Memory Card Reader.Writers

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Memory Card Reader/Writers

AFT PRO-Gear 8 in 1 Card Reader/Writer
Imation FlashGo!
Memorex Universal Card Reader
Sabrent 52-in-1 All-in-One USB 2.0 Flash Memory Card Reader/Writer
SanDisk ImageMate 12-in-1 Reader/Writer
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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Sabrent 52-in-1 All-in-One USB 2.0 Flash Memory Card Reader/Writer

The Sabrent 52-in-1 All-in-One USB 2.0 Flash Memory Card Reader/Writer is a dedicated universal card reader/writer distributed by Sabrent. This memory card reader/writer is probably produced by an OEM manufacturer and branded by Sabrent, because I have seen this exact memory card reader/writer under the Inland brand. In fact, the photo below shows the Inland version. This reader connects to the computer via the included USB mini-B cable. As the name implies, it can access fifty-two different type of flash cards:

CompactFlash Type I (CF-I)
CompactFlash Type II (CF-II)
Extreme CompactFlash
Extreme III CompactFlash
Ultra II CompactFlash
High Speed CompactFlash
XS- Xtreme Speed CompactFlash
CompactFlash Elite Pro
IBM MicroDrive
Hitachi MicroDrive
MagicStor
Compact Flash PRO
CF PRO II
C-Flash
SmartMedia Card (SMC)
TransFlash Memory
Memory Stick (MS)
Memory Stick PRO (MS-PRO)
Memory Stick Duo (MS-DUO)
Memory Stick PRO Duo (MS-PRO DUO)
Memory Stick MagicGate
High Speed Memory Stick PRO
High Speed Memory Stick PRO Duo
Memory Stick MagicGate PRO
Memory Stick MagicGate Duo
Memory Stick MagicGate PRO Duo
High Speed Memory Stick MagicGate PRO
High Speed Memory Stick MagicGate PRO Duo
Memory Stick Rom
Memory Stick Select
Extreme Memory Stick PRO
Extreme III Memory Stick PRO
Ultra II Memory Stick PRO
Secure Digital (SD)
MiniSD
Extreme Secure Digital
Extreme III Secure Digital
Ultra II Secure Digital
Secure Digital Elite Pro
MultiMediaCard (MMC)
HS SD (HIGH SPEED)
MultiMediaCard 4.0
DV Reduced Size MultiMediaCard
High Speed Reduced Size MultiMediaCard
Reduced Size MultiMediaCard (RS MMC)
Reduced Size MultiMediaCard 4.0 (RS MMC 4.0)
Hi-Speed Mini SD
SD-Ultra-X
Ultra speed SD
SD PRO
High Speed MultiMediaCard
SmartMedia ROM

The reader is separated into four card ports. The top, left port fits SmartMedia and xD-Picture Card. The top right port fits Secure Digital and MultiMediaCard. The bottom left port fits CompactFlash. The bottom right port fits the Memory Stick and Memory Stick Duo. Each card port shows up on the computer as a distinct drive. So far, this reader/writer works with everything I throw at it, except for 64 MB SmartMedia cards, the Seagate 5 GB ST1 Drive and the IBM 1 GB Microdrive.

A bright yellow LED indicates that the reader/writer is on and ready for use. The LED stays on the whole time. It does not blink to indicate that you are accessing any of the cards. As the name of this device implies, it works with the faster USB 2.0. But it will fall back to a slower speed on the USB 1.1 standard if necessary. Windows XP and Windows Vista automatically recognizes this device as a mass storage device when it is plugged-in to the computer. The USB connector port is on the side, which makes it feel like it takes up quite a bit less desk space.

This nice thing about this reader/writer is that it could run on bus-powered USB hubs. I am able to use this memory card reader/writer with other accessories (e.g. mouse) on my slim notebook, where there is only one USB port, without using a power supply on the hub.

There are four screws on the bottom of the memory card reader/writer, so you can easily take it apart. But the smoked transparent case gives you less incentive to do so.

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SanDisk ImageMate 12-in-1 Reader/Writer

The SanDisk ImageMate 12-in-1 Reader/Writer is a memory card reader/writer produced by SanDisk. It is more expensive than the other memory card reader/writers that I have reviewed, but does come with several benefits not found in the less expensive competitor. This reader connects to the computer via the included USB mini-B cable and/or dock. As the name implies, it can access twelve different types of flash cards.

The reader is separated into four card ports. The top left port fits CompactFlash. The top right port fits , Secure Digital, and MultiMediaCard. The bottom left port fits SmartMedia and xD-Picture Card. The bottom right port fits Memory Stick and Memory Stick Duo. Each port shows up on the computer as a distinct drive. A yellow LED indicates that the reader/writer is on and ready for use. Each drives has it own separate LED. The yellow drive LED lights up when a card is plugged it. It flashes when the card is being accessed. This is the first memory card reader/writer that I've seen with individual drive indicators. It is the also the only memory card reader that would work with the Seagate 5 GB ST1 Drive.

The reader/writer works with the faster USB 2.0. But it will fall back to a slower speed on the USB 1.1 standard if necessary. The USB connector port is on the side, which makes it feel like it takes up quite a bit less desk space. A docking station is include, which allows this memory card reader/writer to stand vertiacally on your desk, taking up even less desk space. The USB connector is recessed quite deeply in the plastic case. It works fine with the supplied USB cables and doc. But it did not work with many standard USB cables that I have lying around. A quick modification (will be documented elsewhere on this site) to the case solves the problem.

Windows XP and Vista automatically recognizes this device as a mass storage device when the reader/writer is plugged-in to the computer. But the recognition happens very slowly; much slower than the other memory card read/writers that I have used.

The SanDisk ImageMate 12-in-1 memory card reader/writer also has a quick transfer button on top. It could automatically transfer the data on the card to your desktop with the press of that button. However, it does require you to install software on your Windows computer to use it. So far, I have not used the button.

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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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