Every now and then we like to shine the spotlight on some of our most popular ID card printers and systems. Taking the center of attention today is the Basic Secure Photo ID System, featuring the versatile Magicard Enduro card printer. This affordable system meets the needs of schools, small to medium-sized businesses, membership and gift card programs, and more. Along with the Magicard Enduro, the system includes Alpha Card Light photo ID software, a digital camera, and a full stock of printing supplies. It's also the Alpha Card Spring Special, which means it's a pretty great deal.

Last week we announced that Magicard has made 64-bit drivers available for its most popular ID card printer models. Well, they weren't the only ones. Zebra and Fargo are also providing updated printer drivers that support 64-bit computers and systems, while Evolis and Datacard already have 64-bit drivers available.

With the recent movement towards 64-bit operating systems, we'll occasionally get inquiries from customers wondering which ID card printers are 64-bit-compatible. In the past we've recommended customers continue using a 32-bit version of Windows in order to ensure compatibility. However, most ID card manufacturers are moving fast to provide drivers that support 64-bit computers and operating systems. In fact, Magicard just released new drivers for all of their most popular ID card printer models. If you're using a Magicard printer, the new drivers are available for download right now.

Reverse-transfer printing is an innovative technology available with high-definition ID card printers such as the Fargo HDP5000, Zebra ZXP Series 8, and the Magicard Prima. The reverse-transfer printing process produces vivid photo IDs with enhanced color clarity and crisp imaging.

Sometimes it's hard to know which ID card printer is right for your organization, especially if you see your card program possibly growing or evolving down the road. Alpha Card carries a number of card printers that can actually be upgraded in-field to meet those changing needs. From the innovative modular design of the Fargo HDP5000, to the unique upgrade capabilities of the Magicard Enduro, many printers now provide users with quick and easy ways to enhance functionality without having to buy a new machine.

New firmware and driver updates are now available for Magicard Enduro and Pronto ID card printers. The firmware is actually meant to make it easier for owners of these printer models to know when new versions of printer firmware and drivers are released. Rather than having to routinely check the Magicard website for updates, users can now be alerted automatically.

Did you know that almost all Magicard printers come with a special feature that lets you apply a secure watermark across the face of each printed card? It's called HoloKote, and it's a great way to increase the level of card security and visual authenticity for your ID program.

For many ID programs, keeping cards protected from illegal duplication is extremely important. You don't want people to be able to forge or copy your IDs. There are a number of ways to prevent this from happening, and one such method is the use of a secure watermark. At Alpha Card, we recently released a pair of budget-friendly ID card systems that make it easy to enhance card security. Our Ultra Secure ID Systems include everything you need to design and print secure IDs featuring a custom HoloKote watermark that ensures your cards can't be illegally duplicated.

When we speak with new customers who are in the market for a photo ID system, one of the first issues we like to address is the choice between single-sided and dual-sided ID card printers. Single-sided printers cost less, but it's possible that your ID card program will require a dual-sided printer. How do you know which solution is best for your needs? Let's take a look at some key factors that should clear things up for you.

One of the key attributes of most Magicard ID card printer models is their ability to apply a secure HoloKote watermark across the surface of each printed card at no extra cost. This HoloKote watermark system can greatly increase card security, as it protects cards from illegal duplication, and it can also improve card durability. Some Magicard printer models even give you the option of using a custom HoloKote Key, in which the secure watermark features your own logo or text. The benefits of the HoloKote Key actually extend beyond card security, as the key can also be used to lock or unlock your printer. To simplify the process of creating your custom key, Magicard recently introduced an online HoloKote Tool that allows you to design and order your customized watermark over the internet.

Magicard’s new Pronto ID card printer is perfect for on-demand applications. The Pronto printer’s light and compact design make it an easy fit in any environment and can be transported to any location. It’s ideal for use in smaller environments with lower volume printing needs. The ID card printer has a single card feed, which lets you personalize cards on demand with edge to edge printing and high quality images.

Alpha Card is ringing in the holidays by offering a Holiday Special on our Basic Secure Photo ID System. This Holiday Special is the ideal solution for small to medium-sized businesses, schools, membership programs, and any organization in need of a high-quality photo ID system that comes at an affordable price.

Magicard recently introduced the HoloKote FLEX watermark system, a flexible way to increase ID card security. While most Magicard printers already include a HoloKote system that allows users to apply a secure watermark across the surface of each printed card, HoloKote FLEX extends those capabilities by enabling users to design a custom watermark that can be any size they’d like.

Alpha Card has released two new photo ID systems featuring the Magicard Enduro ID card printer. The Magicard Enduro is an affordable and extremely versatile card printer that can upgrade in-field from single-sided to dual-sided printing with a simple drop-in upgrade kit. Another unique feature of the Enduro is its ability to apply a secure HoloKote watermark across the surface of each printed card at no additional cost. Users can choose between four HoloKote designs selectable from the printer driver. This feature separates the Enduro from other printers of its class, because it allows for cards with increased durability and resistance to tampering.

Alpha Card has just announced a series of photo ID systems geared towards the needs of police departments and law enforcement agencies. Police departments have strict security requirements for their ID cards. These cards play an important role by identifying officers and help to ensure that they have proper access during critical situations where every moment counts. Because of the importance of police ID cards, they often contain security elements that work to prevent tampering and illegal duplication. Alpha Card's Police ID Card Systems make it easy for police departments to design and print ID cards that are durable, secure, and tamper-resistant.

A 500 year flood is currently flowing through Iowa and much of the upper Midwest, wreaking havoc in small towns and large cities alike. As families begin to piece their lives back together, it's inevitable that construction or utility workers will be present at the scene. Iowa's Attorney General, Tom Miller, has issued a press release warning Iowans to always check for ID when utility workers come to call, warning that impostors and identity thieves often prey on unknowing homeowners during emergency situations.