For remote laptop notebook computers that contain classified data
(military secret data, confidential corporate data) we require
remote devices that will allow mobile processing of government tasks
with complete and absolute data security. These devices must have
the following characteristics:
-
Oracle Integration - The devices must have software to
synchronize the remote device with the master database. At
network connection time the device must push-out all updates
from the device, manage possible data collisions, and pull-in
any new data in a single transaction.
-
Classified-level Security - The device must utilize
Oracle secure encryption (the dbms_crypto package) to
protect the data. The device must transport the end-user
directly into the APEX application upon biometric
confirmation and have all other Windows functions disabled. The
device must be useless for any other purpose than using the
application.
-
Standard Browser Display - The device screen must support
an HTML complaint browser for APEX display. An additional
benefit of a laptop with a larger display is that the
applications will not have to be redesigned to render on a small
PDA screen.
-
Identity Management - The devices must support a
biometric fingerprint reader as the only supported log-in
interface and a built-in camera to record the face of the
end-user. One current problem with the finger scanners is
that they will work with a severed finger, allowing access if
the end-user is terminated.
-
Camera - The devices must have a built-in camera to allow
the end-user to take photographs of the end-user and capture
them into the remote Oracle database.
-
Durability - The ideal device must be able to withstand
harsh treatment and be immune to corrosive salt air, extreme
temperatures and extreme humidity. The device must also be able
to operate for extended periods in temperatures exceeding 95
degrees Fahrenheit.
There are a few business laptop notebooks with built-in biometrics,
but there are only a few that have a built-in camera.
Current Notebook Laptop Devices
Laptops with built-in Biometric security:
The
Sony VAIO BX business notebook is
packed with versatile features such as a
biometric fingerprint reader,
modular bay, and built-in camera that can video conference
with an available wireless Bluetooth headset.
Fingerprint reader
The built in biometric fingerprint reader is more than just
a cool feature. It offers a new level of data security, as
well as some added convenience. It's great for people like
my dad who can't remember their password (his is on a sticky
note on the screen). Logging in to windows is now just a
simple finger swipe. Your finger is now your password. In
fact, you can associate any or all fingers with your
account, just in case...
Conclusion
While the
VAIO BX is an overall good notebook, my expectations
were a little bit higher. For a business style notebook,
the VAIO BX doesn't feel as sturdy as I would have liked,
although it does look rather nice all the same. Other than
this, the performance is great, and it is a pleasure to use
because of the spectacular screen, full sized keyboard and
dual input options.
Praise
Gripes
Features:
Power-on password, Hard drive password, Administrator password,
Locking device keyhole (cable lock)
The good:
Excellent, sturdy
design; very good performance and battery life; wide-screen display;
integrated WWAN modem; strong security features.
The bad:
Loaded
configurations are expensive; lacks a double-layer DVD burner.
The bottom line:
With an
exceptional design, competitive features, innovative connectivity,
and solid performance and battery life, the ThinkPad Z60t is
versatile enough for home and business users at home or on the road.
Features:
Fingerprint reader, Wireless LAN antenna
The good:
Extremely portable;
sturdy screen hinge; great performance; biometric fingerprint
reader; memory-card reader.
The bad:
Tiny keyboard and
screen; less battery life than comparable systems; cheap stylus; no
optical drive; short warranty.
The bottom line:
The
easy-to-carry Fujitsu LifeBook P1510D combines top-notch performance
and a touch screen in a tablet form factor.
The good:
Solid battery life and
performance; strong case; three-year warranty.
The bad:
Somewhat heavy;
lacks biometric security; three-prong AC plug; no flash card reader;
no Gigabit Ethernet.
The bottom line:
The
mainstream Dell Latitude D510 doesn't excel in any one area but
manages to be a good all-around business notebook.
The good:
Big enough for
comfortable use; lightweight enough to travel; includes a decent
keyboard, touch pad, and pointing stick; good complement of
connections, including Bluetooth; security features include TPM
and biometric fingerprint reader; SD card reader.
The bad:
Crappy
speakers; system runs hot; terrible battery life.
The bottom
line:
Fatally undercut by lousy battery life, the feature-laden Sony
VAIO VGN-BX541B otherwise makes a terrific thin-and-light for
the mobile business crowd.
The good:
Low price; wide
keyboard; lots of extra buttons; fingerprint sensor.
The bad:
Subpar
performance; lacks a Trusted Platform Module option for extra data
security.
The bottom line:
The
inexpensive HP Compaq nx6125 Notebook PC may help businesses
conserve cash, but its slow performance on basic productivity tasks
could adversely affect their bottom lines.
The good:
Great performance;
large, 14.1-inch screen; discrete graphics; built-in DVD burner.
The bad:
Extremely heavy
for a tablet; glare-prone screen has limited viewing angles; gets
very hot; no fingerprint scanner.
The bottom line:
The Toshiba Tecra M4 is a
full-featured laptop that can occasionally be used as a tablet.