While notebooks tend to include memory card reading facilities built-in as standard, desktop models generally do not have the means of accepting data from this particular form of removable media. As a result those who rely on a desktop system and make use of memory cards need to purchase an external card reading unit. One such device is the Multi Card Reader unit from Memory Corp.
Measuring 60 x 95 x 18mm (D x W x H), this lightweight, black plastic device features four front mounted slots that cover 19 different memory card types. Small LEDs for power (red) and access activity (green) are positioned on the top, front, right corner of the unit while the USB port, for connecting to the computer via the supplied lead, is situated at the back of the reader. Along with the product's title and the company's name, Memory Corp has conveniently labelled the various card slots and LED lights so that there is no confusion as to their actual purpose. Although there is hardly world-shattering, it is a nice touch that should benefit users and, especially with regards to the memory card slots, this is a practice that manufacturers of other memory card readers would do well to copy.
The Memory Corp multi card reader is a USB 2.0 device, supporting data transfer rates of up to 480Mbps, and is backwards compatible with the slower USB 1.1 standard. While no drivers will be required for those using Windows Me and later, Windows 98SE is not so fortunately. To get round this problem, Memory Corp has included in the package a mini CD with the appropriate drivers. No external power source is required as the USB connection provides all that is needed.
As mentioned earlier this multi card reader can handle 19 different types of memory card. The list includes all the usual suspects such as Secure Digital, Compact Flash, MultiMedia Card, SmartMedia and Memory Stick. As well as transferring data between the computer and memory card, this reader can also transfer data between cards using different slots - useful for giving friends copies of images on their memory cards.
The reader feels rather flimsy and there was a slight rattle when shaking the unit (not something you would do in the normal course of events, I must admit) but this did not affect performance which was quick, silent and accurate. Cards fitted easily into the appropriate slot and data transfer was quick when transferring between cards and when the hard disk entered the equation. The Memory Corp Multi Card Reader has been priced at £8.60.
http://www.memorycorp.com/digitalstorage/
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