IOGEAR Vertical USB Smart Card Access Reader, TAA Compliant, GSR202V

I did not purchase this on Amazon, but I did try and find reviews for it while I was standing in the PX and was surprised to find nothing, so I thought I would add my two cents after using it for about a month. Recently I purchased a better keyboard for my work computer after getting tired of using the supplied Dell. I needed a stand-alone CAC reader as a result. I looked at this one and a variety of others from SCR. I purchased this for two reasons: First, it was available from the PX, and I hoped some sort of QA testing would go into a product they would sell, returns would be easy as well as it was local. Secondly, other vertical CAC readers have negative reviews stating that the card sat loosly in the reader and over time had problems being read by the reader. This reader was suggested in one review as a product which did not have that issue. Things I like: - This is a surprisingly heavy piece of hardware. It will certainly not move around on your desk on its own. - While it is a "vertical" card reader, the reader portion actually separates from the base and can be used horizontally. I like versatility. - Plug and play. Just hook it up to your computer and it is ready to go as long as you already have ActivClient installed from a previous card reader. This is great for me as I'm using it on a government computer and getting even CON software installed requires an act of god. - So far after a month of daily use it has a 100% success rate of identifying my CAC when I plug it in. So far it's doing better than my Dell keyboard did. - Not particular to this reader per se but worth mentioning: the added versatility of having a standalone CAC reader off to the side of my keyboard and monitors is really nice. I now have my CAC tucked off to the side of the monitors, and it really cleans up my workspace. It does make it a little harder to remember to secure it when I walk away from my desk. - Looks professional. Nothing's perfect; things I don't like: - The cable could definitely be longer on this reader. If your laptop or tower is close to where you intend on having it you will not have any issues, but if your CPU is located under your desk and you don't have any USB inputs on your monitors you will probably have to purchase a USB extender... Guess what I had to do. On the plus side, Belkin has a USB extension cable on Amazon for a ridiculously low price, so if you think it's going to be close then do yourself a favor and order together. - I'm not sure if this is due to this CAC reader or some change in my hardware configuration, but after starting to use this my computer occasionally will not do the auto-lock after 10 minutes of inactivity. Not an issue for me really as I try to pull my CAC every time I move away from my desk (IA Security!) but maybe would be for some. Altogether I would say I'm very happy with this purchase.

When it works, it is great; I'm less likely to leave the badge in the reader because the badge sticks up. Problem is that about half the time the system doesn't recognize the device at all, and I can't predict when it will be recognized. Sometimes the system doesn't recognize that there is a USB device (no power light). Sometimes it recognizes the device, but doesn't know what it is (tray icon indicates that the system has a new USB device, but can't find a driver). Other times it recognizes the device and I get red and green lights, but the system refuses to read from the device (I insert the card repeatedly to no effect). I have to keep the old SCR hockey puck on my desk anyway.

Item does not work, not compatible with Apple / Mac and-or Mindbody software. Lost my money.