XPS M1710 and SmartCard reader ... ideas?

Just curious about something ...

... it seems that with my M1710, there's a USB CCID SmartCard reader installed, with all drivers working.

QUESTION: Does anyone have any suggestions for what I COULD do with the reader?

For example: security, secure powerup, etc.?

Since I have the thing, and it seems to be enabled, I'd be interested for ideas on what I CAN do with it.

Thanks all!

 

i dont want to be out of line- but in my most humble and likely meaningless opinion- i have a different outlook on technology that i would like to share:

ask not "what can i do with it"

rather, wait until there is something you cannot do, and then find a technology that can help to make it happen.

if you need a hobby, some that i enjoy are surfing, rowing, working out.

you could wear your SD card while you work out so everyone can know how pro you are with your SD card reader

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in all seriousness, if you get a memory stick, you can pretty much do anything that has to do with data transfer... like... transfer files

secure startup is certainly possible with the right programs, but likely will not deter theft. that sort of thing would basically just inconvienence you.

make movies, take pictures, go hiking or sailing or fly a plane, record it, and send the pictures to everyone you know.

how is that for ideas?

 

Chef:

For the record -- your comments WERE NOT "out of line"! Primarily because you present very cogent reasons behind your opinion.

While I didn't think that a SmartCard app would "deter" theft, I was thinking of other possibilities, such as:

1. Maybe there's a SmartCard app that PREVENTS XP from booting WITHOUT the presence of the right SmartCard

2. Perhaps there's a SmartCard app that requires a SmartCard present in order to send or receive email (in the same way that RSA SecureID tokens work)

3. Maybe there's a SmartCard app that stores and AUTOMATICALLY logs one on to different web services like Yahoo email, MSN, et al. without having to remember passwords

4. Maybe an encrytion/decryption software where one can use a SmartCard instead of entering passkeys (PGP, etc.)

Chef, I thought of all this for one reason: Dell markets the XPS M1710 as a gaming notebook; not a business laptop.

My "conclusion" (maybe WRONG): there MAY be a reason why Dell put a SmartCar reader as standard equipment on what they tout as a gaming latop. After all, why would Dell include hardware (and enable it) without a reason? It'd be different if I had a Precision Workstation designed for small business!

But again ... I have the capability. Thought I'd ask if it was "useful"!

Thanks for the reply Chef!