Saturday, November 24, 2007

The ultimate biometric door lock - Gateman MB740


I have been in the market shopping for a biometric door lock for some time now and have finally decided on the Gateman MB740. A few things I like about it:
  1. Swipe based fingerprint sensor - according to literature, this form of sensor is more secure than traditional static sensing.

  2. No key override - those with a key override (i.e. the biometric lock still has a keyhole which accepts a traditional key) basically expose themselves to one more security risk via the keyhole (e.g. losing the key, key bumping, etc).

  3. Break-in alarm - the lock has a shock sensor and a 80dB alarm (that is loud!) which detects any attempt to damage or force open the door.

  4. Fire alarm - if the lock detects temperature of over 60 degrees Celsius on the inside of the house, it will sound the alarm and release the door lock automatically.(Excellent safety measure!)

  5. Forced lock mode - you can set the lock to ignore attempts to unlock from the inside or outside for added security. (forced locked on outside when you are asleep inside the house, and forced lock on inside when you are away from the house for a long period of time. forced lock on inside even sounds the alarm for good measure!)

  6. Automatic lock mode - automatically locks the deadbolt when the door closes. Never forget to lock the door again!

  7. Remote control - unlock/lock the door from the comfort of your armchair!

Obviously, sophisticated products like this don't come cheap, especially so when it scores pretty high on the looks department too. The retail price starts from S$1500 here in SG and this is for the model without remote option. Looks like I am going to have to dig deep into my wallet for this one...

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I got one 6 months ago, so far no complaints. Works well, recognises most prints quickly. A few fingers here and there just can't be registered bcos of deep pits or whatever reasons; these people just have to use alternative fingers. Thumbs generally don't work well. Occasionally the bolt and strikeplate are not aligned quite right; the unit will move the bolt to lock the door but hits the doorframe instead; this 'failed' locking will sound the alarm. This happens abt once a month. Having said that, I'm a satisfied customer.

Anonymous said...

This is a very nice lock. We have one here in the show room at www.bestkeylesslocks.com and will do a more detailed review later on. Looks a great deal like a Digi lock..

Anonymous said...

electronic fails and i can't get into my hse. It did not have any by-pass method to get in. Waited for 3 hours, finally locksmith came drill open the lock and i didnt replace gateman again ($1.5k), instead i just opt for cheaper key lock ~ YALE dead-bolt. Cost me abt 80 bucks still better than the high-tech gateman lock for $1.5K !

Biometric Door Lock said...

Nice information here. I just wonder if the remote locks can be jammed by some device. Now that would be real threat.

Anonymous said...

Mine failed after 6 years use. It just beeps all the time and won't lock automatically any more. Can't reprogram a new security code as well. Have to use the black dial (on the inside) to manually lock. Can't unlock from the outside (just beeps a lot). Not much use! Time to shop for another one. Eyeing a Samsung eZon SHS 5230 or Gateman F100. Anyone has experience of these?

Anonymous said...

I sympathize with the comments raised by the posters on 11 Aug 09 and 11 Jul 13. This system isn't worth the trouble. I have recently been receiving an error message. I now am deciding between spending $140 to get a mechanic to come and tell me what the problem is (and if I need a new part they say I may have to get a new system because my MB740 is obsolete!?!?!) or replacing altogether with a traditional deadbolt. Anyone have experience with how easy it is to replace the MB740 with a traditional lock? Will it leave an awful mark on the door?

bee dot net said...

I lost my manual guide. Does anyone here can share me the English guide? Thank you.

Anonymous said...

I just bought a hose with this lock at the front door and it works just fine. I want to change the code but can't find a manual anywhere on line. Can anyone help please?