Identiv SCR3500A USB SmartFold Type A

As a security-conscious individual, the Identiv SCR3500A USB SmartFold Type A has proven to be an exceptional and reliable smart card reader, deserving of a glowing 5-star review! This compact and versatile device has significantly enhanced my access control and authentication experience. The installation process was a breeze. It's truly a plug-and-play device, as it requires no additional drivers for most operating systems. I appreciate the seamless setup that allows me to start using it immediately after connecting. The Type A USB interface ensures broad compatibility with various devices, including laptops, desktops, and even smartphones and tablets. This flexibility is a huge plus, as I can use it on different platforms without any compatibility issues. The compact and foldable design is both innovative and practical. The foldable feature protects the USB connector when not in use, making it highly portable and preventing any damage. It's a convenient solution for those who are always on the go. The Identiv SCR3500A supports a wide range of smart cards, making it suitable for various applications, including secure login, digital signatures, and access to sensitive information. Its versatility has impressed me, and I can confidently use it for both personal and professional purposes. The smart card reader's performance is exceptional, providing fast and accurate authentication. Its reliability ensures that I can trust it for secure access and sensitive transactions. The device's durable build quality is evident, assuring me of its longevity and resistance to wear and tear. I appreciate the attention to detail in the manufacturing process. Security is a top priority for Identiv, and the SCR3500A is no exception. The reader complies with various industry standards, ensuring that my data remains protected during each interaction. In conclusion, the Identiv SCR3500A USB SmartFold Type A is the ultimate smart card reader for anyone seeking secure access and authentication. Its user-friendly setup, broad compatibility, portable design, and top-notch security features make it a standout device in its category. If you value security and convenience, the Identiv SCR3500A is the smartest choice for your smart card needs!

I travel a lot and need to use a CAC reader for work often. This is the smallest option that I have found so far and it works perfectly. It is plug and play on Windows 7 and Windows 8 - I haven't tested on a Mac yet, but I would assume that it is plug and play on Macs as well. The size of this item when folded up is roughly the size of your thumb and looks like a USB thumb drive. When you fold it out, the USB port is revealed and there is enough space to slide in the end of a smart card, with the fold out sides providing enough support to hold your card in place. It does take up a little bit of room though, so if you have other USB ports next to it, you probably will not be able to use those ports while this device is plugged in, so keep that in mind. When using this for travel, that isn't much of a problem, since something like a micro receiver for a wireless mouse can occupy an adjacent port without any issue. I would not recommend this for someone at home as much. This can easily be solved by using an extension USB cable, but there are other smart card readers out there that have long cables if you are looking for something more permanent for your desk. The smart card reader also comes with a small dongle, similar to a cell phone charm. It is even attached the same way, through a small loop on the side of the device. The little dongle screws apart, so you can loop one end through the device and loop the other through something else (I loop it through a zipper pull inside my briefcase). It's a very elegant solution to keeping the smart card reader secure, where you need it. It can screw apart when you need to use it, and you can then reattach it to whatever the other end is attached to. Simple but effective, without the need for the additional bulk of a case. I really appreciate that, since I try to travel as light as possible. I used to carry a smart card reader (SCR-3310) while traveling but now I just leave it attached to my computer at home. I didn't really need the cable length working from a laptop and the reduction of bulk for a power traveler is always appreciated. This smart card reader has the same functionality in a much more compact package. I highly recommend this product!

Really cool and small design. Works well and takes up no space in my work bag.

This device by itself is great. The small size is incredible. We are using it on 2 devices, both macs. I even use it on a extension port with the imac because the USBs are in the back. No issues getting the macs to recognize the device. The reader is about the size of a small thumb drive and sticks out a little. Just be careful not to set anything on your CAC card or the reader while using it. The set up is a whole other story but it is not the fault of the device. DOD has made the process just hard enough to elicit a few choice swear words and require you to drink before you can settle back down and get through it. Militarycac.com is the website you need you. The process seems simple; download the software to enable your devices (we used CACKEY). Import your certificates and associate them and ..... viola'!!! Not so much. Then getting to OWA is another adventure. I can tell you this, you have to try to access the website 2 - 3 times before it works but that happens even on my work computer and has nothing to do with the reader. Bottom line: If you need a CAC reader this one is a god choice and travels well. Good luck with the set up. I cannot answer any questions about set up just the device.

I like how tiny and light it is. The plastic seems like a lego brick quality of durability and the little strap they include makes it really easy to use as a keychain. I did notice on low power laptops (where maybe the USB power is slightly under spec) that the device benefits from being inserted without a CAC first as the drivers install then adding the CAC. I works fine on underwhelming windows 7 laptops, windows 10 laptops, and my windows 7 desktop. It is a must have for your TDY bag. ***EDIT*** For the third time, the little keychain has betrayed me. Do not trust it. You will lose your reader when it comes unscrewed. Why in the hell would you make the keychain thing unscrew in the middle? I hope they fix that.

This is a great product. I needed a CAC reader before I head out to BOLC. I plugged this into my laptop, it automatically updated the driver, and it worked the first time. I was able to log into AKO, check my travel card, and do training on ALMS without any issues. This may be the first thing to work perfectly the first time since I joned the National Guard. I have Windows 8 and internet explorer 10. Everything worked without having to download extra software or update certificates. I also like how small and unobtrusive it is. It fits neatly in a small pocket in my laptop bag. I can't speak to durability as I only got this product yesterday. It is made of plastic. It does not seem particularly strong or particularly flimsy. It is about what you expect in most aftermarket hardware add ons. It does fold up nicely for storage and to protect the connector. In the field you would probably have to put it somewhere to protect it from dust. However, I think that is the case with most electronics. If I had to come up with a con it would be lack of flexibility. It is set up to open right over the USB port, so you really can't use the adjacent ports at the same time. Something you sacrafice for the compactness and portability.

This is not a reflection on the product itself - in fact the product is perfect - it folds to a compact size, and when opened, it does its job perfectly. However, because of its design, be aware that it cannot withstand even a mild fall. This is not a problem if your laptop is always on a table and barely moves around, but I occasionally take my laptop to the car with the card-reader still plugged-in, and once, my laptop fell to the floor of the vehicle after a sudden brake. That was the end of use for my card-reader - had to order another one because the USB was bent out of shape and some wiring on the inside disconnected. It's not a fault caused by normal wear and tear, so I won't take a star out of it, but thought everyone should know that this product is fragile - you definitely want to have a backup handy, especially if waiting for a new one in the mail can cost you valuable work hours. I still prefer the compact design of this one, to the other designs, so I reordered two more of the same, to replace the one I broke.

Works perfect for using a CAC in your laptop or PC for accessing mil sites outside of work