IBMs second generation of T42 models (released in Autumn 2004) was the first to feature an integrated fingerprint reader. Various models since then have had this feature, actually implemented with a number of different devices, all of which appear on the USB bus. Some are just scanners, others do the recognition in the device itself.
| USB ID | Reader | Software |
|---|---|---|
| UPEK/Thomson | thinkfinger or fprint | |
| UPEK TCS4C | unsupported ?? | |
| UPEK | unsupported ?? | |
| Upeksonly | fprint patches | |
| Upek / Authentec | Forum discussion and howto for 32-bit, using non-free drivers Seems to be supported as of 2013-01-15 (Works for Me (TM)). On Ubuntu, use PPA at https://launchpad.net/~fingerprint | |
| Authentec AES1610 | fprint | |
| Authentec AES2501 | fprint | |
| Authentec 2810 | supported by libfprint v0.5.0 onwards, released December 2012 | |
| Validity Sensors, Inc. Fingerprint Reader | (to test) Driver Patch as use case with T440 or gist sample
Supported by libfprint v0.6.0 | |
| Validity Sensors | RE work for validity90 fingerprint reader, Ubuntu PPA and AUR package for WIP libfprint driver |
Read more about the various models of reader on the libfprint wiki
Also check the Fingerprint-GUI PPA which has a detailed list of supported devices. Be aware this PPA includes non-free software as indicated in the About page of the project.
The UPEK device is supported by thinkfinger. Those devices and Authentec ones are supported by libfprint.
However: The fingerprint reader is an INSECURE device and gives a false sense of security! There has been quite a bit of research by a hacker named Starbug, a member of the Chaos Computer Club, Berlin, Germany. He outlined in two very good talks how to forge each and every available fingerprint sensor available at the cost of a few euros, using materials from your local hardware store, a digicam and a laser printer! Here's some links:
Remember, using fingerprints for authentication is much similar to having a password which is written on anything you touch.
See How to enable the integrated fingerprint reader.
| USB ID | Reader | ThinkPad models | Software notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPEK Touchstrip (model?) | |||
| UPEK Touchchip TCS4C | |||
| UPEK - TouchStrip Fingerprint Sensor |
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| UPEK Touchstrip TCRD4C | |||
| Upek TouchChip Fingerprint Coprocessor | |||
| Authentec AES1610 |
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| Authentec AES2501 |
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| Authentec AES2810 | |||
| Validity Sensors VFS5011 | |||
| Validity Sensors VFS7500 | |||
| Synaptics Prometheus MIS Touch Fingerprint Reader |