[Help] X220: Is to possible to retrofit a finger print reader?

Just received the unit, but found that the pre-sales agent had omitted the fingerprint reader.

I asked IBM parts and they said it isn't possible because it's a different motherboard (swapping the top keyboard panel doesn't work).

Has anyone run into the same issue?

 

I would think so. Seeing how they allow you to boot the computer entirely from fingerprint swipe alone (IE, computer is OFF, and it was properly shut down beforehand, you swipe your finger over the sensor and your computer will boot up if the swipe is legitimate and it will also log you into Windows). The support for that has to be partially in hardware. This isn't your average USB thumbscanner that only works after you've logged into windows. It's a fully integrated solution.

 

hmmm this is news to me - I thought the fingerprint reader is used only to login Windows.
You're saying that the sensor is "running all the time", and if I were to make a good swipe, it'd behave like the power button, switch on and login to windows?

*!&)*( sigh... another couple of weeks to wait...

 

yes, the fingerprint reader will be on all time after you have properly shutdown and with battery installed.

 

righto... more waiting for me i guess... thanks guys~

 

Yup. I have the fingerprint reader on my x220t. The reader itself has 2 LEDs, one up top one on the bottom. When the reader is ready for a swipe, the bottom LED lights green. So far, the only times it is actually on is at the windows login screen (with regular power on, or wake from sleep, screensaver, etc), or when you fully shut down the machine.

When you configure the finger print reader, you're allowed to configure all 10 of your fingerprints to log into windows with, however theres also an option to store these fingerprints (probably on the device itself, as it has a very limited 21-print memory). Presumably, that's how it authenticates.

As in, if the machine was off, and some random person swiped their finger, the top LED would glow orange, and then after 3 failed swipes, it would lock up orange for a good 15 seconds. All of this is done with the machine completely powered "off". If any of the swipes were validated, it initiates a boot of the machine, and upon hitting the login screen, would also automatically log you in (as opposed to hitting the power button, waiting for login screen, and then swiping/keying in password).

 

There is a separate small battery inside the laptop that powers the fingerprint reader. The fingerprint reader is integrated with the trackpad. It might be possible to order a new ultranav palmrest component that comes with the fingerprint reader and add the battery yourself if your motherboard can support it. If it does you will also need to connect a battery to the motherboard. I forgot to take pictures of this when I took apart my x220, but you can find the area on the lenovo service and training site.

 

Is the fingerprint reader a worthwhile upgrade? I've heard that they don't really offer any good security, and there are some problems with UEFI drivers...

 

it's pretty unless right now. Client security solutions and the password manager doesn't full work with it yet. (at least in my experience). You can try to get the UPEK Protector Suite QL though, since I believe it's fully compatible and it works a lot better.

 

well it's 20 extra only.
Besides, i hate typing passwords when everyone is crowding round. I just don't get why people don't turn away when one is keying in password... lack of etiquette.

Anyways - to cut a long story short - I managed to reorder with 10% off... the i7 with 4 yrs NBD costs 1770+ ...