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The keyboard and mouse combination, often referred to as a desktop set, has undergone numerous make-overs as new features have been added to these personal input tools. The latest innovation, courtesy of Microsoft, to a desktop set is a fingerprint reader. This feature makes its appearance in the Optical Desktop with Fingerprint Reader product.

This desktop set consists of a wireless, optical mouse and receiver; full size keyboard with built-in fingerprint reader; and appropriate software on two CDs. The fingerprint reader, and its associated biometric technology, should not be regarded as a security device but more of a convenience. This point is stressed during the installation of the driver software. But if the fingerprint reader is not a security device then what convenience does it offer? Microsoft sees the fingerprint reader’s functionality as a means of managing your passwords but more of this feature a little later.

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As mentioned earlier, the mouse is both optical and wireless while the receiver makes use of USB connectivity. Coloured in matt silver and black, the mouse is stylishly curved with indented sides to make for an easier grip. The rubberised wheel has built-in tilt capability so that you can scroll horizontally as well as vertically. The mouse is powered by two AA batteries that Microsoft believes could last for up to six months. One slight disadvantage with optical technology is that you should avoid using the mouse on reflective surfaces or those without any visible detail but you do benefit from increased precision and no problems with dirt affecting mouse movement.

Unlike the mouse, the keyboard is not wireless and has its own cord which plugs into a USB port. Adopting the same colour scheme as the mouse, the keyboard is a little wider than the normal type, measuring 52cm. This increase in size is due to the space required by the fingerprint reader which is located on the left of the unit. Along the top of the unit is a raised lip which holds additional keys for various media, internet and favourite tasks.

When setting up the fingerprint reader you are required to register each finger you intend to use. The minimum recommendation is for the index finger on both hands. Other fingers can be registered if you wish. The registration process involves placing the finger four times on the reader, which has a spongy feel to it, so that any slight positional differences can be taken into consideration. Feedback is provided to confirm that the necessary data has been recorded.

Fingerprint identification can be used to authenticate activities that would normally require a password and/or login details. Some training will be necessary but a registration wizard will lead you through the steps to replace the required information with a fingerprint. This could be a web site, switch of user or launching a browser. Once the training process has been completed for each operation then a fingerprint will provide the authentication for access.

In order to use this new optical desktop with fingerprint reader you will need a Pentium 233MHz or better with 128MB of RAM running Windows XP or Pentium 133MHz for Windows 2000. Other requirements include Internet Explorer 6.0, 60MB of hard disk space and two free USB ports. Priced at £99.99, and available from November, this desktop set is well worth considering and should solve the problem of forgotten passwords.

http://www.microsoft.com/uk/mouseandkeyboard/features/fingerprint.mspx