This is an overhead shot with a standard USB transceiver (for mice and keyboards) plugged in next to it for an idea of how far the mini USB fingerprint reader protrudes from the device.
It is roughly twice as far as the transceiver.
I would recommend removing the fingerprint reader when traveling with the device in a bag to protect it and then just reinsert it when you are ready to get back to work.
Device recognition in Windows 10 is very fast.