The Gemplus Express Smart Card Reader from Lenovo is an ExpressCard peripheral that can be used with ThinkPad notebooks with 54-mm ExpressCard slots. Although this reader can be used to access any ISO 7816-compliant Smart Card, Lenovo's primary intent is to enable ThinkPad customers to integrate a security authentication application of their choosing.
A Smart Card is a plastic card that contains personalized information. It is most often used to securely access an application. A Smart Card's function can range from simple data storage to more advanced memory and processing capabilities. In its simplest form, the stored information is accessed by a Smart Card reader and can be used to authenticate a user to an application such as, accessing: a secure building, a PC, an e-mail application, a wireless network.