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Older Revision of Memory Card Reader Writers

Revision: 20080620_214341 | All Revisions

Memory Card Reader/Writers

  • AFT PRO-Gear 8 in 1 Card Reader/Writer
  • Imation FlashGo!
  • Memorex Universal Card Reader
  • SmartDisk Universal Reader

AFT PRO-Gear 8 in 1 Card Reader/Writer

The AFT PRO-Gear 8-in-1 Card Reader/Writer is a dedicated universal card reader/writer produced by Atech Flash Technology, Inc. This reader connects to the computer via the included USB mini-B cable. As the name implies, it can access eight different type of flash cards: CompactFlash Type I, CompactFlash Type II, SmartMedia, xD-Picture Card, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, Secure Digital, and MultiMediaCard.

The reader is divided into three ports. The top, left port fits SmartMedia and xD-Picture Card. The top right port fits Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, Secure Digital, and MultiMediaCard. The bottom port fits CompactFlash Type I and Type II. Each port shows up on the computer as a distinct drive. A bright blue LED indicates that the reader/writer is on and ready for use. The blue LED is a refreshing change from other reader/writers that I have used. It also flashes when any of the mass storage port is accessed.

Windows XP automatically recognizes this device as a mass storage device when the reader/writer is plugged-in to the computer. This reader/writer cannot run on bus-powered USB hubs. It must run on self-powered USB hubs or directly off a computer.

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Imation FlashGo!

The Imation FlashGo! is a memory media reader that plugs into the USB port of your computer. The USB connector is on the body of the reader itself, so that an additional USB cable is not required. An USB extension cable is included in the package.

It is a 6-in-1 reader with a twist. The reader can read CompactFlash Type I and Type II directly. In order to access the other four media, included adapters must be used. The package includes adapter for SmartMedia, Memory Stick, Secure Digital, and MultiMediaCard. One adapter is used for both Secure Digital and MultiMediaCard. These adapter plugs into the CompactFlash port on the reader.

Being the Camera Hacker, it took me no time to start wondering if these adapters can be used to as memory card converters for my CompactFlash digital cameras. I have a lot of SmartMedia cards that I wish to use with my Canon D30 camera. I experimented, but found that they do not work as memory card converters.

Unlike the Lexar Media USB-Enabled CompactFlash card and jumpSHOT cable (see article else where on this site), this reader cannot run on bus-powered USB hubs. It must run on self-powered USB hubs.

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Memorex Universal Card Reader

The Memorex Universal Card Reader is compatible with CompactFlash Type I and Type II, SmartMedia, Secure Digital Card, MultiMediaCard, and Memory Stick. The reader is divided into two card slots. The upper slot is designed to accept CompactFlash Type I and Type II cards. The lower slot accommodates Memory Stick, SmartMedia, SD Card, and MultiMediaCard (MMC). A bright LED is associated to the access of either slots. Each slot shows up on the computer as a distinct drive.

This reader connects to the computer via the USB port and is based on USB 1.1 standard. Unlike other readers, the three-feet USB cable came attached to the reader and is undetached. I would have preferred a standard detachable USB cable, which 1) I can use with other USB devices; 2) I can replace if it is damaged; or 3) I can substitute a longer USB cable.

Windows 98 installation CD is included in the package. The reader will plug-n-play with Windows ME, 2000, XP, and Mac OS 9.x or above directly with their built-in driver.

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Specification

Compatibility Windows 98/2000, Windows ME/SE/XP
Mac OS 9.x or above with USB enabled machine
Connector USB
Software Windows 98 Installation CD Included
Data Transferring Speed Up to 900KB/sec
System Requirement USB Port
Dimensions 100mm (L) x 65 mm (W) x 17mm (H)

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SmartDisk Universal Reader

The SmartDisk Universal reader is a 6-in-1 memory card reader. This reader connects to the computer via the included USB cable. It can access CompactFlash Type I and II, SmartMedia, MemoryStick, Secure Digital, and MultiMediaCard.

The reader is divided into three ports. The left most port fits the CompactFlash Type I and II. The middle port fits SmartMedia. The right most port fits MemoryStick, Secure Digital, and MultiMediaCard. A bright LED is associated to each port and flashes when the associated port is accessed. Each port shows up on the computer as a distinct drive.

Unlike the Lexar Media USB-Enabled CompactFlash card and jumpSHOT cable, this reader cannot run on bus-powered USB hubs. It must run on self-powered USB hubs.

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