StarTech.com USB 2.0 High Capacity Multi Card Reader

Advantages: Easy to use
Disadvantages: None so far

...I bought my Lexar Media multicard reader over a year ago and it has done me sterling service. Mine cost me £27.99 when I bought it but I see that ebuyer are selling it for just over £22.00 including P & P. Quick update - I see MyMemory.com are doing it for £17.99 Buy it. I had been tired of fiddling around connecting my Fuji digital camera to a lead from the back of my PC so I bit the bullet and bought the Lexar reader. Windows XP does not require the CD that comes with the unit (though all other Windows OS do). It was plug and play as the "Removable Disc" icon came up straight away when I plugged the reader via the cable supplied into my PC. I inserted the SmartMedia card from my Fuji camera into the reader and hey presto, the images were transfered at a remarkable 450 Mbps (Megabits per second) via the ultra fast USB 2.0... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Reads any Smartmedia card, Fast
Disadvantages: Relatively expensive, No indication of how to insert card

...The Belkin SmartMedia Media reader does its job satisfactorily, but has a few minor problems and is a little expensive at around £20. Technology: This card reader simply connects to any USB 1.0, 1.1 or 2.0 port and installs in under a minute with the included software. Transfer of files is very fast compared to a serial connection but is generally just the same as any other USB device. The device can transfer files to and from a card, delete files, create files and modify files and it shows up as a removable drive in Windows, allowing drag-and-drop functionality. One annoyance is that you have to remember to right click on the card reader's icon in Windows and press eject to eject your card, otherwise you can end up wiping it. It would have been better to include an eject button on the reader itself. Features: This reader has... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Simple and functional
Disadvantages: No indications of which drive is which, no XD-card support

...) and weighs about the same (55g). The snug black leather jacket is well-made. My only wish is that these devices be made with spring-loaded click-in-click-out insertion of the cards, so you know when it is inserted properly and don't have to worry about it falling out. I have only seen that on my mobile phone though, and not on any memory card reader, so I can't complain. The manufacturer's product site is: http://www.pqimemory.com/products/usb2.asp where they also give the maximum capacity it can read for each type of flash memory card. ---- Added 15th July: In line with my slogan, I have managed to make the reader have problems: I downloaded the firmware upgrade from the manufacturer and, since then, the drive cannot be stopped from the windows taskbar and is not subsequently recognised if it is plugged in again. The computer needs... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful