Fingerprint Reader and the Dell Studio 1555, possible?

Hey everyone. Might have noticed that I ordered the Studio 1555 a few days ago (check sig for specs). I am fully aware that it doesn't have a fingerprint reader, but I did see in another thread of retrofitting palmrests, which have apparent available cuts for the fingerprint reader.

Now is the fingerprint reader somehow soldered to the motherboard? How could I go about replacing my palmrest with a fingerprint reader? Is this possible?

I know these palmrests aren't available yet for the 1555, but it would be nice to know that in comfort, I could expect to get a fingerprint reader by replacing it with no worries.

If I can't do this, no problem. It's only a thing I would like.

Thanks for the help and input.

 

Fingerprint readers are part of the palm rest. I've had my palm rests replaced several times, and if your fingerprint reader goes bad, the whole palm rest will have to be replaced. So you can't say get a 1535/1536/1537 palm rest, and expect it to work with the 1555. It's not too useful anyway. You might think oh, I have max everything I WANT a fingerprint reader, but really, this along with most of the stuff in your sig is probably unnecessary anyway.

 

What do you mean stuff in my sig unnecessary?

But to conclude, you DO say it's possible that once 1555 palmrests are available, I can retrofit one with a fingerprint reader?

 

If and when the 1555 gets a fingerprint reader option, then yes, you should be able to retrofit a palmrest with fingerprint reader onto your current 1555, provided that they don't alter the motherboard or anything as well to accommodate it.

I'm actually in the process of doing exactly that for my Studio 1535. I've checked the motherboard and confirmed it has the slot to connect the fingerprint reader, even though my palmrest does not have one. This system was ordered before the fingerprint reader was made available.

Parts-people.com has the fingerprint reader palmrests for the Studio 1535/1536/1537 available for $35 refurbished or $50 new. I think I'll order one of the Grade B refurbs and install it next weekend.

 

Mastershroom, if you do add a Fingerprint Reader to your 1535, do let us know how well it turns out! One of the annoyances of my 1537 is that sometimes on startup, "Detecting Reader..." will be displayed for about 1 minute, then it will display "Reader Not Detected", as if its not there. It will be interesting to see if you get that same message, although I hope you do not!

 

That's certainly weird. Mine doesn't do that. Did you install the fingerprint software from the drivers and downloads page?

And I'm sure the surgery will be fine. The palmrest itself is identical except for the fingerprint reader, and the motherboard has the connector needed to plug into the fingerprint reader. The hardest part will be tearing the laptop apart enough to remove the palmrest.

That, and my case badges. >_<

 

Ah well that's a relief. I would really want to make sure if the 1555 chassis has a fingerprint reader connector, which I think it will.

I should be able to find out if it does by looking in the 1555 manual, right?

 

I just checked the online 1555 service manual, and it doesn't mention anything about a fingerprint reader in the instructions for removing the palmrest. The 1535's manual, by contrast, specifically mentions that you need to disconnect it.

 

So the manual suggests you can't directly disconnect the palmrest? That is, there's no instructions, so alternatively, it'll void the warranty?

 

No, the 1555 service manual does have instructions for removing the palmrest, very similar to the same instructions for the 1535, but it doesn't specifically mention a fingerprint reader, only the touchpad and speakers. So, it's removable, but there may not be a fingerprint reader option in the works immediately.

 

Okay. I guess I'll have to wait until someone is brave enough to open their 1555 and check if a fingerprint reader slot exists.

 

If your motherboard does have a slot to connect to the fingerprint reader but Dell doesn't offer the option, perhaps you could somehow extract the reader from a 1535/1537, and Dremel it into the 1555 palmrest, and connect it.

 

That would be something. So you're saying the only way I could get a fingerprint reader in that case is to get it from an older model? If Dell didn't offer the option, they wouldn't have the reader itself available?

So lets say the 1555 does have the slot. I would be entitled to order the new palmrest from Parts-people.com, and get the fingerprint reader from somewhere like eBay?

 

@fatmangos: well, fingerprint reader is a big ease, considering i dont have to type any of my passwords (or usernames).

 

If and when parts-people.com gets the 1555 palmrest, then yeah, get one from there. And you might as well get the 1535 palmrest with the scanner from them as well, since you can't get the fingerprint reader unless it's part of a pre-assembled palmrest. Then you'd have to manually remove it from the 1535 palmrest and surgically splice it into the 1555 palmrest.

It wouldn't be a very easy or economical procedure, and there's no guarantee that it would work anyway. I would just give it time to see if Dell releases one on their own. If not, you can always get a USB fingerprint reader. Some are as small as your average flash drive.

 

That's a good idea.

Now maybe my ultimate question rises. Speaking of Dell...

If and when the fingerprint option is released in the 1555, within my warranty, can I send my laptop in to Dell for a small fee and have them install the fingerprint reader for me? That seems like an entirely easier procedure.

By the way, thank you so much for the help. It's so nice to have an active community to help.

 

Usually, Dell's policy is to refuse to replace any parts with anything other than the exact part you were shipped with (they denied several users here who tried to buy a backlit keyboard upgrade this way). However, there may be an exception for an optional part that didn't exist at the time you purchased your system.

 

Really!

That's shocking. I really do hope Dell won't be a b**** about the possibility of a future fingerprint reader option. I know I heard from a user recently while browsing the HP forums that HP will allow any hardware changes if the option wasn't available or once offered, but removed (i.e- backlit keyboard on the dv3t once offered the first week upon initial release, then the next week, it was taken off the site configurations.)

Worst comes to worst, and Dell wouldn't allow it, I don't feel like risking my University notebook taking it apart. Honestly, I'd be alright without a fingerprint reader, even though I would like using it for convenience or for fun.

 

It's hard to say. I assume they'd be more lenient about it if the option just didn't exist when you bought your laptop, but even if the service rep denies you, ask to speak to a Resolution Specialist. They'll probably be more sympathetic to your case.

Although, in the worst case, if you have to do the installation yourself, it's not too difficult, just a bit time-consuming. Dell even has official instructions on their support page for the 1555.

 

Yes, all of the drivers and software for the reader are installed. I googled the issue a while back, it is happening to others too. It only happens when I shut my machine fully down; it doesn't happen if I use sleep or hibernate.

 

That's probably why! If you don't have the fingerprint reader, then installing the fingerprint driver/software is kind of silly.

 

For those with a Dell Studio 1555, anyone brave enough to take apart the palmrest and see if there's a fingerprint reader slot?

 

The fingerprint reader is finicky. It works when it wants to. I like it, but if you want maximum security you'll have to deal with it reading your finger incorrectly. Setting the security settings lower would result in less failed readings, but someone else could possibly swipe their finger and gain access to your computer. This is with the DigitalPersona Fingerprint Software that came with my computer. You can't use the fingerprint reader by simply installing the driver as there would be no program to utilize the driver. The DigitalPersona software package is not on dell's support page.

 

Maybe I should have been clearer, I DO have the fingerprint reader

 

Haha, whoops. In that case, I have no idea what might be causing that. Reinstall the drivers/software?

 

So I'm in the process of getting a replacement unit for my 1535, and they are going to be sending me a 1555 instead. I was looking at this thread and the order confirmation info, and so I called them up to see about a reader being installed on the new laptop (seeing as my 1535 that they are replacing has one). The rep told me that there was a fingerprint reader that would be coming with the new system (which again, is a 1555).

So take it as you will, either the rep is wrong or Dell will eventually offer the option on the new Studio 1555. I don't have my fingers crossed for it actually being there, in which case there are going to be some fun phonecalls when I get the replacement unit. Estimated delivery is next Monday so I'll let you know whether I get one or not.

 

Did you write down the case number from your conversation? If you didn't, you may not be able to prove that the rep told you that there was a fingerprint reader if there ends up not being one.

Good luck!

 

I'm working off the case number for the system exchange still. Logically it's easier, but who knows if Dell will like it if I have to call later...sometimes they have less than straightforward ways of doing things.

I'm hoping it'll just be easy but from experience it rarely is. This exchange is the end of a process ongoing since November '08.

 

Jeeze, what's been going on since November?

I wish you the best of luck getting the fingerprint reader on your 1555...if you get it, it will certainly make a lot of people here happy. Good to know you have the case number in case it becomes an issue later on.

Tell you what, though...if yours doesn't get a fingerprint reader and Dell won't do anything about it, I'll give you the FastAccess facial recognition login software.

 

Ther backlight on the keyboard wasn't working. The problem was that it came loose due to typing, so if you plugged it back in it just came out again a week later. Plus the media control panel did a similar thing where the cable would come out, and then you'd plug it back in and it would be out 2 weeks later. So I called them up about that and they told me I'd have to send to depot. I told them I couldn't because I needed it for school (which was true...studying for finals with no notes is not my cup of tea), so they told me to call back when I could. I tried calling in a few times to see about another solution, and at one point a rep said they would exchange my system even though it was outside the 30 days or whatever it is. So they said they'd call me back, and never did. And when I called them up and told them about it they wouldn't do anything. I filed a complaint and they just offered to expedite depot service. I just held onto the laptop, and a few other problems cropped up (hinge would pop open when I closed the screen, it was overheating).

Finally school was over a couple weeks ago so I sent it in once, and it came back still with the hinge cover and keyboard backlight not working. Heatsink and media panel were replaced and worked flawlessly. Sent it in a second time, and it came back again, now with the speakers not working, a completely new problem for me. So I called them up and they told me to send it in again, and I asked to speak to a manager. He looked into what he could do and offered either depot service or a system exchange.

Long story short, it's on it's way now, plus I get a brand new 1555 with a T6400 (up from a 5750) and DDR2-800, the Intel PM45 and all that new stuff. I knew the print reader wasn't available on the 1555 from Dell and these threads and stuff, but I figured I'd call and get myself the assurance for later when it shows up without one.

That facial recognition stuff would be great once we see what happens I'm so used to just swiping for passwords now I hate typing them in. Makes me feel a little spoiled to say that.

 

That's quite a horror story...ah well. Good to know at least you're getting a replacement with slightly better specs.

And I know what you mean about typing passwords...I'm too used to just looking at my webcam to log in.

 

Once again, who's willing to open their Studio 1555 and see if it's got the slot?

 

Alright so they took "I want a fingerprint reader or something to make up for not having one" as "Cancel my order if I can't get a fingerprint reader". So I guess it's not possible at all to get on the 1555 after all.

They didn't call me, but I was checking the status on my account today, and it showed as cancelled. Called them up and got transferred through about 6 reps, finally got one who said they cancelled the order because I had wanted a fingerprint reader and wouldn't be getting one. She escalated the issue and would call me back within 2 days. Meanwhile, I have no replacement on the way until I hear from them. The saga goes on....