T42 "FINGERPRINT READER"

[milesrbruce]

I am going to place an order with IBM today for a T42 (2373H6U), this is the last day IBM is offering the FREE 512 RAM. Can anyone give me PROS AND CONS on this unit?

I see it has a fingerprint reader and my first thought is I DO NOT want that feature. Just something else to go wrong with the unit.

I really would like to get this EXACT confirguration, with out the fingerprint reader. Can anyone help me locate a part number for such a unit. I only want T42 and NOT a T43.

Thanks ahead of time for any help you can give me.

Here is the unit configuration:

2373H6U ThinkPad T42
$1,778.00
ThinkPad T40/R50 Series 6 Cell
Li-Ion Battery
Microsoft Windows XP
Professional
60GB 7200rpm Hard Drive
ThinkPad CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo
14.1 1400 x 1050 SXGA+
II

Ultrabay Slim Drive

Intel Pro/Wireless 2200BG Mini
PCI Adapter
512MB PC2700 CL2.5 DDR SDRAM
SODIMM
Warranty service upgrade; 3
year onsite repair 9x5/next
business day
Free 512MB PC2700 CL2.5 NP DDR
SDRAM SODIMM Memory Upgrade

[The Counterpart]

Why don't you want the FPR? With the FPR, you can set up long a complicate power on password, hard drive password, windows log on password and don't have to worry about typing each single one. With one wipe of your finger, you will be able to log on your TP with no hassle. With all of the passwords enable you can lose your TP but nobody will be able to access your data.

IBM/Lenovo has always advertised its TP security as one of the advantage for buying a TP. Without the FPR, you might not want to take advantage of the security features since typing in the passwords for each single feature will be a pain in the you know what

[Inky]

I was critical of the fingerprint reader at first--before I actually got my T42, because it seemed like a frivolous feature that was "one more thing that could go wrong."

After using the fingerprint reader for the past several months I have to admit I like it. It works. Now logging on feels like a simpler process. Sometimes it tells me to "slow down and try again" if I swipe my finger over it too fast, so I've learned to move my finger at the angle and speed it is looking for. Maybe that sounds complicated, but it turns out it's easier than remembering & typing passwords.

-Inky

[RonS]

Ditto here. Skeptical at first, now I really like it. Everyone who sees it work says "Wow... Cool!"

[Filip]

The FPR is great...
But I don't know if it is really secure.. I read that the accuracy is something like 1:200.
I tested it on about 20-30 persons on my T43 and nobody could not logon except me. It is really great! I do not have to type anymore my passwords and you can always bypass it if it doesn't work with a password!