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Two of the more recent innovations in the world of computers that have gained popular acceptance are memory cards and USB 2.0 technology. Memory cards provide the means of storing data on both digital cameras and mobile phones while USB 2.0 greatly speeds up transfer rates between devices and the host computer. Never the one to miss out on a marketing opportunity, Belkin has come up with a product that combines the functionality of memory cards and USB 2.0 speed technology.

This device is the appropriately named Hi-Speed USB 2.0 Hub & 15-in-1 Media Reader. The only thing its title does not tell you is that there are three USB ports on the hub. Measuring, as it does, 118 x 66 x 15 mm (W x D x H), you may be wondering how it is possible to fit in all the various connection ports especially with regards to the 15 supported media card types. This trick of fitting all the functionality within a small space is achieved not through any TARDIS-like ability but by the simple fact that, although 15 card formats are supported, just four styles of connection being required for the various card formats. The four slots are positioned on the front of the unit. In some case you will need an adapter which is supplied with the card.

See also: USB

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However you will have to work out for yourself which card fits in which slot as no indication is given on this device. But once you sort this out then there should be no further problems. The vast majority of users will find their favourite media cards included in the supported list that consists of xD Picture Card, Compact Flash I & II, SmartMedia, Secure Digital, Mini Secure Digital, MultiMedia Card, RSMMC, IBM Microdrive, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick Pro, Memory Stick Pro Duo, Memory Stick MagicGate, and Memory Stick MagicGate Duo.

One thing to remember about this piece of kit is that it will not magically increase your USB connection to the much faster speeds available with USB 2.0. This hub will need to be connected to an available USB 2.0 port, rather than a USB 1.1 port, in order to benefit from transfer speeds of up to 480MBps which is 40 times faster than previously available. Two of the USB ports are situated on the back of the unit separated by a gap of approximately 7mm while the third sits alongside the memory card slots. Although in certain cases enough power is provided by the host computer, you do get an AC power adapter to ensure there are no problems with regard to power.

A manual and installation software is provided. The software includes drivers, drive icons and DVD PictureShow 2 from Ulead. This is an excellent piece of kit that should enhance your system’s functionality and capability. It will run on either Windows 98SE or later and Mac OS 10. Pricing is in the region of £43.

http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=&Product_Id=193851