How much security does a fingerprint reader add?

Does anybody here have experience with fingerprint readers on laptops?

If so, do you think they are worth it? How much extra security do they add? Also, what specific things do they restrict access to?

Can a person even turn on the computer without the fingerprint? Or is it just there to replace the user password in Windows or other programs/websites?

Since all the new pavilions will have options for fingerprint readers, I am wondering if it'd be smart to take advantage of the offer. After all, aren't notebooks really vulnerable to theft?

 

might want to check out this article on laptops with finger readers

 

Nice article very informative thanks

 

Interesting article, thanks xstation

 

I set up a poll to find the same answer. I found that an 8 character password works just as well.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=112870&highlight=fingerprint