Add a fingerprint

I have a M6400 sans fingerprint reader. I really like using biometrics for passwords (I'm not trying to be super agent secure here) since I have so many it's hard to remember them all.

Any why to add on a fingerprint reader to the M6400 after the fact? Does anyone have a part number, cost? I know I can use a USB one (I have one on my desktop), but would like the convenience of having it built-in.

 

See these previous threads:

• http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=391625 - Vostro 1510- Add fingerprint reader after?
• http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=379429 - is adding the integrated fingerprint reader yourself possible?

 

It should be possible (as long as there's a connector on the motherboard), but you will need at least two parts:

Either: P584F - Hinge Cover, CENTER, FIPS (includes LED board, FIPS Reader and Power Button)
Or: W180F - Hinge Cover, CENTER, SWIPE (includes LED board with swipe reader & Power Button)

And: G747F Cable Assembly FFC, connects the Strip cover with the Bio Metric security options to the MB

Don't let Dell or anyone else tell you that you need a new palm rest - the fingerprint reader is part of the hinge cover! I went through that crap yesterday with a Dell tech when trying to get a replacement cable (the one above). The cable was $1.99 + shipping, but I don't have a price for the other parts.

A word of caution: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showpost.php?p=5198696&postcount=2434

 

Nice. Thanks for the part #'s. That'll help. It's also good to know that I can get either FIPS or swipe readers installed. I'll likely go with the latter since I believe the FIPS is the touch reader (we use them at work for our desktops - they're cool to use but too big for a notebook in my opinion).

 

I know this is old. Thought I would update. I was able to get the swipe reader (part #W180F - Hinge Cover, CENTER, SWIPE) no problem. They said that the cable was out of stock though (part #G747F).

DON'T call the consumer lines for this laptop, in case nobody knows that. I called 1-800-456-3355 and they got it ordered just fine. I made the mistake of arguing with the other number I had gotten the swipe reader from, which seemed to be the consumer division or something.

Can't wait to get this together so I can stop trying to remember my complicated passwords.

 

I'm afraid you might be disappointed, as you need to install Dell's security drivers and Embassy software in order for the fingerprint reader to work. The latter is very clunky and doesn't allow you to use it for website passwords and the like

 

yeah....my experience with a FP reader on my Precision caused me to leave it out of the order on my Vostro.....however, the software seemed much better under Win 7, and it IS great for logging in

....it's just a another daemon running that's not necessary....I won't order another one after having them on 3 laptops.

 

On my Latitude E6500 I would have the fingerprint reader. It's only used to for me to boot past the BIOS. (In case i lose the laptop and don't want people getting in).

In all honesty that's about the only use for it because it's not that useful. It does not tie into the OS like Windows 7 and other machines.