Smart Card readers integrated on PC/LapTop: Read encorepro?

SelfSeeker · Post by **SelfSeeker** » Thu Oct 19, 2006 6:28 am

I was looking at laptops this pass weekend. I noticed that some of the laptop read some type of smart cards.

Does anyone have an integrated smart card reader with their laptop or PC?

If yes, do they read the encorepro?

I was trying to get some info, and somehow I am under the impression they do not recognise the type of smart card the encorepro uses.

I am not sure if this is a hardware or software issue.

Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated.

We are in the market for a laptop, since this one is struggling to stay alive. If the integrated reader can be used for the smart card, that would another thing to consider.

CollegeGirl · Post by **CollegeGirl** » Thu Oct 19, 2006 6:34 am

SS, this is something people have asked many, many times. No, there are no other card readers out there that will read this card, unfortunately.

oldgearhead · Post by **oldgearhead** » Thu Oct 19, 2006 7:44 am

I think CG is correct. Most notebook PCs have 2 slots that are called PCMICA slots. The only card readers available for these "slots" are for either "photo" type storage (CF, SM, SD, etc.) or special communications
cards like Allen Bradley interface converters.

SelfSeeker · Post by **SelfSeeker** » Thu Oct 19, 2006 11:16 am

This is what is on the newer laptops:

PC Card Slots:
1 x ExpressCard/54 Slot (Also Supports ExpressCard/34),
1 x Type I/II 32-Bit Card Bus (Also Support 16-Bit)

Some of them had to different slots: one for the photo disc and one that is larger.

Does anybody know what type of reader the Infineer (encorepro) is?

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Thu Oct 19, 2006 11:27 am

2factors makes a PCMCIA TypeII SmartCard reader for $80. Nearly all laptops have a PCMCIA TypeII slot.

However, I don't know if it is compatible or works with EncorePro.

EncorePro has specific port(s) it look for the card reader (Serial, USB, direct connect). I don't know if the direct connect selection will be considered the TypeII card slot or not. It would be nice if it did as I don't use that slot for anything anyway. Would be nice to slide the card in that slot vs. messing with the external USB reader.

CollegeGirl · Post by **CollegeGirl** » Thu Oct 19, 2006 7:20 pm

It has been stated many, many times on this forum (by people who have tried out other readers to see) that the infineer DT3500 (whether bought from twofactors or from cpaptalk) is the only reader that will read these cards. They were specifically manufactured this way so that only one specific reader will work. That allows them to corner the market, so to speak.

If anyone knows differently, please say so, but I"m sure we would have heard about it by now if that was the case.

cpapjack · Post by **cpapjack** » Fri Oct 20, 2006 7:14 am

The smartcard reader that is on laptops is for authentication purposes only. It's not a generic smartcard reader.

Jack