password logon; this allows you to logon with your fingerprint when you want, but if you happen to get your hands chopped off, you can still access the system with your backup password. Alternatively, for those with 'really private' user accounts, you can specify multiple fingerprint AND password combinations, or for those who were never very good with typing; fingerprint ONLY login (just make sure you don't loose your scanner… or hands)

Another thing that we found endlessly entertaining was the number of extra features and options available. You can tweak for hours with little things like changing the text that is displayed when you log-on, and weather you want things like "false finger protection" enabled. You may laugh, but the scanner by Tensor isn't a bit of cheap high-street kit that serves no purpose but to muse your friends. The scanner itself is the real jewel in the crown: Unlike most other fingerprint scanners that use a CMOS sensor, the Tensor scanner uses a sub-dermal silicon based chip. In contrast to the CMOS scanners that take photographs of the ridges and valleys on your finger, the Tensor bounces electromagnetic waves into your finger to read the 'real' fingerprint that is contained under the surface layer of skin. As a result, the image of your fingerprint is amazingly clear and without the trademark CMOS smudges that can usually result in authentication errors at login.

So we have gathered that laziness can only be coupled with security (and possibly a chocolate chip muffin). But the T4320 sub dermal fingerprint scanner by Tensor goes beyond that; it's a tool that no notebook user should be without; even if you're the type that runs 50miles every day and loves the thrill of remembering a 60 digit alphanumeric password. The benefits of a scanner will not only save you time but give your precious files that added layer of security, besides, you could always use the scanner while you fly