'Optional' Fingerprint Reader on Inspiron

Question

I have been looking at the Inspiron 15 and Inspiron 16 Plus laptops. The websites to configure and purchase both, see below, state there is an optional fingerprint reader in the "Product Details" text.

https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/laptops/amd/spd/inspiron-15-5515-laptop

https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-laptops/new-inspiron-16-plus-laptop/spd/inspiron-16-7610-laptop

On the website below, every option on the 16 Plus is listed, and under keyboard, there are two options:

Carbon Black, backlit keyboard, 10 key numerical keypad, spill-resistant
Carbon Black, backlit keyboard with fingerprint reader, 10 key numerical keypad, spill-resistant

https://www.dell.com/is/p/inspiron-16-7610-laptop/pd

However, when configuring either laptop, you do not have an option of selecting different keypads. I assumed this would indicate the fingerprint reader was only available on select configurations, but I cannot find any information about what configurations provide the fingerprint reader. When changing other options, I never see the Tech Specs change to list the keypad with the fingerprint reader for the 15 or 16 Plus. I called Dell and first asked about the fingerprint reader on the 16 Plus. I was told several times it was not an option and that there was only one keypad. I told the rep that it was listed as optional on the websites I provided above. Eventually, the rep said she spoke with someone who told her all the 16 Plus configurations include a fingerprint reader. I then asked about the 15 and she said they also all come with a fingerprint reader built into the power button. I am a bit wary about all of this. I've gone from optional to not an option to included on every configuration. Does anyone have any insight into this for the Inspiron 15 and 16 Plus? I don't want to order something and end up having it show up without the fingerprint reader after being told it was included, considering the website does not explicitly state it is included with any specific configuration. Thanks for the help.

AdrianG001 · Answer

Prerequisites 1 Follow the procedure in 2 Remove the base cover. 3 Remove the battery. 4 Remove the WLAN card. 5 Remove the GPU fan. 6 Remove the I/O board   Steps 1 Remove the two screws (M1.2x2) that secure the power button with optional fingerprint reader to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2 Lift the power button with optional fingerprint-reader, along with the fingerprint reader cable, off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.

mpb2000 · Answer

Thanks for the response, but that is not relevant to my questions.

Gargamel314 · Answer

Hey there,

I'm pretty sure the fingerprint reader is available on all of the models of the Inspiron 16 plus. It seems to be a single exterior on the outside, same keyboard, same everything - just the insides are different. If you go to Dell's US website, there's no way to un-select it. It says "optional" in the features overview, but I think that's a stock Inspiron description that is in other Inspiron overview pages.

Sepp D. · Answer

A bit dated reply, but I recently purchased an Inspiron 16 Plus 7610 and it did come with the fingerprint reader. It is a combination function key (power on/off and fingerprint reader), located in upper right of number key pad area.

I'm guessing some models have it, others don't; Dell's choice.

Inspiron

"Optional" Fingerprint Reader on Inspiron

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