AuthenTec's 1610 Sensor Adds the Power of Touch(TM) to Packard Bell's New Consumer Notebook and Keyboard.

Fingerprint Replaces Password for Security and Ease of Use in Accessing Web and Offline Applications

MELBOURNE, Fla. & MUNICH, Germany -- Advanced fingerprint sensors from AuthenTec, which feature the company's award-winning TruePrint[R] technology, are being added to Packard Bell's newest consumer-targeted EasyNote BU45 12" notebook PC. The notebook, which combines sleek design with a rich collection of handy features, uses the EntrePad[R] AES1610 sensor from AuthenTec and is the second product from Packard Bell in just four months to integrate the AES1610. In the fall of 2006, a Packard Bell keyboard was released that also incorporated the sensor. The AES1610 is the world's smallest fingerprint sensor that provides enhanced security and trusted PC protection, bringing the Power of Touch(TM) to PCs through fast-user switching capabilities, password protection, device protection and more.

The AES1610 fingerprint sensor allows authorized users to simply slide their finger across the integrated sensor to log on, access personal online banking and financial transactions, email and other password-protected Web sites, and to quickly switch applications - eliminating the need to remember cumbersome passwords and PINs. In addition to making the Packard Bell products easier to use, the sensor reduces the risk of theft and fraud by restricting access to the computer and its files to only those individuals who are enrolled.

"Packard Bell has long understood the value of combining security with convenience when dealing with a Consumer market. We are very pleased with the adoption of our newest sensor, the AES1610, into this innovative set of products," said Marc Gebert, head of AuthenTec's European operations. "Packard Bell's customers will quickly come to appreciate the ease of use and benefits of our TruePrint technology along with the peace of mind of knowing their computing environment is secure."

"The average consumer is using increasingly complex applications, particularly when it comes to entertainment on the PC," said Louis Perrin, Marketing Director for Packard Bell mobile products. "The more protections the better against fraud, lost or stolen data or identity theft. We know the AuthenTec fingerprint sensor offers an excellent security measure, all the more secure because it is easy for the consumer to use. Design and security are great assets when they make our customers' experiences easier."

Each AuthenTec sensor is based on the company's patented TruePrint technology, the only solution in production that reads below the surface of the skin to the live layer, where the true fingerprint resides. This unique subsurface approach enables AuthenTec sensors to read virtually every fingerprint, anywhere. The technology's extreme accuracy also allows AuthenTec to create sensors that are smaller, lower cost, and perform better than larger, more costly competing solutions.

About AuthenTec

With more than 14 million sensors in use worldwide, AuthenTec is the world leader in fingerprint sensor security, innovation and sales to the PC, wireless, and access control markets. AuthenTec's award-winning FingerLoc[R] and EntrePad[R] sensors take full advantage of The Power of Touch[TM] by utilizing the company's patented TruePrint[R] technology to deliver the most convenient, reliable and cost-effective means available for enabling touch-powered features that extend beyond user authentication. The company's network of partners, solution providers and customers include: Analog Devices, APC, ASUSTek, Compal, Cherry, Fujitsu Computer, CA, HP, Hitachi, IBM, Lenovo, LG Electronics, Microsoft, Motion Computing, MPC Computers, Packard Bell, Pantech, Quanta, Samsung, Tatung, Texas Instruments, Toshiba, and Wistron, among others. Visit www.authentec.com

About Packard Bell

Operating in Europe since 1991, Packard Bell is one of the leading home PC brands in Europe. As consumers have become more tech savvy and discerning, and the world of personal computers and home electronics have converged, Packard Bell has continued to extend its brand and expand its range of products, which today includes leading-edge desktops, notebooks and digital entertainment solutions (MP3 players, video players/recorders, home networking, flat-panel monitors, GPS and storage). For more information, please visit www.packardbell.com.

Photographs of Packard Bell's EasyNote BU45 and keyboard as well as the AuthenTec AES 1610 are available upon request.