Hama 8-in-1 MicroSD & SD Memory Card Reader > Reviews (1)

Card readers are a great easy way of quickly transferring photographs from your camera to your lap top or computer without having to connect the camera up to the laptop using a wire. I bought this card reader for my boyfriend because he has recently bought a new camera. Unfortunately the camera runs on AA batteries and whilst he is downloading his pictures from the camera to the computer it is draining the battery life.

*Price and availability*

I saw this card reader on Amazon for the really good price of £10.00 after being reduced from £14.99 and snapped it up. I have seen it in other online stores for around £12.00 - £15.00 so I think I got a good deal.

*Description*

The device measures 27 mm x 72 mm x 10 mm and weighs 59g. It is great that it is so small but it is not as light as other card readers I own, however you can still throw it in your camera bag and not have to worry about it.

It is made from robust see through plastic. It seems a lot more toughened than other card readers and should hopefully last a while!

The modern sci-fi design where you can see the circuit board and wires inside looks quite cool and novel. There is a cap on both ends that protects the USB stick and the card slots. These are quite fiddly and I've misplaced the USB lid. It didn't click on very well in the first place but luckily it is not really needed.

*Eight in one*

The device is compatible with SD, SDHC, MMC, MMCplus, miniSDHC, microSD, microSDHC (this can be read directly and doesn't need an adapter,) miniSD via an adaptor (adaptor not included).

*Compatibility*

The reader is compatible with Windows ME, 200, XP, Vista and 7. Along with Mac OS 10.x.

*My opinion*

The card reader does exactly what it should. The 2.0 USB connection is fast and as soon as we plugged the device in the computer instantly recognised it as the SD card port, which appears as a removable drive.

We have been using the card reader with 8 GB cards and it is has had no problem with them. It is such an easy way of reading or writing memory cards in a convenient stick that is compatible with eight different types of card.
It is so easy to use, all you have to do is drag and drop images or copies them.

Oddly, the device comes with an addition of Magix Ringtone Maker Special edition. I'm unsure why this is part of the package. It converts your favorite tracks into ringtones or into full MP3s. I've had a quick look at what it has to offer but we just don't need anything like that. I don't know why HAMA feels the need to add these gimmicky products as a bonus when the card reader is good enough on its own! The ringtone software is also available for free online! I'm still a bit puzzled by this one, however all in all a good reader and it doesn't distract from the quality.