Viking Security Safe VS-38BLX Extra wide laptop safe Biometric Safe Fingerprint Safe

I looked at many different companies for a reasonable sized safe to hold multiple items. Our requirements included:- An optical fingerprint reader plus a digital keypad- A more secure backup key system- A secure locking mechanism that could not be pried open- Fully welded construction instead of simple spot welding- Fully carpeted interior- Interior lightingThe Viking Security VS-38BLX is the only safe I found that covered all my requirements.The product description states the fingerprint reader is not recommended for ages 55 and older due to thinning fingerprints. My wife and I are in our early 60s. I was able to register several fingerprints but my wife was not. This is the reason I wanted a safe with both an optical fingerprint reader and a keypad. Note: In talking with the manufacturer their next line will utilize a more sophisticated fingerprint reader that should work for all fingerprints.Many manufacturers use a barrel type backup key system. Viking Security uses a cross key system containing four cut surfaces. Two surfaces are cut for one set of tumblers and the other two for a different set of tumblers. This means the key will only insert using two of the four possible orientations. While this may sound difficult to use it truely is not. If the key will not insert with the first attempt simply rotate it 90 degrees and then it will insert. To make the key slide easier I sprayed a very small amount of WD40 into the lock.Viking uses a motorized heavy double deadbolt system with Anti-Pry insertion slots for the deadbolts making the door much more secure than other manufactures. Also since the gap between the door and the frame is only 1 mm it will be virtually impossible to pry the door open.The interior dimensions shown in the product images are to the inside of the safe walls. I though others might be interested in additional dimensions taking into account the frame, door, hinges and interior light. The maximum opening height is 5-9/16". The switch for the interior light (located on the top right of the opening) does protrude down 3/8" but is only 1-3/16" wide. The largest rectangular opening, to the edge of the hinges, is 16-13/16" X 5-3/16". The widest opening (located between the door hinges) is 17-5/8" and is 3-3/8" high. The usable depth of the left half of the safe is 12-3/4" because of the locking mechanism. The usable depth of the right half is 14-1/8".The safe has four mounting holes on the bottom and two on the back which accept a 3/8" bolt. Viking provides 4 metal toggle bolts for mounting into concrete or cement block.

I read all the reviews before making this purchase; even watched some comparison video's. Most of the reviews were good to excellent and an occasional VERY low. The low ratings were based on the safe's six-digit code and fingerprint features that stopped working within a few weeks. Since I saw more good ratings and liked the size of the safe and quick access, I made the purchase anyway. Well wouldn't you know it . . . those opening features stopped working within a month. Now, the only way I can open the safe is to unscrew the front panel and use the key. I wanted quick access to a safe and now I'm stuck with this failure of a product. So PLEASE don't make the same mistake I made. DON'T BUY THIS SAFE! Viking Customer Service has not been very responsive either.

Perfect for our intellectually disabled child to keep her valuables from being “borrowed” at her group home! Fits the laptop we have her easily plus her wireless headphones and the kindle.

Easy to install. Fingerprint reader works perfect.