Identiv SCR3500 Smartfold Smart Card Reader

Perfect back-up CAC reader. I lost my previous one. It was so tiny, it slipped out somewhere so I grabbed another one. This is a great little reader. It does stick out of the side of the computer and occupies a lot of desk space so you have to be careful not to bump it. It folds down very tiny. Great to have for the laptops with no built-in card reader. I didn't have to instal drivers for it, windows recognized it immediately.It reads government issued CAC cards.

This is a superior smart card reader. I used to use the clunky one that had a long, annoying cable that always gets in your way when trying to work on my laptop. This is super compact and takes up almost no space at your desk. Can also be carried on key chain if you need. Plugs right into your USB port. Huge upgrade from the traditional, bulky, plug in card readers.

I don't understand how people have so many problems with this reader. I have used this on PC desktops running Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8 and 8.1 and never had a problem. On Windows 7/8/8.1 it was plug and play for the purpose of accessing military websites (not for signing forms or managing certificates - this requires some FREE software downloads).I've also used this on my MacBook Pro Retina running OSX 10.8 and 10.9 and it worked fine for accessing military websites, but required a software download (go here: http://militarycac.com/apple.htm). I've also used it on a Mac Pro desktop on 10.9 and my Mac Mini server on 10.8 server, both worked fine to access websites, but required the software mentioned above.I love this device because I always have it on me and can plug it in to just about any PC to instantly have access to military websites. I use it on my civilian office PC, my friends' laptops and PCs, I even used it in a internet cafe computer in France, Spain and Morroco - no issues. Again, if it's a Mac you will need to be able to install some FREE software (unless it's running OSX 10.6) so it won't be exactly plug and play in those instances.If you have any problems using the card reader, I would suggest visiting http://militarycac.com for help - they give step-by-step instructions to salve practically any issue.DON'T LISTEN TO PEOPLE WHO SAY THIS DOESN'T WORK - it will work, you just may need to change some settings or install FREE software from http://militarycac.com.**NOTE** It's also possible you have an old style CAC card which will limit this devices usefulness. Check that your CAC is on Oberthur ID One 128 compliant card (look on the back at the top in the grey writing of the card). If it says something else, it may not work. Go to http://militarycac.com for more info.

The SCR3500 is not usually government issued, but it is every PIV and CAC card users's personally purchased card reader because it does it all in a much more compact yet durable package. My previous SCR3500 lasted for six years under very poor treatment, and it finally broke the wing this winter. The replacement is similarly shaped, but this version has much better wing reinforcement and better orientation for right-side up for the card to be inserted. The embedded software is protected from crush damage, and folding and unfolding for travel is very quick and convenient. Unlike the teardrop versions, the footprint is small and it does not have lag issues like the older teardrop designs.This is well-recommended if you have to hotseat your workstation as the software is mandated on every single one without taking too much space or having to worry about positioning. It is approved for use in general circumstances, and the trivial cost will pay for itself multiple times over than the teardrop. The teardrop should be relegated to your computer where the attachment does not ever have to move or leave.The one drawback is that the branding is extremely ostentatious for this iteration where it was subdued in the other. This makes it a bit less "professional" I think than some of the more muted designs for the office. The previous version had a small ident at the bottom in black, but this one has a very loud INDENTIV in red in front.

I love these things. They come standard with an Army PA TMAK, which is how I was introduced.Folds up super tiny and works great!Two issues though.It folds out, which means it renders all other USB ports next to what it's plugged into useless because it physically blocks them.The other issue is that it is pretty fragile. I've inadvertently destroyed one so far just by it being in my bag.