The nx6125 notebook PC includes a fingerprint sensor made by AuthenTec Inc., which says HP is the biggest computer maker to offer a biometric reader as standard equipment. The computer, aimed at the business market, sells for $1,000 and up.

Fingerprint biometrics are a more secure and convenient alternative to passwords, which are often forgotten or stolen.

But only in recent years has the technology's accuracy improved to the point where it could confidently be deployed in a wide range of consumer applications.

Having computers ship with biometric capabilities built-in could prompt more Web sites to adopt two-factor authentication schemes requiring a second ID check beyond the simple password. Such security measures are common in many European countries, though the second verification is still generally provided as another form of password rather than a biometric ID.