Biometric technology is taking another leap toward widespread usage as Hewlett-Packard Co. ships new laptops with fingerprint readers.
The nx6125 notebook PC includes a fingerprint sensor made by AuthenTec Inc., which says HP is the biggest computer maker to offer a biometric reader as standard equipment. The computer, aimed at the business market, sells for $1,000 and up.
Fingerprint biometrics are a more secure and convenient alternative to passwords, which are often forgotten or stolen. But only in recent years has the technology"s accuracy improved to the point where it could confidently be deployed in a wide range of consumer applications.