ZOWEETEK Smart Card Reader, CAC Card Reader Military, Compatible with Windows, Mac OS and Linux

I wasn't familiar with this type of reader and decided to order and experiment and learn.This reader works, and it is supported by various computer operating systems out of the box including Windows versions from 7 to 11.Windows can use Smart Cards for security and access control - so long as the computer has a reader like this one. In addition to Smart Cards for this purpose, the same form factor is used for cellphone SIM cards as well as Credit and Debit cards (that have a chip).This reader is designed to read a smartcard that is in the standard position in a credit-card form factor.The reader comes in a box with the reader and a "User Manual" that isn't a manual at all - there are zero instructions, the manual just has specifications, system requires, package contents, and a statement assuring 100% satisfaction guarantee.A software application is needed to do anything with the reader - normally that would be software your organization uses with smartcards tied to your organization; or, maybe for a POS application.For developer and and eye-opening experiments, look for the free software app Cardpeek. Cardpeek will recognize this reader and gives you options to display information from various types of smart cards including credit and debit cards, SIM cards and more. I was surprised when I put an old expired credit card in this device and saw all of the data on the card - including my name, credit limit, address, and much more.I tried to do same with a new/unused giveaway SIM card - BUT, this SIM card was a punch out type as most phones want the micro-size SIM, and when I put the card in the reader, it got stuck. I was able to get it out without taking the device apart - but next day, I decided to try and take it apart- pictures attached.There are 2 small screws hidden under the rubber anti-slip pad. With the unit open and seeing how it uses the edge of the card to activate a switch for card present, I was able to read a SIM card by putting a drop of super glue on the back of the card, and attaching it to an old credit card, and placing it on the open reader.I think this is well-made and good value if you need this kind of reader.

So yes, this is a plug and play and my computer saw it and was able to get the certifications to read cards but if you don’t have a way to have the software or your computer doesn’t certify that you are allowed to access with a password or pin, you won’t see anything. Seems like it works like it’s supposed to if you can access the software program that you need. Handy to have at home if you need to access your military stuff.

This CAC reader was immediately recognized by my Windows 11 machine. The Certs where accessible by the Cert store and I was able to log into multiple sites that needed access from my CAC. Bright lights showed status at all time and it being angled made it much easier to slot cards into the reader. Good quality product.Note: to all the reviewers that are complaining they cannot see the card, you are not supposed to without specialized software. This reader is used to enable 2FA logins on military and other sites. Windows puts the Cert into the Certificate store on your computer. It then will query the reader when a site is accessed to ensure you have the card, then prompt you for a pin. If you want more than that, then you will need one of several different pieces of software out that can access those certs.

I didn't really need one of these, but I wanted to see what it did. With a little research, I discovered a program called Card Peek which is a tool that lets you experiment on reading various types of smart chip devices. While there is virtually no documentation with the reader, or the program, I did hack around and discover some very eye-opening information. For instance, the last several uses of my debit card are stored on the card chip!I definitely plan on playing around with this more, but I can say that it's simply a plug and play device for Windows.

I doubt it is the unit itself, but I'm not getting anything out of it yet. It shows up in devices list, so the computer is recognizing it. I'm pretty sure it is some sort of software issue; it is supposed to be plug-and-play, no drivers needed, but that doesn't mean anything as to some sort of software that makes use of it. I followed the download link on their website, and it took me to a download at Microsoft but so far that piece of software, although supposedly downloaded, isn't to be found anywhere. I'm waiting on a reply from the support/help section from their website, but until it's sorted out, this unit is effectively junk.

It just works. No issues, drivers are picked up by windows without issue.

This works as it should with government CAC/PIV ID cards. Plug and play, sits at a nice angle on your desk, and card slips in and out easily.

Easy to use