AuthenTec Adds Security and Touch-Powered Features to NEC Packard Bell's New Consumer Desktop PC — iXtreme Gold; Fingerprint replaces password for security and ease of use

Business Wire, Sept 12, 2005

MUNICH, GERMANY & MELBOURNE, Fla. -- Advanced fingerprint sensors from AuthenTec, which feature the company's award-winning TruePrint(TM) technology, are being added to NEC Packard Bell's newest iXtreme Gold desktop PC - providing advanced security and unique easy to use new touch-powered features for the consumer market.

AuthenTec, the world leader in fingerprint sensor innovation and sales for more than five years, announced that Packard Bell selected the company's EntrePad 2501A sensor to be embedded into the Packard Bell iXtreme Gold Keyboard, which is specifically designed for the consumer market.

AuthenTec's EntrePad 2501A fingerprint sensor replaces the need for passwords -- allowing authorized users to easily and quickly access their private Internet pages and files by simply sliding their finger across the sensor surface. At the same time, the sensor restricts access to the computer and its files to only those enrolled - keeping information private.

Packard Bell is also tapping into the EntrePad 2501A's Power of Touch(TM) capabilities to enable users to perform other functions, including fast user switching. Fast user switching enables each individual authorized user to simply swipe a finger across the sensor to quickly and automatically bring up their individual desktops and favorite applications.

"We are excited that Packard Bell has selected AuthenTec and is embedding our biometric fingerprint sensor directly into its keyboard, which is being bundled with its consumer Desktop PC," said Scott Moody, president and CEO of AuthenTec. "AuthenTec's fingerprint sensors are specifically designed for consumer applications looking to add advanced security and easy to use benefits at the simple swipe of a finger."

"Our users appreciate the benefits that AuthenTec's Power of Touch provides," said Alexandre Vecchietti, Sales & Marketing Director EMEA - Digital Home BU, Packard Bell. "We're pleased to select AuthenTec for the first consumer desktop computer in Europe with biometric fingerprint functionality."

The iXtreme Gold Desktop PC will be available from European retailers in early September 2005, starting at an estimated price of 899 EUR MSRP (note MSRP is country dependent). For more information about Packard Bell iXtreme Gold, visit www.packardbell.com.

The EntrePad 2501A selected by Packard Bell is the most secure and proven slide sensor for PCs available today. The sensor uses AuthenTec's award winning TruePrint technology, the only sub-surface based solution that is:

--Extremely reliable - capable of reading virtually every fingerprint under virtually any condition. Unlike surface based technologies, TruePrint is not affected by grimy, oily or scarred fingers because it reads below the outer surface to the live layer below.

--Highly accurate and secure - AuthenTec's unique TrueMatch pattern-based matching technique, combined with TruePrint's high-quality images, enables the company to continuously develop smaller sensors, without sacrificing the highest level of security or ease of use.

--Very durable - TruePrint's high accuracy enables AuthenTec to use thicker protective coating than surface based sensors, making its sensors very durable for the PC and other markets. AuthenTec sensors are durability tested to greater than 10 million swipes - the highest in the industry.

Founded in 1998, AuthenTec is the number one supplier of biometric fingerprint sensors to the PC and wireless markets - with AuthenTec sensors in more than 5 million devices, including notebook and tablet computers, portable hard drives, password managers, mice, pens, keyboards, memory keys, cell phones and other products.

About AuthenTec

With more than five million sensors in use worldwide, AuthenTec is the world leader in fingerprint sensor innovation and sales to the PC, wireless, and access control markets. AuthenTec's award-winning FingerLoc(R) and EntrePad(R) sensors take full advantage of The Power of Touch(TM) by utilizing the company's patented TruePrint(R) technology to deliver the most convenient, reliable and cost-effective means available for enabling touch-powered features that extend beyond user authentication. The company's network of partners, solution providers and customers include: Analog Devices, APC, Compal, Cherry, Fujitsu Computer, Computer Associates, Fellowes, HP, IBM, LGE, Microsoft, Motion Computing, NEC Packard Bell, Samsung, Tatung, Texas Instruments, Toshiba, Quanta, Wistron, among others. Visit www.authentec.com.

About Packard Bell

Operating in Europe since 1991, Packard Bell is the consumer division of NEC Computers International and the number one home PC brand in Belgium, France, the Netherlands and the UK (Source: IDC - January 2005). As consumers have become more tech savvy and discerning, and the world of personal computers and home electronics have converged, Packard Bell has continued to extend its brand and expand its range of products, which today includes leading-edge desktops, notebooks and digital entertainment solutions (MP3 players, video players/recorders, home networking and flat-panel TVs). Packard Bell's unswerving dedication to the consumer market is embodied in its recognized ability to anticipate and meet the ever-changing users' needs.